Being assertive is NOT being bossy or selfish. Being assertive is knowing what you need for self-care and being able to create effective boundaries. It is having the confidence to speak up in the face of injustice. The world needs …
Normalising Despair
“Despair is the price one pays for self-awareness. Look deeply into life, and you'll always find despair.” ― Irvin D. Yalom, When Nietzsche Wept
Working with YOUR Passive-Aggressive Behaviour
Most passive-aggressive people have usually learnt this form of communication /behaviour from their parents or a parent. I find one of the major reasons for passive-aggressive behaviour is essentially conflict avoidance. The thought of getting into a fight that you …
How To Work With Passive Aggressive People
Let’s not beat around the bush. Dealing with passive-aggressive people can be REALLY tricky. I know because I grew up with some, and I have been one at different times in my life. When someone is being passive-aggressive, they are …
Detecting Passive-Aggressive Behaviour.
A lot of passive-aggressive communication comes from a difficulty with communicating assertively. It can be challenging for passive-aggressive people to share things they think might be received negatively. They might find it difficult to: say ‘no’ put boundaries in place …
Tips for Being Assertive
TEXT The first step in being assertive is to know our needs. If we are uncertain about our needs, we will find others are too. We will find it challenging to communicate our needs, and when we do, we will …
Advantages of Assertiveness
Assertiveness is when we have strong self-esteem and maintain healthy boundaries. Assertive communication is direct and clear and makes space for the other person. When we are assertive, we tend to experience less anxiety and depression because we can stand …
Barriers to Being Assertive
There are many reasons people avoid being assertive. I find the two biggest reasons are: ‘The other person will be upset’ (conflict avoidance) ‘I have no idea how to do it’. Let’s take ‘The other person will be upset’ first. …
Taking Time Out from Your Family
It can be terrifying when you just think of the responses. You already know the tyranny of attacks coming your way, the talking about you behind your back, the guilt-tripping. Oh, yes, the guilt-tripping! Finding the right words that will …
Taking a Break from a Relationship
Taking a Break from a Relationship It’s okay to take a break from a relationship while you work on it. It is okay to be in therapy, taking the time and space you need to get clear on what is …