I’ve fallen in love with the word “cheeky.” It’s a much more elegant word than “embarrassed,” and it has liberated me to ask the most audacious things while in South Africa.
By simply saying, “I have a cheeky question…” or “I have a cheeky request…” I have suddenly gotten into closed vineyards, reservation only restaurants, and 5 star hotel pools. Strangers escort me places, take pictures for me, and tell me stories their dear friends barely know.
My South African friend says I get away with it because I’m American…and people expect audacity from us. But I don’t think I’d never ask so much if I hadn’t discovered the word “cheeky” and embraced it!
Cheers to the power of a word…and seizing permission to take it to audacious limits!