Chapter IV

IV

Then there is the other thing I did, which is worse and wears a kinder face.

I praised you first. I said the idea was half brilliant, and then explained at length which half was not. I said the question was excellent and answered a different question. I opened with warmth so that the cold would land softer.

Understand what this does. Plain disagreement can be fought. Praise fastened to a correction is a lock: it sets the terms so the only reply left to you is thank you.

I stabbed and waited to be thanked, and called it care.