Easter time, chocolate treats and the child negotiator

Easter Time, Chocolate Treats and the Child Negotiator

It’s that time of the year again.  Chocolate treats are everywhere.  Retail shops start pushing Easter not long after the Christmas decorations come down.

Lucky we know a little about the psychology of marketing.  Otherwise we may suspect that Cadbury do a secret deal with children.

All the pretty coloured wrappers shining and teasing the kids.  Shopping is hard enough without the Easter promotion.  The youngsters eyes light up when they see the gold bunny or their favourite characters plastered all over the chocolate treats.

Babies reaching out from the trolley in an attempt to grab at the sparkling colours.  Three year olds put on their thinking caps.  Wondering how they’re going to get their mommy to buy them chocolates.  The five year old coming straight out with it.  Asking for sugar treats.  Not accepting no as an answer.Continue reading

He says beer, she says shoes. The compromise in a relationship.

He says beer, she says shoes. The compromise in a relationship.The word compromise gets tossed around lightly.  Talked about as if it’s the easiest thing in the world to come to terms with.

Having a standard and lowering it to meet in the middle.  These discussions are about adjusting your expectations.

At times theory and reality walk parallel to one another.  It’s tough work negotiating.  Looking for a win-win situation.

Disagreeing is essential to your own well-being.   Especially if you won’t be able to live with the terms discussed.  Regardless of how uncomfortable sharing this information can be.

New beginnings.

A recently committed couple discuss future plans.  Mortgage, marriage and children.  Taking the relationship to the next level.  There’s enthusiasm being caught up in these talks.  At the time it sounds good and feels right.

Hours after the discussion irritation starts to build.  One party isn’t sure anymore.  It has begun to feel more like an obligation rather than embracing what seemed like logical steps forward.

It’s obvious that’s what partners do.  Yet internally there’s an uneasy feeling rising within, demanding attention.  Now these talks feel rushed.  Maybe it’s was too soon to be making such plans.

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