The “Gift” of Submission?

Someone in one of the groups I participate in on- line asked the question, “Is submission a gift?”

I normally ignore such things, because it doesn’t really matter to me, yet, today I felt compelled to explore the concept with some research into the word “gift”.

gift

–noun

something given voluntarily without payment in return, as to show favor toward someone, honor an occasion, or make a gesture of assistance; present.

the act of giving.

something bestowed or acquired without any particular effort by the recipient or without its being earned: Those extra points he got in the game were a total gift.

a special ability or capacity; natural endowment; talent: the gift of saying the right thing at the right time.

–verb (used with object)

to present with as a gift; bestow gifts upon; endow with.

to present (someone) with a gift: just the thing to gift the newlyweds.

Submission is earned, not gifted. You do not simply give it voluntarily without “payment” in return.

Submission requires not only your effort, but your constant knowledge of and attention to what you are offering.

You work on your submission, make it into what your lover needs from you. Nope, not a gift.