A Paradox

 
Crucial Conversations
When we give up trying to convince, we become more convincing.

So — I should give up trying to convince in an effort to become more convincing?

  5 comments for “A Paradox

  1. MS
    MS
    12 Sep 2008 at 9:46 pm

    Only if you want to become more convincing.

    Let’s paraphrase it in another way.

    What I’m hearing you say is…”In order to get your way, you have to manipulate people into thinking they’re getting their way. If they see you’re trying to convince them to see things your way, they resist. That’s why it’s important to disguise your true intent by hiding behind the facade of humility, mutual respect, and the best intentions. You have to trick them. Be crafty!”

    That certainly doesn’t sound as nice, does it? Perhaps that is a negative interpretation. My glass is half empty a lot.

  2. HW
    14 Sep 2008 at 10:30 pm

    Hi MS –

    I’ve been reading your comments here and you sound like a real firecracker! I shouldn’t say this but sometimes you make me wish I was single again.

    PE says you’re hot but I don’t know if he’s just messing with me …

  3. MS
    MS
    15 Sep 2008 at 10:11 am

    I’ve been described as “spunky” before, in a favorable way, but PE would know more than I how I’m viewed among the boys. I only hear that stuff second hand through boys who like to gossip about what the other boys say.

  4. HW
    15 Sep 2008 at 4:50 pm

    Or — maybe those guys are telling you stuff and pretending someone else said it. Does that sound crazy to you?

  5. MS
    MS
    15 Sep 2008 at 9:54 pm

    No, I suppose it doesn’t sound crazy, but until you pointed it out, it hadn’t occurred to me. When boys in the second grade like a girl, they throw dirt clods at her or pull her ponytail. I always thought they outgrew that as adults. Not always so, apparently. I’ve dodged a few dirt clods from men from age seven to age forty seven, so apparently, not everyone gets past that stage.

    See, I’ve given up trying to convince, and by doing that I’ve become more convincing. Pretty sneaky, eh?

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