Behaving assertively is a goal of effective communication. We behave assertively when we state our wishes directly and honestly, while simultaneously taking others ' needs into account. When both people are being assertive there is mutual respect.
Assertive interaction assumes that both parties listen and seek mutually beneficial outcomes.
They go along with others' opinions and decisions just to get along or because they don't know how to assert themselves. Sometimes people aren't even aware of what they've given away. When we are passive, others' needs and wishes get met at the expense of our own. Sometimes our implicit desire to have our needs met at all costs shows up as passive-aggressive behavior. But it's usually pretty subtle.