A demand is easy.

It costs nothing to say,

“This is what I want.”

A proposal takes thought.

Takes effort.

Takes courage.

A demand is built on a should,

usually unstated,

often unconscious.

“Should” is certainty in a different tone of voice.

A demand assumes someone else will figure it out.

A proposal offers,

“Here’s how I think it could be.”

A proposal is more than a request.

It’s an offering.

A gift.

A consideration.

A possibility.

It invites.

It states what I see.

What I’m willing to own.

Demands create authorship.

Proposals offer relationship.

A demand requires no vulnerability.

A proposal risks rejection.

That’s what makes it real.

The work isn’t asking.

The work is offering.