If you have to ask, at least ask lightly.

No one wants to be told what they can’t do. Lighten it up.

I’m a huge fan of signs. They can slow down traffic, inform millions or change a mood. Many of them are there to remind you of something you should already know, but you just need that little nudge.

• No littering.
• No parking from 8 to 10.
• Slower traffic keep right.

What if more signs had a little wit? Just a little something that made you think or do a double take? Think about the possible repercussions. People might chuckle, laugh, tell a friend. But you know what they wouldn’t do? Play the piano.

If a jerk honks at you to speed up on the highway, chances are you will–or you’ll slow down and then, who knows, he might yell, honk or roll down the window and ____________ (depends on what state you’re in).

But when a little old lady jokes about how you shouldn’t throw your gum on the ground (which you shouldn’t be doing anyway) and makes a joke about it, chances are you’re going to respect her wish because (1) she’s an old lady and (2) she lightened up the situation.

Next time you’re demanding something in a potentially awkward situation, get a little creative and see how you might turn the tables so the result is what you wanted, but you crafted in such a way that it’s what they wanted too.