If you’re ever in the mood, consider how much we command one another to do things over which we have no final say:

  1. Have a good day
  2. Enjoy your meal
  3. Take care
  4. Cheer up
  5. Sleep well

I think there are at least two reasons these commands are inoffensive to all but maleficent ne’erdowells:

  1. Most of these, with the possible exception of #3 and #4, are remnants of longer wish statements. For example, #2 could be more fully stated by saying, “I hope you enjoy your meal.” In this instance, the waiter is not demanding something as much as expressing his sincere hopes that you have a scrumptious feast.
  2. Even if all of these have assumed the force of commands, no one is offended by them because you are essentially commanding that person to be happy, which is universally agreeable.

Any other commands you would add?