Couch Dog

This is a powerful metaphor that we can all apply to our life so hang in there with me as I go through this...

You might be a dog owner who is just fine with having your dog on the couch, but my friend isn't one of those people (even though he adores his dog).

So, he never allows his dog on the couch.

Because the dog never goes on the couch, she never has an expectation of being on the couch.

This is good for my friend and also good for the dog.  No one is confused. 

People on the couch.  Dog on the floor.

Now, pretend there is a dog owner who is sometimes ok with having the dog on the couch and who is sometimes not ok with it.

Maybe when guests are at the house they don't want the dog on the couch, but otherwise it's no problem.

This is super confusing for the dog.  One minute she's snuggling with her owner watching a movie, the next minute she's being scolded.

Now, apply this metaphor to your life.  Especially if you manage people or if you are a parent.

The best thing you can do is set clear expectations and be consistent with those expectations.

If you are not ok with a certain kind of behavior, clarify that it is not ok, and then be consistent with that.

It's the fairest way to treat people so that they are not confused.