Exercising Our Basic Rights

Before we can learn to be assertive, we have to recognize that all humans have certain undeniable rights.   Not only that, but we must believe these rights are truly ours.

Therefore, if you find yourself doubting that you’re entitled to these rights, practice saying them to yourself.   With time, you’ll come to accept and believe them.

Here are a few personal rights that are most important when it comes to conflict-resolution:

1. I have the right to ask for the things that I want.
2. I have the right to say no to requests or demands that I can’t meet.
3. I have the right to express all of my feelings, positive and negative.
   
   
4. I have the right to have my needs and wants respected by others.
5. I have the right to say no to anything when I feel I’m not ready, it is unsafe, or it violates my values.
   
   
6. I have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
7. I have the right to expect honesty from others.
8. I have the right to be in a non-abusive environment.