There are several design features in the piece shown that capture the essence of assertiveness. It has very firm boundaries; the assertive person respects the boundaries and privacy of others and doesn’t infringe. The ten circles are loose and all connected; to move one is to move all. Being flexible and able to make compromises is an essential feature of being assertive. Each circle is hollow making it possible to see from one side to the other. This points to another characteristic of the assertive person; one who is able to allow others to see into their own inner world. Their strength lies in not being afraid to be vulnerable and in being able to admit it. In contrast to the assertive person who lacks respect for themselves and the passive one who lacks it for others the assertive person has respect for both.
