Dominance

Dominance is a quality of a relationship which is created when one party takes on the right to make decisions which impact the common interest of the relationship without the agreement of the other party or parties.

It is quite common for people in a relationship, especially one which has some history, to divide the responsibilities on the basis of ability or interest so that everyone does not have to be troubled with all of the decision-making.  This is efficient and usually people are grateful to those who take special responsibility onto themselves on behalf of others.

In some instances, however, one person will claim the right to make certain decisions without the consent or agreement of others.  This is an act of dominance.  It creates a circumstance of domination.  This is not the same as dominion which may be a responsibility created as a result of a fiduciary relationship.