The Art of Standing Your Ground: Overcoming Anxiety When Asserting Your Rights

3. Distinguishing Assertiveness from Aggression A major source of anxiety is the fear of being perceived as the "bad guy." It is crucial to understand that between "passivity" (silence) and "aggression" (shouting), there lies a healthy middle ground called "assertiveness." Assertiveness means expressing your needs clearly without insulting others; once you master this boundary, the fear of judgment significantly fades.