" Many people get confused about the purpose of speaking up. They feel that unless the other person hears their points of view and accepts it, it was a wasted effort. However, the purpose of speaking up is not to change the other person's point of view, but merely to assert yours. In some sense, it doesn't matter whether the other person even heard you, much less was persuaded by you. What matters is that you were able to speak your mind, that you didn't squelch your ideas and feelings. Once you begin to assert yourself without any expectations, you will gain more self-esteem and the courage to continue speaking up. "

― Beverly Engel , The Emotionally Abused Woman: Overcoming Destructive Patterns and Reclaiming Yourself