When you become more assertive you will also develop greater self-respect. Part of respect for persons involves the person being able to stand up for herself, to be appropriately assertive, neither more nor less than that.

Could you please tell us about a typical situation in which something "got to" you? I am envisioning you describing the situation, what happened, how you felt, how you acted, the consequences, and how you might better have handled things.

Thanks! I know it is a lot of questions (if okay with you).