Rewrite This Sentence Assertively

How This Works

Below are sentences that are either passive (avoiding the issue) or aggressive (attacking the person). Your job is to rewrite each one in an assertive way — honest, respectful, and clear.

There are no perfect answers. The goal is to practice expressing what you need without shrinking or shouting.

Tip: Read the sentence out loud first. Notice how it feels. Then try your rewrite out loud too.

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The Sentences

1. Passive: "I guess it's fine… whatever you want to do."

Your rewrite: _____

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2. Aggressive: "You never listen to me!"

Your rewrite: _____

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3. Passive: "Sorry, but maybe if it's not too much trouble, could you possibly help me?"

Your rewrite: _____

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4. Aggressive: "This is ridiculous. You clearly don't care about anyone but yourself."

Your rewrite: _____

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5. Passive: "It doesn't really matter what I think anyway."

Your rewrite: _____

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6. Aggressive: "Fine. Do whatever you want. You always do."

Your rewrite: _____

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7. Passive: "Oh no, I don't mind. I'll just figure it out on my own."

Your rewrite: _____

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8. Aggressive: "If you actually cared, you would've known what I needed."

Your rewrite: _____

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See Examples

Take a moment to compare your rewrites with these. Yours don't have to match — what matters is that they're honest, specific, and respectful.

1. "I actually have a preference here. Can we talk about what works for both of us?"

2. "I feel unheard when I share something important and don't get a response. Can we try again?"

3. "Could you help me with this? I'd really appreciate it."

4. "I'm frustrated about what happened. I need us to find a solution that works for both of us."

5. "I have thoughts about this, and I'd like to share them."

6. "I'm upset about how this was decided. I'd like us to make these choices together."

7. "I could actually use some help with this. Would you be able to ___?"

8. "I needed _____ in that situation. In the future, it would help if I said that directly."

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Reflect

After completing the exercise, consider:

• Which rewrites were hardest for you? That might point to a pattern worth exploring.
• Did any of the assertive versions feel uncomfortable? That's normal — and it gets easier.
• Pick one rewrite you liked and say it out loud three times. Repetition builds confidence.