Sunday, May 4, 2014

050414 sanction-based diplomacy and the balance of power

D2 reminded me of an awful trick we played on her when she was small. I haven't thought of it for years. She'd get angry because we wouldn't let her do something or other, and she'd impose sanctions. She'd withhold hugs. She was probably 2 or 3 years old.

"Can I have a hug?" Spouse or I would ask.

A shout ("No!"), A glare, & a cold shoulder would be the response.

"Well, I'm going to taaaake one...."

"No, no, auuuuuuuugh!"

"I'm sorry, I'll give it back."

"OK. I'm keeping it! You can't have another one."

"Can I have a hug?"

And the vicious cycle would begin anew.

The next level of sanctions: kisses.

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