On: Don't ask to ask, just ask (2019)

[mig39]

This reminds me a lot about when people ask "Hey, are you doing anything Saturday afternoon?"

Which is trap.

Because if you say "no" then you don't have a polite excuse to decline to help someone move houses, troubleshoot a fiber install, or go for a hike.

The polite way to ask is "hey, can you help me move on Saturday? I have a truck and 3 others already."

[jthrowsitaway → mig39]

I'm a socially awkward person and always feel bad diving right into requests like that.

[spergactual → mig39]

> Which is trap.

This is a completely normal day-to-day conversation topic I have with my buddies via text.

> Friend: What're you getting into tomorrow?

> Me: Not much man, doing some chores around the house. Got a pork butt I need to butcher. Typical Saturday.

> Me: What about you?

At which point my friend will either directly ask or otherwise mention that he is moving. At this point I may volunteer all, some, or none of my time depending on what life has.