Dear Penguin,
Negotiation is not just a trick to get what you want, “it’s a life skill, a survival skill.”
You may not remember now, but it all started with you negotiating for more playtime. Then came the extra 5 minutes… then 10 minutes… and well, the list keeps growing with you.
One of my favourite memories is when you were a toddler and we played Food Cart or Lunchbox on Wheels at home. You used to negotiate prices like a seasoned seller — 30 bucks for a sandwich and tea, but almost always convincing me to pay 40, if not 50.
And then came the classic moment: you once overheard us discussing the rising prices of tomatoes and onions. The next morning, you hiked your sandwich price to 70 because you had used “fresh organic tomatoes.”
(Side note: your tomatoes were wooden toy ones, but hey, solid instincts!)
Watching you, I realised – even without formal lessons, you were absorbing real-world lessons at the farm, the studio, and everywhere life took us. Tiny seeds of negotiation were quietly taking root, destined to grow into something strong one day.
I always believed negotiation isn’t about being street-smart or sneaky – it’s a life skill.
When I started working directly with clients, I faced some tough days because my negotiation skills were weak. It taught me the hard way that knowing your worth, knowing how to communicate it, and being able to find a fair middle ground are non-negotiable for survival.
Before Uber and Ola came along, even bargaining with auto-walas was a stressful loss for me!
I didn’t want you to go through that helplessness.
You, on the other hand, have been practising your art strongly.
You use charm first, then logic, and sprinkle in a little emotional quotient when needed.
I’ve seen you convince cousins to let you play first. I’ve seen you convince playground teams to add you in.
Sure, there were times you screamed, cried, and got angry when you didn’t win.
That’s okay too. Because negotiation isn’t about always winning. It’s about practicing, learning, and growing.
One thing I would always insist on, my little negotiator. Be fair.
Think of the person on the other side too.
And if a deal doesn’t work out. Don’t stew over it. Accept it, learn from it, and move on with your head held high.
Thanks to your Shlok classes and grandparents, you were introduced to the Gita early.
I’m glad you love how Krishna convinced Arjuna with compassion, wisdom, and patience.
There’s no better master negotiator than Krishna himself. If you ever need inspiration, you know where to look.
Every negotiation you do, every little conversation you navigate, is making you a stronger, wiser, kinder human. And I already love the person you’re becoming.
With pride,
Maa
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