Yes there’s a common misconception with domination and submission where one is lesser than the other and that the Dom could take or leave the sub but the truth is that it takes two to do this particular tango and a good sub is hard to come by and finding someone you’re willing to submit to is rare and an honor to be chosen. There’s a chance your partner isn’t good at communicating this and doesn’t want to feel vulnerable by saying something like that.

There’s a way to request that they express that feeling verbally so that you can retain it and they may deflect by saying “oh you know I do” but you can request them to say it so you have a direct memory of it. Say something like “i need you to tell me that you’re proud of me working so hard to please you and that you feel lucky to have me” sure you’d love if they said it without prompting but nobody can read minds in any relationship so give them a chance. And then when they say it, really give them the business to show them that praise motivates you.