The former Ally McBeal star, who has endured speculation that she is suffering from an eating disorder throughout her career, says that she does not need protecting just because she is small built.
Even at the age of 42, the Brothers and Sisters actress says that people still underestimate the power and strength that her slender physique disguises.
The actress, who is dating long-time love Harrison Ford, said: 'Because I'm small and softly-spoken, people tend to think I'm fragile and subservient. And for some reason they think they need to protect me, which is so condescending.
'It used to send me into a rage, but I've learned to be patient with it. I'm happy with who I am and that's all that should ever matter. The rest is irrelevant.'
