Backbone
I’m not a confrontational person. I don’t like to argue, I don’t fight, I don’t start fights, I don’t throw tantrums expecting to get my way.
One of the benefits of my job is that, whether I agree or not, I have to defend a position or policy that may be unpopular…. much to the dismay of our customers. And because I’ve been doing this, I can tell someone no a little better, I can face someone getting their dander up and not feel like I’m the worst fighter in the world. I still don’t fight, but I can hold my position if necessary.
Right now, I’m busy hassling with the dj company I used to work for when I hired them to dj my best friends wedding. While I might have gotton screwed over by the corporate office, I wasn’t going to hold the franchises for that. And its still an excellent service. Now this isn’t the franchise in my state, this is the franchise in utah that is being a pill. Their dj royally screwed up in getting paid. And the company is being very difficult in making it right. Hopefully today I can finally get it all straightened out.
While I know my position and have confidence in that, I still feel my stomach quiver in nervous anticipation… or maybe, I just need breakfast. 
July 12th, 2007 at 2:15 am
I developed more confidence in my confrontations after working customer service in high school. After hearing what other people would complain about, and knowing how situations could be rectified, I found it easier to stand up for myself.
I think most people who know me today would be surprised that I was ever NOT confident in addressing my needs in professional settings.
So it’ll get easier, and I’m sure 10 years down the line people won’t even remember that you used to not be confident in addressing situations.