Quotes About Assertiveness

My parents are much too afraid of an argument to say anything, which is a shame, because I think people like that should always be given a taste of their own medicine.

Well, go on then, Abby; run along and let the nice man compromise you.

What those people think of me is none of my business.

I never used to take my turn. I always gave my turn away. I helped others have a great turn. I must have had a clipboard by the time I was six, because by then I had a whole caseload of people to keep track of. After they had all gotten a turn, then maybe I could go, if there was time and it didn't bother anyone. Now I take my turn, as a radical act.

I do not need anyone to lead me astray! I am perfectly capable of going on my own!

She is a person of most decided opinions—which is not a criticism. I cannot bear wishy-washy people who agree with whoever spoke to them last

There are times when one simply cannot say no.

In spite of Pops trying to restrain me I followed the sheriff all the way to his car, hammering on him about those two bodies: 'You've got to check and see who's missing! I'm telling you, I saw it. Two bodies, just dumped out there. You've got to search.

He'd reached the door, then stopped for a moment, looking back at Elinor, staring at her. Master Francis... Mrs. Clarke said in a warning tone. I just wanted to take a last glance at her exquisite feet before you covered them up again. It might be a while before I see them again. It will be never, Elinor said, crossing her arms over her chest. Don't count on it, my pet. Whatever scurrilous lies Mrs. Clarke spreads about my so-called goodness, she'll have to admit that I always get what I want.

someone who doesn't say please or thank you or smile when you'd expect him to and thinks 'How are you?' means 'How are you?' and stands too close to people when he talks and never tells them, 'I think maybe perhaps such-and-such,' but always, flat-out, 'You are wrong,' and 'This is bad,' and 'She is stupid'; no shades of gray, all black and white and 'What I say goes.'

Sometimes Willa felt she'd spent half her life apologizing for some man's behavior. More than half her life

If she was easily swayed, she thought, at least she had chosen who would sway her. If she was locked in a pattern, at least she had chosen what that pattern would be. She felt strong and free and definite.

I am a grown woman-- mostly-- and I can guzzle champagne with whomever I choose.

If is a word that can never be said too loudly

Do not suffer your good nature . . . to say yes when you ought to say no

Put it in their face," Gotti urged Sammy the Bull Gravano. "They want to see fucking lions and tigers and that's what we are.

The opportunity of a lifetime is to pick yourself. Quit waiting to get picked; quit waiting for someone to give you permission; quit waiting for someone to say you are officially qualified and pick yourself. It doesn't mean you have to be an entrepreneur or a freelancer, but it does mean you stand up and say, 'I have something to say. I know how to do something. I'm doing it. If you want me to do it with you, raise your hand.

Zain pinched my skin. I surprised myself when I instantly flipped up that same arm and gripped her wrist hard. I said, in a soft voice, "Don't do that." There was no smile on my face now. But that was when her facade broke, and she was suddenly grinning. I felt her body relax. My grip relaxed then, too, but I did not let go of her hand. I remained unsmiling, suddenly frightened, but not of her.

I'm an excellent pastry chef. My pie crust is better than my Zia Rosa's. Come on back to the kitchen. I'll make a chocolate cream pie before your very eyes. I'll feed a piece of it to you by hand. And by the time I'm done, you're not going to be asking me if I'm gay anymore. She cleared her throat, gaze darting down. Is that so. It is, he said. On your feet. Come on back to the kitchen. I mean it. I'm dead serious. It's pie time. And I am so ready for you.

I wasn't asking you," Justice said. "Nice.

Why do people not listen when you say no? Why do they think you are too stupid or too young to understand? Why do they think you are too shy to reply? Why do they keep badgering you until you will say yes?

I suppose it's nothing to you that your nose is cold and damp? I thought not. Contrive to leave my hair rooted to my head, if you please. And if I detect so much as a paw-flick toward that earring, you, my fine sir, are mouse meat.

I'm at the age where i don't have to kiss arse or play nice!

The key to cultivating confidence in ourselves is understanding our right to make the truth our own.