Thursday, December 09, 2004
When we're babies, vulnerable and unable to defend ourselves from the dangers of the world, it's our mothers who protect us. Slowly, with time, experience and the right guidance, we learn to stand on our own two feet, both literally and in another very important way - we learn to look out for ourselves. When bigger kids push us down in the playground, we kick sand at them - or at least run crying to our mother in protest. We begin to realize that we have some power over what happens to us, and that if we don't challenge our aggressors we'll get steamrolled. This, essentially, is assertiveness - the ability to express opinions, thoughts and wishes in a clear, direct way, even under fear of rejection or disagreement.
drinking milkmilk Thursday, December 09, 2004
