Don’t is a great word.
It almost magically has the opposite impact of the intent.
Tell someone in a precarious place “Don’t Fall” increases the likelihood they will fall.
Tell a child “Don’t spill” and suddenly soda, or milk or juice is everywhere.
Try it next time you’re with a child relative. Look at them and tell them “Don’t laugh” and watch their reaction.
It works on adults too.
There is something innately oppositional in people that if you tell them “Don’t do X” they will suddenly want to do it. That does not mean that they will, but the temptation has been planted.
