Note: “Alpha” as I use it both in and out of this class does not mean “better.” It’s not a level to aspire to (unless YOU want to aspire to it). In fact, many alpha submissive types are looked down upon by some as not “subby” enough, not yielding enough. Not even “real” submissives or slaves or pets, or whatever.

We’ll have none of the judginess in here.

Here, we are all about learning more about ourselves to make our lives and our choices better. And if it’s not supportive or constructive, it’s not welcome.

With me?

Great! *smiles*

What Is An Alpha?

Someone tending to assume a leading role in social or professional situations.

Where does the term “alpha” come from?

Alpha is the first letter in the Greek alphabet. Like the number 1, it’s primacy has made it a metaphor for superiority and strength since about the 1300s—at least in English.

Scientists have use the term “alpha male” to refer to the most dominant male animal in a group, like an alpha wolf, since the 1870s.

Within a century, they extended the concept of alpha to human behavior, describing man who used various forms of social power, wealth, prestige, sexual partners, and other resources, to climb to the top of the human hierarchy.

In the early 2000’s, the word alpha was both embraced inspired to and challenged and derided. The term also grew in popularity for use describing women, especially powerful, successful women.

At this point, it is a hotly contested term causing strong feelings on both sides of the argument.

A key point to remember is that regardless of your gender, alpha is not determined by any of the following:

• Traditional feminine, masculine or a gendered traits
• Sexual orientation
• Emotional sensitivity
• Self expression
• Vulnerability
• Intellectual status
• Physical traits (long hair, muscles, skin color)
• And so on.

I tend to think of it this way:

Alphas are the leaders of their own lives. Betas and omegas follow the crowd.

Wait, but we’re talking about alpha submissives here, right?

Yup.

Even alpha submissives lead their own lives. They take responsibility for their choices, and they carefully choose who they will allow to lead them and make decisions for them.

Just being in a position of leadership or followership does not automatically confirm alpha status or otherwise.

Those who are not alphas tend to be more reactive to the world around them whereas alphas are proactive in creating the life they desire, the relationships they are looking for, and the situations and opportunities they need.

The opposite of this might be somebody who simply goes with the flow, does with her told, and blindly except what others say.

When something is happening, regardless of whether it is “fair” or not, the alpha response is “What am I going to do about this?”

Let’s Discuss!

In the next section, we’re going to be discussing the traits of alpha submissives versus non-alpha submissives.

How do you feel so far about the term “alpha” and how it fits you? Does it fit well? Are there parts that seems a bit confining? Let’s talk about this.

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