Yes, actually being assertive isn’t all that hard for me. I do express myself that way to my parents when necessary and generally they do understand and co-operate with me (except in some matters like studies where I have no choice but to follow their wishes). The thing is when said argument escalates to an extent then I’m not able to control what I say. And in such moments my brain interprets what the other person is saying in an offensive manner and my reaction is much extreme and uncalled for, like happened with Jerry. I need self-control and restraint in such moments. Its not easy to practice since such arguments don’t happen so frequently (thankfully) but each time I remind myself of that Chinese proverb, “Patience in one moment of anger will save you from a thousand days of sorrow”. Everytime I promise myself to exercise that patience… but I fail. Its what caused all this.