Respect others’ privacy. Don’t forward private messages. When you’re having a two-way conversation, don’t “cc” others. Use “Reply All” in e-mail very sparingly!

Save your anger expression for when it’s important. Focus instead on maintaining good relationships with others.

These repetitions may seem unnecessarily drawn out, but it’s this practice of new responses that will make it possible for you to create new neural pathways in your brain, change your old style, and act more effectively “when push comes to shove.”

Work on your assertive communication skills, especially listening, in order to understand and explore the uniqueness of each person,

Your journal entries can include self-examination, notes on your reading,

The typical discomfort of elevator passengers is a classic example of the difficulty we have dealing with closeness.

Especially in the early stages of assertion, it is not unusual to experience difficulty. You’re still perfecting your technique, after all!

Can you elect to pass up career advancement opportunities in favor of more time for home and family?

Can you get your needs met and still be kind?