I can write: it’s what I do. I can come up with the odd marketing strategy, I can spot a grammatical error from a mile away, I can proofread, I spell well, I give a damn good interview and I am passionate about writing. I could wax lyrical about words to you for hours.
But I won’t.
Today I am writing about something I cannot do. I cannot discuss money. I cannot ask for my writing fee without squirming a little every time; cannot negotiate a better deal at a car yard; can’t agree on how much to tip at restaurants; and would, frankly, rather stick pins in my eyes than wait for 10 cents change in a taxi or at a shop counter.
Why is this? Was I brought up in a home where money was too tight to mention? Or was I brought up in a place where money was so plentiful it merely never needed to be spoken about, was just there in abundance at the swipe of a card?
None of the above. I cannot fathom why I find talking about money so cringe-worthy. The only time I ever voluntarily mention money is when someone compliments me on an item of clothing, to which I inevitably say, “Oh this? It was only $10 at K-Mart, in the bargain bin.”
Ridiculous.
I dislike it when others talk about money too. When girlfriends talk about the earnings of partners or potential partners, when men casually mention how much their new car or other boy toy costs, I cringe and want to leave the room.
It’s a worry, and one I know many friends of mine share – we like-minded, feeble types stick together, you know.
The reason it is a worry is because I do, of course, want to be rich and am aware that my money phobia may hold me back. You wouldn’t find Donald Trump or Oprah offering someone a discount on services, after all, because they had an honest face, or seemed sad that day. Nor would you find them spending half a week’s wage on a dinner because the waiter was scary and you wanted to make him like you by ordering plenty and leaving a big tip.
Another skill to acquire then: I will keep you posted on my money-talking mission.
Sharon Thompson is a freelance writer based in Queensland. She has worked in news, features, real estate writing, column writing, media liaison, media training, web text and more. Sharon is living happily with her long-term partner, and they are eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child. She works much better in the mornings as she is pre-disposed to afternoon naps, and cannot write unless she has a cup of tea next to her.
www.stwritingservices.net.au.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Great article Sharon. I’ll join the ‘discount quotes for sad faces’ club, I fall for it every time.