Originally Posted by
Darwinia 
I think not being embarassing drunks anymore do give us more confidence. We can be more assertive and set boundaries that previously we just let slide. It could sometimes be a bit unfair given our histories but there it is.
Assertiveness is just the other side of people pleasing as a means of manipulating them to leave us alone.
Big difference, though. Anyone can suck up to someone else. It takes a great deal of inner work to become someone for whom true assertiveness is an integral and integrated part of who they are.
My thoughts on "assertiveness training" is that, though it may "work" for a specific event, it can also be like placing a weapon in the hands of a child. Nothing can replace hard work.