The Australian Dictionary of Invisible Culture for Teachers
how to make a reasonable request
norm: when it is like this, it is good to do some things (see more)
At some times, it can be like this: Someone (e.g. James) wants someone else (e.g. Alex) to do something good (for this person (i.e. James)). This something is not big.
When it is like this, James thinks something like this: It will be good for me if Alex does this something. If Alex doesn’t want to do it, he doesn’t have to do it. If I say it in one way, maybe he will do it.
It is good if James says something like this to Alex “I want you to do something good for me. This something is not something big. It will be good for me if you do it. I know you don’t have to do it. If you don’t want to do it, you can say ‘I don’t want to do it’. I don’t know if you will do it. If you do it, I will feel something good towards you.”
Note
'A reasonable request' varies in size, but generally refers to request which are not trivial."Excuse me, would you mind signing these forms for me, now? Won't take a second. I'd really appreciate it if you could."
"Would it be possible for you to pick up my package tomorrow morning? I've been waiting for it all week. I can get it in a few days if its too hard, but it would be great."
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