The Art of Persuasion (Collection)

Chapter 18. Doormats

Are you a doormat? Do you find that you never stand up for yourself? You find yourself agreeing to things you don’t want to do all the time? You do so much to avoid an argument that everyone seems to treat you as a servant? Then this is the section for you. It’s time to act.

Getting it wrong

Zhu:        “Poppy, would you mind staying a bit late tonight and finishing off the project?”

Poppy:     “I was going to go out on a date with my husband, but if it’s really important I’m sure we can find another evening.”

Zhu:        “Thanks, Poppy. And I wonder if, while you’re here, you wouldn’t mind checking the Internet to find a cheap flight to the New York for me next week?”

Poppy:     “Oh, I suppose so.”

Zhu:        “Thanks. ...