Power, a concept(over simplified,with too much metaphor)
First -Define it. It's a fairly ambigious concept.
Does it mean-
Dominion
Enslavement
Superiority
Influence
Extortion
Control by proxy
What?
The basis of ALL power is the willingness of a subordinate to be subordinate.
Women do NOT have more power then men in my world.
There are those that are appeased just to shut them up or they will "make a scene"
There are those that threaten punishment via proxy of the police/courts on their mere whim
There are those that will cut off sex unless otherwise unreasonable demands are met
There are those that claim arbitrary rights of definition-"A REAL man would...."
There are those that will assault
There are those that will outright lie/slander/perjure/conspire. (I reserve a special name for them)
My point is that this is no different from what men do, and is to be treated with parity.
Compromise-what are you willing to give in exchange?
If someone tries to extort your merited assets, and offers to take only half as "A compromise-or else" simply deny them(I did say oversimplified at the top)
If "or else" appears to come to fruition-show NO quarter. This serves to scar the offender and their allies.Do NOT let any allies involved with "OR ELSE" escape unscathed! It also earns collateral for any future conflicts, both in self confidence and in warnings to other preditors looking for easy prey.
BUT ONE MUST BELIEVE ABSOLUTLY IN THEMSELVES TO DO THIS!
Magic
Whichcraft
Gris-gris
Voodoo
The "dark" arts
Blacklisting
Black dot
Excommunication
All of these rely on "allies",superstition, and acceptance(by the target) of their value.
Generally, I (literally)piss on these things with great confidence. Remember, If someone ascribes to any of these things they are also vulnerable to them.
It's usually quite a simple matter to hold up a mirror to all these threats and the offender will do all the work to destroy themselves with projection. Another alternative is to simply step out of their way.
IMPORTANT! DO NOT FORGET TO GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY AS WELL.
Generally,I find it reasonable to give benifit of the doubt until proven otherwise. Faced with a conflict my first line of defense is to laugh and say "NO! Unacceptable" in no uncertain terms. Of course I'm willing to back that up by walking away, and taking my bat and ball with me.
It's truly astounding how much personal,social and financial currency other folks will waste on their own ego in search of revenge. And THAT is where I get "power".
Did I forget to mention "oversimplified"?