Word Your Commands Wisely

Sydney has found a straw and is now roaming the house with it. Naturally, I need to retrieve this from her. I made the mistake of asking "Sydney, may I have the straw?". She responded with a smile and a sweet "no" and a shake of the head. Well, I asked instead of told. I guess I got my answer. I will now either have to distract or tell her to give it to me. I thought last night's dinner companions would find this funny since we were talking about kids, discipline, and setting them up for fits. I guess I need to remember how I should word things...