Be Assertive, Not Aggressive | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Be Assertive, Not Aggressive

And other life lessons, like learning it is okay to say "no."

22
Be Assertive, Not Aggressive
Epic Records

I have been told many a time by my therapist that I’m what is called a “people pleaser” or someone who constantly tries to make everyone happy and avoid confrontation. The amount of times I have sent a text saying “yes” when I want to say no is probably a larger number than I would care to admit.

I really actually hate confrontation. I deal with it when it is necessary, and it always works out when it has to, but nothing makes me more anxious than having to confront my friend about something that we may disagree on.

This becomes a problem though. I would much rather sit on my feelings and pretend that nothing is wrong. This leads to passive aggressiveness and feeling animosity towards my friends that I should have dealt with long ago.

But this doesn’t change what I do. It’s a repeating cycle of anger.

There is a way to tell people what is wrong and stick up for yourself without coming off as aggressive or angry. It is called being assertive.

I realized that not telling people what’s wrong doesn’t help anybody. It hurts other people, it hurts me.

Telling my friend that I just don’t feel up to going out is much better than going out and being miserable the whole time.

There are times when I feel like a horrible and selfish person but taking care of myself doesn’t always mean that I’m hurting other people. It’s honestly what most other people are doing anyway.

All I have at the end of the day is myself, and if I’m not happy, then I don’t really have much.

I’m not saying that life isn’t about compromise. I argue with my dad all the time about how I’ve bent over backwards to make people smile and he still insists that I see nothing but myself.

Well, Dad, there is a balance.

Sometimes, if I don’t feel super great I go to the party anyway. Sometimes I don’t feel great and I lay in bed all day.

That is my decision. That is my choice. If I don’t want to do something, it is okay to say no. And it doesn’t mean that I’m being aggressive or rude. It just means that I’m taking care of myself.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

3024
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

449533
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

21690
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

44706
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments