An interpersonal conflict exists whenever an action by one person prevents, obstructs, or interferes with the actions of another person. The major guideline for communicating anger constructively is to focus the anger on the issues and the impact of the other person's behavior, not on the other person's character or personality. Below is information on the differences between assertive, aggressive, and passive communication, followed by a quiz to test your knowledge. Assertiveness involves standing up for one's rights, and expressing ones' thoughts and feelings in direct, honest and appropriate ways which do not violate another person's rights. Acting assertively involves being considerate of others' feelings without letting others take advantage.
Assertiveness promotes equality in relationships.
Aggressiveness involves standing up for your rights in a way that violates the rights of the other person. Aggressive tactics include humiliating, accusing, threatening, belittling, and intimidating. A person who acts aggressively may get their way, but usually at the expense of their relationship with the other person. People do not push aggressive people around, but people also do not want to be around them. Acting passively involves violating your own rights by not expressing yourself honestly, or by expressing yourself in such an apologetic manner that others can easily disregard your thoughts and feelings.