Asking Nicely Doesn't Always Solve the Problem

A: Hey man, you parked on my foot! What’s your problem?

B: I don’t think he has a problem with you.

A: Then why else would he park on my foot and ignore me?

B: I think he’s deaf.

A: Hey, you’re on my foot!

B: He must be blind too.

A :Then why is he driving?

B: Ask him?

A: Dude, not the time! It’s locked! I hate this guy!

B: Whoa, he’s not doing it on purpose. You can’t be mad at him.

A: I can absolutely be mad. He’s hurting me.

B: Okay, I guess you can be mad. But right now the only thing that matters is getting this car off your foot. And if you want it to move, you’re gonna have to move it.

A: What? I can’t push a car alone.

B: Look around. Everyone’s focused on their own problems. No one’s gonna come save you from yours.

A: But I shouldn’t get hurt because this jerk can’t pay attention. That’s not fair!

B: But it does make sense.

A: How?

B: He has no idea he’s on your foot and he’s not gonna realize anytime soon. You tried asking and that didn’t work. It’s not your fault, but it is your responsibility to fix it. So go, dude. Push the car. You don’t have a choice.

A: Thank you, man.

B: Of course, dude. People usually don’t step on your toes on purpose. But even so, asking nicely doesn’t always solve the problem. If you want something to change, it’s up to you to change it.