When I was a little girl, when we used to visit family or friends, my mom used to tell me, “Mind your manners and don’t ask for anything.” I always listened to my mother. But now, as an adult, I sometimes find it hard to break away from that mindset of ‘take what you’re given and say thank you’.
Being a business owner, it is still something that I struggle with. Yes, I can ask for the sale, that’s not a problem. My downfall lies in asking for the retainer or the payment. When talking with a friend the other day, I discovered that she, too, had this issue.
To reference the article I found below, why are women afraid to ask? After I read the article, I found that many of the issues that woman had in general, were in fact my own. We work, we often also take care of children, and we do it without expectations in return. It’s give, give, give. Which of course is wonderful, don’t get me wrong. I suppose it’s just part of who we are.
How can we change this? What will it take to have us accept that it’s okay to give and ask for something in return? Is it more confidence, better self-esteem, or both?
What’s your opinion? Is our lack of asking for what we want changeable?
Women’s Media Article, Learning to Ask
