Assertiveness: The Key to Healthy Communication

Assertiveness is the sweet spot between staying silent and coming on too strong. It’s the skill of expressing yourself clearly while respecting others and it’s central to both emotional intelligence and healthy relationships. To put it another way:

You don’t slink off into silence, and you don’t come swinging either. You plant your boots, say what you think, say what you need, and you do it without trampling anybody else. It’s not chest-beating. It’s not groveling. It’s the simple act of standing your ground while respecting the other person’s dignity.