From the description, I can see that the questioner is excellent at observing, learning, and practicing in the face of relationship difficulties. Please believe in yourself! You have already transformed from being passive to being proactive, gained the right to serve in interpersonal interactions, and taken a brave step! I feel that the questioner has evolved from being afraid to avoid confrontation to being courageous enough to face the other person head-on. She has genuinely affirmed the change in herself, but she is still a little apprehensive. Currently, it is a bit awkward to meet and not speak to this strong colleague. The kind questioner is worried about whether this is inappropriate, but I'm sure she'll figure it out!
I absolutely love the attitude of "if you don't mess with me, I won't mess with you; be gentle but firm." It's so empowering! You will only be respected if you are firm but have a bottom line and strength.
One hundred kinds of rice feed one hundred kinds of people, and some people are kind while others are strong... It's all about human nature, and it's a beautiful thing! Strong people are self-centered and domineering, and they basically don't care about other people's feelings. Although they are capable, they are difficult to get along with. But conflicts will not disappear just because we don't like them. That's why it's so important to set your own interpersonal boundaries to reduce the chance of being hurt in relationships!
I highly recommend the fantastic book, "The Art of Communication," which is an absolute must for anyone looking to improve their communication skills and interpersonal relationships. While communication might not solve every problem, it can definitely help balance relationships!
Even though people are helpless in the world, interpersonal relationships should be based on mutual respect. Usually kind but unassuming people are the group that is bullied and easily sacrificed in relationships! It is recommended to spend time strengthening self-confidence, maintaining kind words, and improving oneself in many ways to become more confident, elegant, and stronger from the inside out. Let's try to spread love and warmth to the world!
Life is an amazing, ever-changing journey! Treating yourself with kindness and love is the most important thing you can do.
Being a person is like being water—it's a beautiful, natural process!
Be a mountain!
I'm so excited to share my thoughts with you!
And the best part is, you can have peace of mind!


Comments
I can relate to feeling stuck between wanting to preserve peace and standing up for myself. It's a tough balance, especially with someone who has a strong personality. I've also started to realize that it's okay to not always give in, and that being assertive doesn't mean being aggressive. I'm learning to voice my thoughts calmly when disagreements arise, rather than letting things fester in silence.
It sounds like you're finding a middle ground which is great. However, I wonder if ignoring the conflicts might just be delaying bigger issues. Maybe there's a way to address them gently but directly, so both of you can understand each other better. It's about communicating your feelings without blaming or criticizing.
Sometimes, I think it's important to acknowledge our own growth too. By not accommodating her as much, you're showing personal development. Yet, it's equally important to ensure that this new approach doesn't create distance. Have you considered discussing how you feel about these interactions with her? Honest conversations can lead to mutual respect.
Balancing assertiveness with kindness is quite an art. You're doing well by not letting yourself be walked over. But maybe you could try initiating lighthearted conversations to ease the tension. Sometimes humor can be a great bridge builder. It might help to keep the relationship from becoming too strained.
It's true that adopting a neutral stance can protect you from unnecessary stress. At the same time, I worry that this might make you seem indifferent. Perhaps you could find moments to show you care while still maintaining your boundaries. A little effort towards understanding each other could go a long way in preserving the relationship.