Being a doormat is not a personality trait—it’s a pattern. It’s what happens when you’re trained to put everyone else’s comfort before your own, when “no” feels like a four-letter word, and when you ...

Learning how to be more assertive is kind of a Goldilocks-like endeavor. You don't want to be too pushy or a doormat. Here are tips to find the balance. Think back to the last time you were seated by ...

Cornell University organizational psychologist Sunita Sah says that kids who don't learn how to be defiant can struggle to become confidently assertive adults.

In my last blog ("Learning to Be Assertive - Part I") I discussed some therapeutic techniques that may be used in overcoming timidity, shyness, and insecure feelings in the workplace as well as in ...

New research suggests that learning how to be assertive can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Assertiveness is a communication skill that allows you to express your needs, feelings ...

Dear Eric: All my life, I have taken pride in being the peacekeeper, the one who smooths over tension, avoids conflict and tries to make sure everyone feels heard. I have always believed that kindness ...

It’s only a matter of time before a life-long people pleaser wakes up and cries, “Enough is enough!” Instead of going with the flow to be as nice as possible, there’s often a tipping point when you ...

Most people make a common communication mistake that almost instantly makes them sound less confident, according to speaking expert and Texas-based trial lawyer Jefferson Fisher: They say "I'm sorry" ...