The Flea Market Negotiator - Part 1

Blame Won't Bargain for You

We won’t get anywhere by blaming our parents, our upbringing, or our environment. Believe me, I tried—the only thing it got me was a very well-fed sense of self-pity. But self-pity doesn't pay the rent. It won’t fix your career. And it definitely won’t help you negotiate the price of that secondhand blender at the flea market, no matter how tragic your childhood story might be.

Here’s the truth: It's never too late to work on yourself. Not in your twenties, thirties, or even when you find yourself googling “how to stretch without pulling a hamstring.” Life starts to make real sense the moment we stop outsourcing responsibility. No one is coming to save us. Not our parents, not our boss, not even our favorite motivational TikTok guru.

Especially if you're a parent—yes, you with the half-eaten granola bar in your bag—you’re basically the project manager of your kid’s life. You’re the one holding the vision, the timeline, and the budget (which somehow never balances). Your child isn’t just your legacy; they’re your longest-term client.

This series is about negotiation, sure—but more than that, it’s about becoming a better human. Because whether you're haggling over the price of tomatoes or trying to talk your teenager out of a fashion disaster, every negotiation starts with you. Who you are matters. How you show up matters.

So we’re going to unpack ten key attributes that make you a better negotiator—and frankly, a better person. We’ll do it lightheartedly. Honestly. And with just enough sass to keep things interesting. Because becoming your best self shouldn’t feel like you’re chewing through cardboard.