Live a life of tension and complex. Though each individual reacts differently while dealing with certain situations it may well be due to the same social factors. The same inhibitory social circumstances that we saw earlier may cause a person to become rebellious and aggressive. When we are assertive we tell people what we want, need or would prefer. We state our preferences clearly and confidently, without belittling others or ourselves.
Assertive behaviour is a behaviour that is suitable, or appropriate, for the occasion.
It involves being able to express what we want without being unduly hesitant. This is not the same as being 'totally honest' about our feelings. Neither is it lying about a certain fact. It is a nice balance - being able to express what you feel without offending others or contravening the norms of the situation. Appropriateness is a social skill that matters a lot particularly when learning to be an assertive person.