Close your eyes. Rerun the words they said, listen to what you said, and conjure up the memories—the anxiety, the pounding heart, the weak knees, the catastrophic images that ran through your mind as you imagined their anger getting loose and coming at you. Now play the scene again, but this time, when you see the other person’s anger rising, rewrite the scene. Firmly and clearly say, “No. I’m not giving in! Stop pressuring me!” Repeat these phrases until they’re convincing—most people start out very tentatively. Listen to how the words sound, and feel how much stronger you are.
