I Wanted Fries With That: How to Ask for What You Want and Get What You Need

Every day is full of opportunities, big and small, either to speak up or miss out. Many of us feel awkward complaining or even expressing our own wants. This is a textbook on how to ask for what you need and complain effectively (hint: it’s not a Facebook rant). The book is quick and broad, offering great advice about how and why you should and can negotiate your desires and advocate for others as well as yourself. The author offers reassurance and encouragement, and even sample scripts that will help you overcome your reticence in a variety of situations. Her principles for speaking up (and how) include talking to the right person, at the right time (and when to escalate); figuring out where you can compromise; admitting when you are wrong and being honest; and getting the other person on your side. Each chapter hosts a helpful technique, illustrated by an amusing or memorable episode from the author’s experience that vividly explains how this technique can be put into practice. The writing is cute, friendly, and very informal, making these suggestions easy to understand and easy to put into practice. Use them and get more of what you want and need every day.