4 June 2021 09:23 am
As usual, none of those seeking favours address their need directly but begin with a lengthy conversation throwing in loads of compliments and after a lot of flattery segues into the request. Trixie’s neighbour Sybil is involved with a place of worship that was undergoing major repair that needed many items of hardware, sheeting etc., and would cost a tidy sum. As anticipated by Sybil, she received a call from an estranged nephew inquiring after her wellbeing and how she was coping with life in general. He even volunteered to drop off some food stuff for her. Sybil declined the offer since she knew there had to be a catch somewhere. Her nephew called her the next day, bright and early in the morning, to check on her once again and then asked her whether she could push the Committee overseeing the repairs of the place of worship to purchase the required raw material from him and even hinted that she too would be given a commission if the purchase came his way. Sybil was livid and curtly replied that the Committee had called for quotations and he could submit one too and following up by making it clear to him that approaching her on such a matter was unethical and cut off the conversation.
Many stories are circulating now about those who first praise people on whatever they are involved in, highlighting their abilities and achievements, to follow it up with a request for a big favour. Some conniving people think that they are masters of flattery and many people do fall for it. Fortunately, the majority are wiser and do not get ensnared in such false flattery. It would be much better if those seeking a favour are direct rather than play this fake game. The chances are that people might be willing to oblige if approached directly rather than being flattered or offered commissions.