Experimenting with being assertive

  Lately I have been telling it like it is in more and more circumstances.  what haveI found out doing this? --- it is not as bad as I thought it would be. I have been doingthis especially when dealing with people around my dad's medical appointments whichhe has had alot of lately because he has been very sick. By asking questions, working outproblems and standing out more, I find there are quite a few benefits. First of all things tendto go smoother, work out more to my advantage and I find people respect me more. Thismay be my imagination but it is my experience. I am even expressing myself more with thoseclose to me, even those I am afraid to offend such as my sister. I would rather speak my mindthan feel guilty  later that I had something to say and was too shy to say it when it could of made a difference !!! Do you know what I mean? with friendship and peace always Ida.