Something I have noticed recently is that I get staggered far less than I stagger enemies. Logically in a fght between two humanoids of similar level there should be roughly equal stagger on both sides. But this doesn't seem to be the case.

Recently I've been playing a character with a warhammer. The amount of stagger is immense. Yet I barely get knocked off my stride when I am hit. Why not? Please note: I do not have the Tower of Strength perk.

I tend to get staggered more when I am blocking with a shield.
Don't get me wrong,Iove my shield blocking and bashes,but I get staggered more often when useing it.

When I am swinging my warhammer my opponent is often too staggered to hit me.