Have you ever read self-help advice imploring you to ask for something, such as a raise or a free cup of coffee? The suggestion usually concludes with the statement, “You don’t know until you ask.” It’s cliché because it’s true.

Yesterday, I emailed the company that runs my gym. I complained my monthly fee has stayed at the pre-pandemic rate, although the gym still operates at reduced hours. I concluded by demanding a rate reduction. Today, the company emailed me and agreed to lower my monthly fee until the gym resumes regular hours of operation.

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During my walk outside this afternoon, I passed a couple. The woman pushed a baby in a stroller. The adults were not chatting, holding hands, or looking at each other. Both stared at the cell phone in each of their hands. Maybe they were FaceTiming the same person (if that is possible). Maybe they were watching the same video. Or perhaps cell phones are humans’ worst best invention.