A friend writes, “When you are direct, bold, provocative, edgy, ambitious, courageous, and challenging, that is very different from being hostile, mean, dominating, or sadistic. I think that people ...

Assertiveness and self-esteem are deeply intertwined, forming a foundation for emotional health, effective communication, and personal growth. Assertiveness—the ability to stand up for one’s needs and ...

Some of the most challenging conversations we have are with our own family members. All, too often, we can treat friends and acquaintances, even total strangers, with more respect than we treat our ...

The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. We learn that fact in geometry, but it can apply to communication. A clear, straightforward statement or assertive phrase is sometimes ...