But when I told my mom what I was going to do, she told me not to stir up trouble and ruin the relationship I had with the class monitor. As a child, I was taught to empathize with others, but also to be accommodating and not create conflict. But sadly, this meant I also grew up believing that the needs of other people were more important than mine. Now, as an adult, I find it hard to assert myself and get my own needs met.
