Getting someone to listen: Honey Versus Vinegar
@AbbyGreenhill (45494)
United States
November 24, 2015 7:27am CST
If you want someone to do something there are two way to go about it:
#1 - You tell someone to do something (vinegar)
#2 - You suggest someone does something (honey)
I learned long ago if I want my husband to do something (that I don't want to do) if I suggest it to him I get a faster and better reaction compared to telling him to do it. A lot of it has to do with tone of voice also.
That theory works well in many situations, including here in myLot. If someone seems to be on the cusp of not following the Guidelines, mentioning it in a supportive or suggestive way using honey might make that person look at it differently.
It might not always work, but it's worth a try.
9 people like this
8 responses
@LadyDuck (471395)
• Switzerland
24 Nov 15
@AbbyGreenhill My grandmother always said the same. I try to remember.
@AbbyGreenhill (45494)
• United States
24 Nov 15
That's the exact expression my mother always used.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (82733)
• United States
24 Nov 15
Yup my mother used to say that all the time too
1 person likes this
@41CombedaleRoad (5952)
• Greece
24 Nov 15
I don't even have to ask my husband to do anything, if I merely note that a tap is dripping he appears at the sink with tools in his hand. It can be quite inconvenient at times so I have to remember not to say anything about a problem in the kitchen until the food is eaten and cleared away and I am out of there.
2 people like this
@AbbyGreenhill (45494)
• United States
24 Nov 15
I faucet leaking and my husband would be on it like white on rice too. But its other things that need some prodding.
@41CombedaleRoad (5952)
• Greece
24 Nov 15
I haven't heard that one, maybe it is an American saying but I cannot understand why anyone would want to attract any flies!
@AbbyGreenhill (45494)
• United States
24 Nov 15
@41CombedaleRoad That is a saying about the flies - what it means is exactly what I wrote about.
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
24 Nov 15
sometimes I dont think honey or vinegar works with mine.... blah, so not going to rant on that today, but he caused my out of sorts...
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45494)
• United States
24 Nov 15
That explains it...I won't ask! I can't stay out of sorts with mine too long, we're all we have!
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45494)
• United States
24 Nov 15
@Jessicalynnt You have to drag it out a while or they don't pay attention!
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
24 Nov 15
@AbbyGreenhill I wont be annoyed forever, but for a bit longer yes.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (82733)
• United States
24 Nov 15
Usually the honey approach will work better than the vinegar. However, some people don't respond regardless LOL
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45494)
• United States
24 Nov 15
I could be one of those ...just kidding, I can be won over with honey.
@AbbyGreenhill (45494)
• United States
24 Nov 15
And that's a good ting...I guess you know which button to push with him now.
2 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85288)
• Valdosta, Georgia
24 Nov 15
This is so very true, when I ask my husband to do something he is more willing to. When I tell him to do something he usually ignores my request. Lol.
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45494)
• United States
24 Nov 15
It works on husbands and probably on kids he same way!
1 person likes this
