7 Magic Words to Get the Things You Want ...

Guys, especially, tend to shy away from any conversation that involves commitment, but there are certain words and phrases you can use in lieu of the big C word that will get him to listen without getting freaked out. It's all in how you say something. Make it casual, don't plan it by being in a restaurant; doing it while you're driving or taking a walk and not actually focusing on each other is perfect. Then, just let him know that you're having a good time but you're not seeing any other people.

Trying to lecture a colleague into being less of a mess can be pretty hard. You don't want to come off like you're trying to be the boss, and you don't want to be the office nag, either – but there's just so much clutter and disorganization you can take. Rather than lecturing, try this: just tell your troublesome colleague you're more than happy to offer some help, and ask if they mind if you get to a certain task after you finish something else.

It's also really hard to ask for a raise. I mean, the thought that you'll be told “no” is just awful. However, wording things the right way can definitely get you what you want. All you have to do is make sure to talk about a common goal that you and your boss both have, while making sure to mention that you want to make a serious commitment to the company. Letting your boss know you're in this for the long haul is always a good thing.

In this day and age, it's common for girls to ask out guys, but that doesn't mean every woman wants to, and that's okay. You can get him to ask you out without seeming desperate, overbearing, or all up in his face. All you have to do is mention wanting to see a movie you think he might like, or wanting to do an activity you know you both enjoy. He'll likely take the hint and go from that point.

Is your roommate acting like a total slob? As with your colleague, you probably don't want to lecture or nag her, but of course you want to live in a clean home. What you have to do here is make sure you incorporate the both of you into a cleaning project. For instance, you can say something like, “We don't want the place to look like this, why don't we get it straightened up together?” The addition of teamwork makes it not seem like you're putting her down or making judgments.

When it's a busy weekend night, getting a drink at a bar or a club is pretty much impossible. Experts say that you only need to say four little words to get a bartender to give you a little liquor love. First, you tip a little extra on your first drink. With subsequent refills, simply say, “Be good to me.”

Oh yes. There is one single word you can say that will greatly increase your chances of getting favors from people – within reason, of course. It's simple, it's easy to remember, and it will work in just about any situation. “Please.” Just that.

Often, a little tact and good manners will get you just about anything you want. You don't have to be manipulative, just polite. What do you do to get the things you want out of life?

Top Photo Credit: Roberutto photography