"Many years ago, I heard a radio interview of a professor of mass communication speak about a fundamental change that advertisers made in their approach to consumers. Advertisers thought that shaming people into buying products was the right approach. Then a shift took place as they began to sell the idea that we deserved the product. McDonald’s became famous by telling us that “You deserve a break today.” Is it any wonder that a half-century later that we live in a culture where people feel they are entitled to every benefit possible, even the exclusion of work."
Thoughts from Loveletterist: I agree that we've collectively created a culture of entitlement thinking. Thank you @edbreneger for a thought eliciting article. The question then becomes... If we want culture to be different, what response(abilities) are ours in creating change?
The muses and I saw a few options with spider guy Ian. One, we stuck to our no. Two, we were playful in our conversation with him. Three, we are curious about the exchange and withhold judgment of a young man who is trying to make a living -- going so far as to recognize he doesn't have an easy job. (Conversation on the morning patrol tells me he heard a whole lotta "NO" on his Sunday travels of our neighborhood.)
Thank you! You might have been one of my earliest mentors — in writing AND creating awareness about people pleasing tendencies — of which I had baskets full. 🧺
One thing today’s post made me realize is that when jumping to conclusions one might break their leg!
Yes, Byron Katie. Gotta be a guy person! Except she is an 80-year old gal. 🦿(there were no emojis for legs in casts...)
Growing up there were no lessons on disagreeing agreeably. Later on I realized both that I didn’t really know how to, and if I did I felt very uncomfortable. That reminds me of the remark, “Why do I say yes when I mean no?”
I’m glad to say that today’s post is a welcome reminder of acting rationally in my own best interests. 😊
Gary- this is the story of my life until recently--not knowing how to disagree and feel good about it, subtitled "saying yes when I mean no." Fortunately, it is possible to change, even later in life. I speak from expereince.
When I realize life patterns like this, I feel like I embody the Homer Simpson character, palm to forehead 🤦🏽 exclaiming “Doh!” Blaming & condemning myself. Of course that served to keep me stuck in the old pattern! Today, measures of self-forgiveness and embracing change help me embrace new ways of being.
I try to let my Doh reactions serve as a reminder that I’m seeking/using better ways. Growing up, I often heard the grownups saying this “Pennsylvania-Dutch” expression: “We grow too soon old and too late smart.” To which I would say today: “Better late than never.”
"Many years ago, I heard a radio interview of a professor of mass communication speak about a fundamental change that advertisers made in their approach to consumers. Advertisers thought that shaming people into buying products was the right approach. Then a shift took place as they began to sell the idea that we deserved the product. McDonald’s became famous by telling us that “You deserve a break today.” Is it any wonder that a half-century later that we live in a culture where people feel they are entitled to every benefit possible, even the exclusion of work."
Excerpt above from: https://edbrenegar.substack.com/p/understanding-the-context-of-the?r=19lbt&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
Thoughts from Loveletterist: I agree that we've collectively created a culture of entitlement thinking. Thank you @edbreneger for a thought eliciting article. The question then becomes... If we want culture to be different, what response(abilities) are ours in creating change?
The muses and I saw a few options with spider guy Ian. One, we stuck to our no. Two, we were playful in our conversation with him. Three, we are curious about the exchange and withhold judgment of a young man who is trying to make a living -- going so far as to recognize he doesn't have an easy job. (Conversation on the morning patrol tells me he heard a whole lotta "NO" on his Sunday travels of our neighborhood.)
Gail, you set a great example of setting boundaries with kindness and compassion, not always an easy accomplishment.
Thank you! You might have been one of my earliest mentors — in writing AND creating awareness about people pleasing tendencies — of which I had baskets full. 🧺
Yesterday my friend Elaine and I talked about curiosity as part of our I AM WORTH IT! series.
Here is a link to the replay. If you are not a Clubhouse member, I believe you will be prompted to download the app to enable listening.
https://www.clubhouse.com/room/MR2r77yA?utm_medium=ch_room_xr&utm_campaign=3MKslrpXVNhSycVUAFAWvQ-832718
One thing today’s post made me realize is that when jumping to conclusions one might break their leg!
Yes, Byron Katie. Gotta be a guy person! Except she is an 80-year old gal. 🦿(there were no emojis for legs in casts...)
Growing up there were no lessons on disagreeing agreeably. Later on I realized both that I didn’t really know how to, and if I did I felt very uncomfortable. That reminds me of the remark, “Why do I say yes when I mean no?”
I’m glad to say that today’s post is a welcome reminder of acting rationally in my own best interests. 😊
Ahhh! Two of my life’s lessons on repeat!
1.) Disagreement doesn’t have to be conflict.
2.) Life is so much better when I set boundaries.
1) agreed.
2) Agreed.
Gary- this is the story of my life until recently--not knowing how to disagree and feel good about it, subtitled "saying yes when I mean no." Fortunately, it is possible to change, even later in life. I speak from expereince.
Me too!
Reinvention is a core competency!
When I realize life patterns like this, I feel like I embody the Homer Simpson character, palm to forehead 🤦🏽 exclaiming “Doh!” Blaming & condemning myself. Of course that served to keep me stuck in the old pattern! Today, measures of self-forgiveness and embracing change help me embrace new ways of being.
I'm having a lot of those "Doh!" moments lately, Gary. Better late than never!
I try to let my Doh reactions serve as a reminder that I’m seeking/using better ways. Growing up, I often heard the grownups saying this “Pennsylvania-Dutch” expression: “We grow too soon old and too late smart.” To which I would say today: “Better late than never.”
Event recording?