Assertive people: 10 characteristics they have in common

The assertiveness it is a key communication style in many respects. Being assertive means that express your opinion correctly and defend your point of view, while also respecting the rights of others. Therefore, it is necessary to communicate efficiently with other individuals, but also for our own emotional well-being.

It benefits us because it can increase our self-esteem, earn the respect of other people, and can even help us prevent and reduce stress. Luckily, you can learn to be assertive and, therefore, in today's article we explain what characterizes assertive people.

Assertiveness: Your Top Three Areas

And is that not everyone communicates assertively, which can lead to interpersonal conflicts that, on many occasions, could be avoided. Assertiveness also it is an attitude that is manifested in how we affirm ourselves and in how we defend our rights, that is, in the expression of our feelings, needs, preferences and opinions. Always taking into account the opinion of the other person, respecting and valuing it.

In summary, there are three basic pillars of assertiveness: the self-assertion, the expression of positive feelings (praise, liking, etc.) and the expression of negative feelings (expression of disagreement or displeasure) in an appropriate and respectful manner.

Characteristics of assertive people

What characterizes assertive people? The following 10 traits are common to assertive people. Do you dare to meet them?

1. They have confidence in themselves

Assertive people trust themselves and they are not afraid to show themselves this way. By cons, insecure people they tend to put on a shell and be defensive. Also, people who are not assertive will let other people decide for them, as they have serious difficulties showing their point of view and saying "no."

2. They respect the opinion of others

And since these types of people feel confident, they are also able to accept the opinions and beliefs of others. That does not mean that they share them, they simply know that each one has their own opinion.

3. They validate the emotions of others

Emotional validation is a process of learning, understanding, and expressing acceptance of another individual's emotional experience. It is key because improves interpersonal relationships, as the other individual feels understood about what he feels and it favors the verbalization of what he thinks. Assertive people are experts when it comes to emotionally validating others, which causes an increase in trust between the two actors in the relationship.

• You can learn more about emotional validation in our article: "Emotional validation: 6 basic tips to improve it"

4. Actively listen

Assertive individuals listen, really listen. Not only that, but they actively listen. What does that mean? Well, they pay attention not only to what the other person says, but what she feels and what she expresses emotionally. This is achieved with correct eye contact, without interrupting the other person and validating emotionally to the other party to confirm that she has received verbal and non-verbal information from right way.

• Recommended article: "Active listening: the key to communicating with others"

5. They know themselves

Assertive people know themselves and their path in life. They are conscientious people who have great self-knowledge. They understand their emotions so they are not afraid of them.

6. Accepted unconditionally

One of the keys to self-confidence is that they don't think about what others think of them. That happens because they are accepted as they are and, therefore, they open up to others without expecting anything in return. They have great inner strength, and this allows them to be more successful in their lives.

7. They choose their friends

These types of people usually choose who will accompany them on their journey through life. At least, as far as possible, they stay away from toxic people they allow those people who really deserve to be your friends into your life.

8. They know their limitations but they fight with all their might

In addition to accepting themselves unconditionally, they also accept their limitations. Now, these people fight with all their might to realize their wishes, because they are faithful to their ideals. This makes them committed people. In order to accept others, you must first accept yourself.

9. They know how to regulate their emotions

Know how to regulate emotions and having great emotional control is decisive when it comes to relating to others. And assertive people know how to properly understand and handle their feelings and those of others... This lets them know what the other person needs, and tailor their tone and message to the circumstances.

10. They face conflicts calmly

Therefore, this helps them deal with conflicts with other individuals calmly. They experience no more anxiety than necessary when they interact with others and are able to calmly cope with conflicts. Not only that, but they also learn from failures or successes because they know they are part of life.