Know Your Rights

It is easy for us to accept that other people have certain rights, while at the same time, begrudging ourselves those same rights.

That is why we look for excuses for other people’s mistakes but condemn ourselves for our own.

Example: Justification Given

You justify other people’s mistakes with rationalisations such as:

• Oh, she is still young…
• I suppose he is not feeling well.
• I suppose it was a lapse.
• She did not realise what she did.

Example: Reaction to Errors

You react to your own errors with the following:

• I should have known better.
• I am a failure, I never do anything right.
• I am so stupid to do something like that.
• You play Pete Pathetic and ask for forgiveness for everything you do or say.

Understanding the Approach

Reasons why people do not believe in their own rights:

• They started believing during their childhood that they have no rights.
• There is an important person in their lives who does not want them to exercise their rights.

Important Note

Assertive persons are not only interested in their own rights. They also want other people to be assertive.

If they are not, they cannot assume responsibility for their discomfort, pain or non-assertiveness. They can only take responsibility for their own behaviour.