This is very shallow. Negotiation theory is not helpful when you're plainly or partially wrong, or just in a very weak position to defend. Here's a classic neg

This is very shallow. Negotiation theory is not helpful when you're plainly or partially wrong, or just in a very weak position to defend. Here's a classic negotiation example that I just can't crack: Her: I've told you, please don't leave your socks on the floor. Him: (mirroring) Leave my socks on the floor? Her: Yes. Please throw them in the laundry bin right after you take them off. Him: (open-ended question) How am I supposed to do this if I'm in a hurry? Her: After you take off your socks, pick them up. Then throw them into the bin. Two seconds and you're are done. Him: (Pascal's empathy) Yes, you're right. Leaving socks on the floor is just annoying. But understand that when I get home sometimes I'm in a hurry or I'm tired and I don't feel like picking up the socks. Her: Please just do it. It annoys the hell out of me. There's just no good way to negotiate your way out of this. Typically negotiation courses and books always focus on how the reader will bargain to win, not to minimize losses or just accept to lose but compromise on an ongoing basis (give-and-take).