ABSTRACT
All interaction entails the use of assertiveness skills. This includes working with colleagues, friendships, intimate and sexual relationships, building trust, setting boundaries and so on. Everyone may, on different occasions, act aggressively, assertively or non-assertively. Many people lack the skills to be able to share their wants, needs, thoughts and feelings. Some may behave aggressively because it is how they have learnt to get their own way, regardless of the needs of others. Even feeling good can be difficult to deal with. It may give rise to bursts of energy or feelings of guilt if a partner is having a bad time. Criticism, if given to people in a very negative way, can be very difficult to deal with in a positive and assertive manner. The ability to use criticism in a positive way enables people to develop an awareness of them and to change their behaviour in light of that knowledge.
