Embracing assertiveness and potentially disrespectful communication is crucial for personal safety, especially for individuals who have been conditioned to prioritize politeness and kindness over boundary setting. Teaching individuals, regardless of age or gender, the importance of being assertive and setting clear boundaries is essential for self-defense. By confidently using one's voice to communicate boundaries, conflicts can often be resolved without physical altercations. The key to effective boundary setting is only establishing limits that one is capable of enforcing, as this is the foundation of self-defense.