"I Want" Gets Nothing

"Mom," asked Jan, "why do we say please?"


"It is part of being polite," said Mom. "Come and help me set the table, please. I think it is part of the phrase 'if you please'," said Mom. "That means 'if it makes you happy'."


"It is like I am asking a favor?" said Jan.


Mom nodded as she put four plates and the flatware on the table. "It is very much like that. If someone came to you asking a favor, what would you do?"


"I would think about it. I might even do it," said Jan. She picked up the plates and set one in front of each chair.


"How would you feel if someone just told you to do a job?" asked Mom.


"I would not like that," said Jan.


"Why does it matter?" asked Mom.


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