Negotiating Anything, Any Place : Taking it Personally (Part 4)

Dear Readers, In this Part we will be discussing another Example for better understanding.
So Let’s Begin
Now for the Third Example. 
When our middle child, Steven, was about to enter his final year of high school, he made extensive summer plans to hitchhike across America. As he put it, “It’ll be a great experience, and I won’t need much money or clothing.“
Needless to say, his parents were totally opposed to this idea. We presented him with the usual objections to such an undertaking: It’s physically dangerous; it’s illegal in certain areas; and it’s unpredictable.
After some discussion, he refuted these arguments logically.
Then we came up what we thought was a sure winner. “Okay“, we said, “But no one will give you a ride. People don’t pick up hitchhikers any more.“
Much to our surprise and dismay, Steven had thought of that problem also. He had purchased a gasoline can from a local filling station, with the intention of cleaning it and transforming the interior into a small dufflebag  or suitcase. 
Apparently, his cross-country trip was not a simple case of teen lunacy, but a goal supported by a well-conceived strategy. 
After months of talk and debate, we opted for “Benign Neglect,” allowing him to pursue his dream. When he returned safely, one of the first things he spoke about was the ease of getting lifts from passing vehicles.
Steven remarked that the first driver who stopped for him set the pattern for what was to follow. After proceeding several miles down the road with Steven, the motorist commented, “You walked a hell of a long way to get that gas.“
Steven replied, “Oh, I don’t own a car. This can is my suitcase. Don’t you think it’s easier to get rides this way?“
He said that this usually caused guffaws of laugher from the driver, followed by a friendly and informative dialogue. Although using your thumb as a means of transportation involves considerable risk, it worked well in his case.
By carrying that “Gasoline can“, he personalized himself and distinguished himself from the average hitchhiker. Passing drivers saw him, albeit mistakenly, as a pathetic human being whom they identified with and wanted to help.

So we will be discussing our 4th Example in the Next Part:

“Negotiating Anything, Any Place : Taking it Personally (Part 5)“

Do not Forget to Follow the Website for Future Updates.