When learning something, there are levels of mastery. Intellectual, emotional, and lastly, integration - meaning that the understanding is in the cells of your body and is part of your general being.
Regarding D/s, both sides of that slash need to get to that 3rd level - integration - before proclaiming to be either D or s. Until you’ve explored your psychology within the realms of either side of that slash, you are likely to either get hurt or hurt someone else.
You may hear/say, “It’s part of my being; in my DNA,” and that may be true (hopefully); but that doesn’t negate the value of really understanding what the dynamic and being on either side of the slash provide as a benefit in their/your life.
Parroting the language of psychology does not equate to mastery or comprehension of said psychology. Declaring, “I am ___” doesn’t = being that thing. Don’t just take someone’s word for it. Ask them how they know; when they realized; how the dynamic benefits them; how they vet a potential partner; what advice they’d give someone saying “I want to be a ____” and anything else you can think of to discover their depth/level of mastery.
If you’re exploring with your partner, talk about what you are learning as you go. Solidify the lessons. If what you’re experiencing doesn’t feed your psyche and spirit, stop. Don’t fake it.
Be careful with yourself. Know yourself.