How hard is it to speak up on your behalf?

I have a great deal of difficulty. I am perfectly capable of speaking up for someone else - help the underdog sort of thing. Yet, when it comes to myself I play the avoidance game or give in entirely.

I was just forced to do stand up for myself however (I am insisting my phone company waive the $15 fee to renew my plan - I am not in a position to pay that). I am absolutely shaking. My voice got high pitched and trembled. I almost cried. I am waiting for them to call back with a response.

On one hand I am shocked and happy I would even try to put my foot down. On the other it was a most unpleasant of experiences I would have preferred to have avoided.

Ugh, I wish it didn't come to this. I am soooooooo scared of repercussions. And all this for a few dollars.

[benzenering]

I never, I mean, never speak up for myself. I'm very avoidant. I think it is due to low self-esteem. I envy those who can do it, and I admire it in them, so why can't I?

I speak up on behalf of myself, but that's probably because I'm outgoing and loud to begin with.

I used to be afraid to speak up, probably because of my anxiety issues. I just got tired of being that way and changed. I know it's not that simple for everyone, but for me it was.

Good for you for speaking up for yourself! That is really great.

Gosh, it's been several hours since I made that phone call and I was shaking all this time. But, they called back just now. They waived the rinky dink fee. Yay! It was all I could do to pick it up and answer the phone when their call came in. Big win however.