One thing I’ve always prided myself in is the ability to persuade people.  Now I don’t always persuade people into the thinking or making the decision that I desire, but I feel like I’ve done it enough times for me to have confidence and pride in myself for it.  Today, I was trying to get into the school gym to catch a few last games of basketball before they closed.  I arrived at around 6:20, and the gym closed at 7:00 pm (freaking Martin Luther King Jr Holiday hours!).  Anyhow, a friend of mine was with me who couldn’t get into the gym, but had no where else to go, so thought they’d tag along to watch me.  Now usually when I’m trying to get people into the gym, I just sneak in through the fire exit door near the locker rooms.  Now anytime any of these fire exit doors are opened, the alarm goes off like crazy, but only for the duration while the door was open.  I didn’t think it’d be fit to use it for this occasion.  So I approached the person working the desk who scans the membership cards.  It was a foreigner, and if I had to guess, an Indian (but please don’t hate me for trying to judge, I’m obviously or clearly not trying to be racist or stereotypical in any way).  So here’s the conversation…

“Is it ok if my friend comes in with me to the gym?” – Me

“Sorry, I can’t allow it.” – Worker

“Well all he’s going to do is watch, I mean look, not even dressed to come to the gym!” – Me

“I don’t know, I don’t think so.” – Worker

“The gym closes in 40 minutes anyways, so it won’t be very long, completely harmless.” – Me

“Where are you all going?” – Worker

“Basketball courts” – Me

A moment of hesitation occurs….

“Ok, that’s fine.” – Worker

“Thanks!” – Me

You see? Never hurts to ask .  Mission Accomplished!