Assertiveness Without Agony
- Identify your Neanderthink tendency to conform to social norms.
- Learn to tolerate the discomfort of doing what you think is right even if you feel great emotional pressure to conform.
- Make clear statements about what you prefer.
- Take your time when answering questions put to you.
- Refuse the extremes of passivity or aggression; assertiveness differs from aggression in that you can make your preferences clear without demanding that others accede to them.
- Practice making requests and refusals as well as letting others know your positive thoughts and feedback.
- Accept other people's right to refuse your requests.
