Hard power

There is no relationship that can be mended by one party signaling a desire to "restore [their] leadership" over another. Leadership is not arrived at through presumption; or, rather, when it is, it is little more than a euphemism for control.

Should any gentleman hope to test this theory, get together with an ex-girlfriend sometime and tell her of your sincerest intent to "restore [your] leadership" over her genitalia. You will not wait long before you have an answer.