What is Assertive Behavior?
Assertive behavior is: • Standing up for one’s rights no matter what the circumstance. • Correcting the situation when one’s rights are being violated. • Seeking respect and understanding for one’s feelings about a particular situation or circumstance. • Interacting in a mature manner with those found to be offensive, defensive, aggressive, hostile, blaming, attacking, or otherwise unreceptive. • Direct, upfront, (not defensive or manipulative) behavior. Those using assertive behavior confront problems, disagreement, or personal discomforts head on, and their intent is unmistakable to others. • Verbal “I” statements, where individuals tell others how they feel about a situation, circumstance, or the behavior of others. • Taking the risk of being misunderstood as being aggressive, abrasive, or attacking. • Being able to protect one’s rights while protecting and respecting the rights of others. • Risk-taking behavior that is not ruled by fear of rejection or disapproval, but is directe
