How many times does it happen that you wish for something and it comes ready on your platter? Rarely, right? It is evident that whatever you want, you have to ask for it, clearly and unequivocally. Prayers that we offer in churches, temples or mosques are also a way of presenting our wishes to the almighty, requesting for them to be granted. We believe that the superpower is hearing the words said in our minds and is able to make them come true. Even in the story of Aladdin and Jin, the master is required to clearly express his desire for his omnipotent creature.
In some cultures, people consider it impolite to ask for anything from others. Well, that's true, you should not embarrass anyone by putting forward demands. But, in one way or another, we all have to ask. This asking may be in different forms: a request, a wish, a command, or a proposal. The underlying force and persuasion behind each of them is different and works in its unique way to get what you want.
In case of a request, there has to be clear communication or at least enough knowledge about the need. Unless the other person knows about your requirement, in most cases a genuine one, chances are fewer that your request will be conceded to. This is a very basic principle of communication and persuasion.
Similarly, in case of a wish, it has to be made clear why it is very important for you. Wish is generally granted only as a prerogative of the giver, not as a right. In most cases, if a wish is fulfilled, it becomes additional happiness in one's life. A wish is not a need and therefore, it should not be compared with a request. Although sometimes in our mind, we blur this thin line and make our life miserable when our wish remains unfulfilled.
A command has authority behind it. A force that certainly creates a compulsion and pressure on the other person to follow it. Anything asked as an order or command has to be given, in most cases in the manner, within the time and in the order, it is commanded for. A command is followed when the person has coercive authority to punish failure.
But any proposal is completely different from the other three forms of asking. Here you have to convince the other person how it is in his/her interest to accept the proposal and give whatever is asked for. A proposal of marriage, a proposal to buy a house, or any other proposal - to be successful - has to be beneficial to both parties.
Asking is not bad, giving is not harmful. But it happens only when there is clear communication of ask by the person. Just thinking in mind and wishing to get it can happen only in prayers where we have to rely on the supreme power we believe in. But for any other form of requirement, wish, command or proposal, it is pertinent to clearly convey what is wanted, how, when and why. Lack of communication may deprive you of something which otherwise would have been very easy to get. So, next time, try to ask clearly whenever and whatever you want.
Because, if you don't ask it, you don't get it.
