Moxie mental health makes people stronger than strong. How is that possible? Consider this Aesop fable comparing the reed with the oak tree.

An oak and a reed were arguing about their strength. When a strong wind came up, the reed avoided being uprooted by bending and leaning with the gusts of wind. But the oak stood firm and was torn up by the roots.

How do you try to portray “strength” to others? To people who act like oak trees, “strong” means “being right” or resisting other people’s point of view. This “strength” is really just Insecurity with a mean face and a loud voice. The need to be right depletes the quality of relationships with others, and leaves others feeling deflated and alienated.

How Bending With the Wind Can Save Your Relationship

But Brian was a reed. He had learned from experience to value the opposition. He knew he had the right to mistakes, as did others. He also knew that whenever one person in an intimate relationship feels that they have “lost” in a disagreement-both people lose.

» Read more: What to Do When Someone Feels You’ve Hurt Them