Assertiveness is a valuable life skill. Knowing when to stand up for yourself—and when to back down—can help you thrive in your relationships and your career. Take this quiz to find out how assertive you are.
1. Almost everyone I know seems to be more assertive than I am.
2. If a salesperson charges me an incorrect price, I’ll usually just let it go.
3. If someone asks me to take on a task I don’t have time for, I am comfortable telling them “no.”
4. People take advantage of me.
5. If someone cuts me in line, I’ll usually ask them to move to the end.
6. If a loved one has started doing something that upsets me, I would talk to them about it privately.
7. If I met someone who I found attractive, I would ask them out on a date.
8. I’m not afraid to talk about my feelings.
9. I try not to hurt other people's feelings, even if it means keeping quiet about how I’ve been hurt.
10. When I have a question, I ask it, even if I might sound stupid.
11. Arguing makes me very upset, even when I’m confident that I’m in the right.
12. If my friend expressed an opinion I strongly disagreed with, I would share my point of view with them.
13. I find spirited debates to be invigorating, even enjoyable.
14. If a salesperson has spent a lot of time helping me, I feel like I am obligated to buy something.
15. When someone disagrees with me, I get flustered and uncomfortable.
16. If someone interrupts me mid-sentence, I’ll usually let them speak.
17. If I feel like someone is taking advantage of me, I’ll ask them what’s going on.
18. If my coworker insulted my work during a meeting, I would explain why I think the criticism is incorrect.
19. I often allow my friends or partner to talk me into attending social events I don't really want to go to.
20. If I have a time-sensitive question, I'm comfortable politely interrupting someone to say it.