The Things You Want But Won't Ask For

You know exactly what you want. You know exactly who could give it to you. You know exactly what words would get it.

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You want something.

A raise. More sex. Help with the kids. Space from your mother. A promotion. Quieter neighbors. Friday afternoons off. Your money back. An apology. More affection. Less criticism. Time to yourself.

You know exactly what you want. You know exactly who could give it to you. You know exactly what words would get it.

"I need a $20,000 raise."

"I want sex twice a week."

"I need you to handle bedtime on Tuesdays and Thursdays."

"Mom, I need you to call before coming over."

Simple sentences. Clear requests. Specific wants.

You practice them every morning in the shower. You've perfected the tone—confident but not demanding. You've anticipated every response. You've won this negotiation forty-seven times.

In the shower.

Then you get out, get dressed, see the actual person, and ask for nothing.

Tomorrow, you'll practice again.

You've been rehearsing for months, maybe years. But what if I told you the gap between your rehearsal and reality is smaller than the time it takes to make coffee?