Assertiveness
In previous posts assertiveness has been embedded in the conversation. For example, when writing about the holidays, I spoke of managing your own and your partners expectations. This is a call to be assertive. In the book, Self Help In Sight, I write about the importance of being “true to your self”. This is also a call to be assertive.
No one, in my experience, has done a better job at explaning and justifying assertiveness than Manuel J. Smith in When I Say No, I Feel Guilty. While it is a great read for all, anyone between relationships or at the start of a relationship should definitely read it.
Although it is an injustice to sum up Smith’s words, I think it is fair to say that being assertive is essential to having mutually satisfactory relationships AND assertiveness is not something MOST OF US come by naturally. Indeed, When I Say No, I Feel Guilty, is a near perfect self-help book. Read it to learn how to be assertive (not aggressive) in getting what you want out of a relationship.
As always, please email if you have questions or comments.
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