Women who take charge of their lives and refuse to be disrespected often get a bad rap, but they know life is better when you speak up for yourself. Fortunately, women are born with this strength but we’re taught at a young age not to use it It takes time to get to a point where we’re confident enough to be assertive and just an all-around badass.
1.
“Bitch!”
You’ve been called a bitch, often – and you don’t give a shit. Even in 2019,
some people are surprised when a woman stands up for herself. They feel like
their authority has been challenged and will often call the woman being
assertive and standing her ground a bitch. This term being lopped at you
doesn’t stop you from speaking up for yourself.
2.
You’re confident AF
When you’re confident about what you’re saying, people tend to listen to what
you have to say. Unfortunately, some people see your confidence as being bitchy
or full of yourself. This does not bother you. You know what you need and
refuse to apologize for voicing your desires or concerns.
3.
Double standards don’t stop you
You know that if a man acted in the same way, he’d be applauded. Men standing
up for themselves are seen as manly and expected, women are seen as bitchy and
not staying in their lane. You don’t care what you’re called as long as you get
the results you desire. You are not deterred by this double standard.
4. You
are not afraid to make someone uncomfortable
Too many women are afraid to say what they know is right because it will make
others uncomfortable. Your motto is “fuck that shit, right is right and wrong
is wrong.” You are not afraid of making a scene to correct an injustice. For
instance, if a guy touches you inappropriately in private or public, his
feelings or the consequences of his actions are not your concern. Making your
feelings known to him about his inappropriate actions is, and you will have no
problem “causing a scene” to get your point across.
5. You
don’t take any crap
You have set boundaries, you know what you want and won’t settle for less. It’s
not that you’re unreasonable or a control freak, you just speak up when someone
wrongs you and try to prevent it from happening again.
6.
You’re not afraid to ask questions
So many things can go wrong if you’re afraid to ask questions. Not with you! If
you don’t understand something, you ask people to elaborate. You’re not scared
of looking “stupid.” You’re not afraid of challenging authority to get the
answers and clarity you need.
7. You
have no problem being assertive
Being assertive doesn’t mean being nasty or inconsiderate. But some people are
thick-headed, and you may need to raise your voice an octave or two to get your
point across. Scarier still is when you lower your voice. Unfortunately, being
assertive is often seen as being bitchy. In reality, you’re just telling them
what’s really going on — nothing more, nothing less.
8.
People often look to you for leadership
Whether it be in the office or with your girlfriends, the way you carry
yourself is noticed. You often find yourself in leadership roles whether in the
office or out with the girls. People look to you to cut through the bullshit
and get answers they may not be able to get.
9.
You’re successful in your career
Too often women are held back in the business world not because they lack
skills but because they’re timid about asking for what they need or want.
You’re comfortable with negotiating salaries when many women are terrified of
even broaching the subject. As a result, you’ve gotten promotions and raises
left and right.
10. You
terrify some men – and women
Assertive women scare the crap out of some men. Whether it’s dating or even in
business, people know that it’s harder to run game on you. You’re totally cool
with it because anyone that can’t handle a woman merely speaking her wants and
needs is not worth your time.
11. You
don’t think you’re always right
Just because you’re assertive, confident, passionate, and opinionated doesn’t
mean you think you have all the answers. You’re willing to listen to the
opinions of others and be swayed if their argument is persuasive. You know that
you’re wrong sometimes, just like every other human, but this doesn’t stop you
from speaking up about your needs.
Each new generation of women is becoming more confident in their decision-making skills. We are unlearning years of being taught to defer to men to make important decisions about our lives. We are making great progress – but we still have a way to go.