I'm either too nice or too argumentative at work
I would say that I have pretty good social skills. However, I tend to go from either to nice or to argumentative (argument as in argumentation, not like a verbal fight). I am going into social work as a profession and know that this will be something I need to develop more of a grey area with. My main concern is with work and co-workers. For example, if someone says something disrespectful to me (because I don't want them to think that is an acceptable way to talk to me) I would say something like "excuse me?" or "do not talk to me in that way." Albeit, in a very calm but clearly serious tone.
I do not feel comfortable making a request like "please, don't talk to me like that" because I should not have to ask for respect from a grown adult i'm working with.
I know that I can defend myself and all of that, but I wish there was a way to get the point across without NEEDING to logically explain basic respect to a peer.
At the end of the day, I can't change other people and sometimes you gotta just tolerate stuff, but how can I at least try to increase the probability of better outcomes?