Self-Assertiveness Part II

The practice of self-assertiveness is one of Nathaniel Branden's six pillars of self-esteem. It is the willingness to stand up for yourself, to be who you are, and to treat yourself with respect. This doesn't mean that you behave as a tyrant and trample over other people's rights or ideas. It means that you behave as your authentic self, as appropriate to context. Appropriate self-assertiveness is not the same with your family as it is at the workplace, not the same with a young child as it is with an adult.

Being self-assertive is a choice you make, and it can be a choice you make based on your situation. I attended a party during which the host gave a fortunately short piano concert, accompanying his spouse's singing. I thought it was pretty awful, but sat through it and politely and gratefully applauded at the end. I believe that this is common courtesy. However, I did not rush over to the performing couple and shower them with praise.  When I attend my daughter's piano recitals, I give each and every performer, including  halting renditions of Mary Had  A Little Lamb, enthusiastic rounds of applause and say good job to every child that crosses my path. I'm being authentic in both situations.