Getting More of What We Want

A few weeks ago, I asked you to compare responses from two friends, Georgia and Clarence. Let’s revisit:

One day, Georgia and Clarence invite me to go jogging with them.

At the meeting spot, Georgia beams with excitement and says, “Come on, let’s go!”

Clarence, on the other hand, scolds: “Those shoes are all wrong. You need real jogging shorts. And your socks? No support at all.”

We know who I would rather spend time with.

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Now, let’s fast forward to another scene—this time, I’ve been invited to the home of Georgia and Clarence.

Let’s imagine after the meal I say to Georgia, “I really loved the soup you made” and she responds warmly, “Thank you! I really love hearing compliments.”

But when I say the same thing to Clarence—“I really loved the soup you made”—he responds, “I wish I hadn’t burned the potatoes.”

It’s a small moment, but a revealing one.

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Georgia accepted the compliment with ease, but Clarence? Not so much. He didn’t even seem to notice my praise.

Chances are I’ll compliment Georgia again.

Why?

Because she let me know that it’s what she wants.

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We can tell people how we wish to be treated.

This doesn’t mean that they’ll go along with it.

But, there’s a better chance we will get what we want if we make it known.

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Related to this, I like it when readers respond to these articles that I write.

(Just saying.)