Topic 5 Assertiveness

Assertiveness is the ability to stand up for yourself without violence, with the respectful attitude to differences of others and their freedom. It is the ability to stand up for yourself, to defend your opinion, to strive for something and to fight for your rights, without violence, with a respectful attitude to differences of opinion and freedom of expression. It is intended to protect yourself, your values, your personality and your dignity.

Assertiveness is a broader term for decisiveness and confidence of a person while at the same time it includes the qualities of compassion and openness to the needs, interests and limitations of others. An assertive person can compromise when a conflict arises and knows how to put him/herself in somebody else’s shoes.

People who act assertive are aware of their virtues and flaws but accept themselves nonetheless. They try to go beyond their limits while at the same time they are kind and patient with themselves; they know their needs, interests, emotions, feelings and limits and do not hide them from others.  They are aware of their responsibility to others and that is why they treat them with respect. They understand their flaws and limits but do not surrender to manipulation and aggression.