12 of 14

Write now Article Tools

You want-no, you need-a particular person to do a particular thing for you. But how do you make that happen?
First of all, you'd better hope that you've been kind and giving to this person in the past. My parents taught me this scriptural adage, "To have friends a man must show himself friendly." And believe me, it is a wonderful foundation if one ever has to build a proposal that will win others over. It's not always easy being friendly, but it pays back in the end.

Whether you have laid such a foundation or not, you are here now and you can only go forward. Strangely, the rest of what you must do is built of the same materials. Go in and try to understand how you would want someone to speak to you if they needed something. Be a friend, but not an artificial one. Be open, be honest. If perhaps you haven't been kind and understanding, say that you recognize your error and apologize.
Explain your need and the situation you are in. Even if you feel it makes you look foolish, don't be afraid to tell it like it is. Someone who still may not like you may help you out of ordinary human kindness.
Mostly, don't be afraid to ask. And ask again if necessary. How many women in the world went out on that first date with their future husbands mostly because the man just wouldn't give up?

Learn more about this author, Bethany Carr.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How to persuade someone to do something for you?
We want to hear your view. Write now!