We often conjure stereotypical images of overt hostility when ... or someone is about to get hurt—adjusting your communication back to assertive quickly afterward is vital.

Assertive communication involves clear, honest statements about your beliefs, needs, and emotions. Think of it as a healthy midpoint between passive communication and aggressive communication.

While assertiveness is in the middle of communication between two people, passivity and aggression are at the extremes. Passive communication involves avoiding conflict, not expressing your needs ...