[Life magazine: How did you rebel growing up?]

Annette Bening: I recommend rebellion – it’s healthy. But I didn’t really. I protected my parents a lot. One of the great things about being in my forties – so many women I know have said this – is you really do come into your own.

I spent a lot of time trying to please other people and have everybody get along. There are some ways in which that’s a virtue, and some it’s not.

You can’t really get your needs met if you’re constantly gauging what everybody else is going to be most appreciative of. Trying to find a way to do both is what one would hope for.

Say what you think, ask for what you want. As I’ve gotten older, I have a quicker access to that. I like that about myself now.

[Life mag., Oct 20, 2006]

Related pages:
courage / confidence
maturity
Relationships
Social reactions / interactions
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being outspoken, empowering yourself, maturity and confidence, Annette Bening

  10.23.06   By Douglas Eby   |  
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