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How do I convince an illiterate family member to let me teach them how to read? (literature.cafe)

submitted 22 hours ago* (last edited 22 hours ago) by Karl@literature.cafe to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

32 comments fedilink hide all child comments

They have never been to school. They've never said anything about wanting to read. But when they have to read something, they pretend they forgot their glasses or smth like that. They're insecure about it. I feel sad for them. That said, they're pretty stubborn. What can I possibly do to convince them to try learning?

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[–] jbrains@sh.itjust.works 2 points 21 hours ago* (last edited 21 hours ago) (3 children)

(EDIT: I didn't look closely enough, so I didn't notice that I was replying to someone else and not OP. Oops. I'll wait for OP to reply. Comments withdrawn.)

[–] funkajunk@lemmy.world 3 points 21 hours ago (1 children)

Their motivation can be as simple as "I want to".

I'm not really sure what you're hoping to achieve with this line of questioning?

[–] jbrains@sh.itjust.works 1 points 21 hours ago* (last edited 20 hours ago)

I know what it can be, but I don't know what it is. When I know more, I can offer more helpful advice.

For example, if their motivation really is as simple as "I want to", then quite frankly, their relative has no obligation to give OP what they want by letting OP help. And trying to force that on their relative seems risky and invites failure. This is known as "inflicting help" and is a very common source of friction in relationships.

That's why I'm asking.

[–] JoMiran@lemmy.ml 3 points 21 hours ago (1 children)

Believe it or not, some people are truly selfless sometimes.

[–] jbrains@sh.itjust.works 2 points 21 hours ago* (last edited 20 hours ago)

Sigh.

Can you imagine a universe in which asking the questions I asked is in fact a way of gathering more information with the goal of helping, instead of indirectly criticizing OP and doubting the sincerity of their intentions?

What if I thought this might be a common reaction, then brought that into the open in the middle of my questions? Would that help?

[–] everett@lemmy.ml 2 points 21 hours ago (1 children)

I'm not OP, I just read the post.

[–] jbrains@sh.itjust.works 1 points 21 hours ago

I did not notice that, so that's my mistake. Sorry.