[scott_w]

> What you are describing is what we call power dynamics, the effect of a power differential on the dynamics of a relationship.

My wife and I have a formal relationship: our marriage contract. If I violate that contract then there can be consequences for me. Are there power dynamics at play?

I sign a contract with a supplier (or vice-versa). If one of us violates that contract, there are consequences. Are there power dynamics at play?

> I wonder would you speak to me this way if I was your boss, or the CEO of your company, or the majority owner.

I have done, yes.

[closewith]

It seems from your comments that you are confusing power dynamics with coercive control. Power dynamics doesn’t refer to coercion, but to asymmetric authority wielded, social status, risk distributed, or cost borne by individuals in a group. Even when refusal is possible, where the one or more of the above is uneven, power dynamics are at play.

> My wife and I have a formal relationship: our marriage contract. If I violate that contract then there can be consequences for me. Are there power dynamics at play?

I'm not sure this is landing the way you think it is, as yes, of course there are power dynamics at play in personal relationships, including between you and your wife.

>I sign a contract with a supplier (or vice-versa). If one of us violates that contract, there are consequences. Are there power dynamics at play?

Yes, of course.

> I have done, yes.

And of course you would speak to each differently as you would to me or to a subordinate, due to the power dynamics at play.