*sigh*

Last night I was observing how Jayson would chat to his mom because he seem to get whatever he wants and still be bestfriends with her. Mama and I cannot seem to end a conversation without hurting the other first. Consciously or unconsciously. Anyway, he was soooo good at convincing his mom. And I think I now know how to do the job...

1. You have to greet them first. This would create a good atmosphere that would hopefully last until the end of the conversation. (example: Hi ma, Kumusta?). It also help to divert the concern from your activity to theirs,thus there is no need to elaborate more on what you have done for the day.

2. If you want something, tell them what good it will do to you in general and make it appear like it's not a WANT but a NEED. This is really tricky because they know the difference, so think well and speak well. Hint: Parents usually give in if the concern is your comfort and grades.

3. Allow them to deliberate. Make it appear like they still have the last say. If they say NO, try still to persuade them while maintaining a low, morose, non-whining voice. (example: Pwede man sad pero...., Ok lang man sad pero mas maayo...)

4. If it still fails, compromise something, or make a deal. This usually works for the students. (ex: compromise a fraction of your allowance or promise that you will make it to the top the next semester), parents go high if you have proven yourself worthy and reliable for a deal in the past.

5. If it still doesn't work, try again the next time you talk. Either they are hard as stone, is concern about you, or they just want to see you whine so they can scold you again... but believe me, the key is to make them feel they are still in control and that their decision is the greatest/most important thing in the world for you. And that if they say NO, your happiness (no not your happiness, your grades) is at stake. Do not threaten them though, make it look like its fundamental for your progress and not for anything else.

Do not:

1. Shout at them.
2. Talk big.
3. Appear arrogant and all-knowing.
4. ok.. you get the picture. instead, do otherwise no matter how hurting it is already because whether you like it or not, we are dependent on them. yup! Just as my last entry said truth hurts.