That helps more than you probably realise, DP. Some of it actually meshes with what I've been advised from other sources, while much of your advice has given me a fresh perspective. The part about working on a sensitive spot, for instance. In the case of the person I've spoken about, the spot would be (wait for it) astrology; she already knows my views on that, so it would be neither out of character nor too unwise for me to engage her on it.
I see your point about assertiveness as opposed to aggression. The former I can handle, depression willing; the latter is alien to my nature for any appreciable length of time, if I'm truly honest. In fact I've noticed a more positive (from my perspective) response when I take the driving seat, not only with the lady in question but with my sweet princess as well. All I lack, now, is the confidence to put this into practise. As I mentioned earlier, I am taking steps to do something about the situation; a lot of what you - and others - have said corresponds with that. So a heartfelt thank you to all concerned, and watch this space.
I see your point about assertiveness as opposed to aggression. The former I can handle, depression willing; the latter is alien to my nature for any appreciable length of time, if I'm truly honest. In fact I've noticed a more positive (from my perspective) response when I take the driving seat, not only with the lady in question but with my sweet princess as well. All I lack, now, is the confidence to put this into practise. As I mentioned earlier, I am taking steps to do something about the situation; a lot of what you - and others - have said corresponds with that. So a heartfelt thank you to all concerned, and watch this space.
At the age of five, Skagra decided emphatically that God did not exist. This revelation tends to make most people in the universe who have it react in one of two ways - with relief or with despair. Only Skagra responded to it by thinking, 'Wait a second. That means there's a situation vacant.'
