Asserting yourself

“The practice of assertiveness: being authentic in our dealings with others; treating people with respect in social contexts; refusing to fake the reality of who we are or what we esteem in order to avoid disapproval; the willingness to stand up for ourselves and our ideas in appropriate ways, in appropriate contexts.” ~ Nathaniel Branden

In today’s quote, psychologist Nathaniel Branden defines a deceptively simple concept. In theory, we all understand that we have the right ask for (or go after) what we deserve. But in real life, “assertiveness” isn’t so easy. Not many of us are totally comfortable being assertive — even when it means standing up for ourselves “in appropriate ways.” Sometimes we allow others to bully us, or take advantage. Why is that? There’s a fine line between being assertive and bullying. How do you define the difference? ~CL

Photo taken at the Flagler Museum, Palm Beach, FLA, by Cindy La Ferle

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