Many people mistake "assertiveness" for "self-confidence." But truly confident people are not afraid of others saying "no." Because their confidence is not built on being "always right." When you challenge them, they can discuss; when you point out issues, they can admit; if they realize they are wrong, they might even thank you for the reminder. And those with a weak inner self cannot do this. They cannot accept being questioned because once they are denied, the persona they maintain through superiority will collapse. So they become angry, argue, belittle others, and refuse to admit mistakes. Truly confident people do not need to suppress others to prove themselves. The more afraid someone is of others disagreeing, the more insecure they tend to be. True confidence is allowing oneself to be questioned, rebutted, and even proven wrong, without needing to attack others to maintain oneself.