Comment by denton-scratch

> maybe even all relationships are the result of power dynamics.

Male here.

I think OP is referring to "romantic" relationships; I don't think it's true that they necessarily result from power dynamics. But I do think that all relationships, including friendships, work relations, and family relationships, have power dynamics swirling around them. I dispute that relationships are generally, or always, "the result" of power dynamics. I have a tendency to pedantry, so I may be in full agreement with OP.

That relationships involve power dynamics is unavoidable, I think. One of the ways we learn about the person we are relating with, is to push here, poke there, and observe the response. At the same time, we learn more about ourselves.

But attempts at domination are pathological, especially in romantic situations, and I think unusual.

I haven't read the short story, just the linked Slate article, and this one from the Guardian:

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/jul/09/the-cat-person...