In our recent interview with Amy Poehler she told us about why sometimes it’s best not to ask for permission: 

“I’ve learned that it’s not always smart to ask before you do something, just kind of do it. … [At SNL] you got used to figuring out what you should go approach people about.

For example, when [Tina Fey and I] were [hosting] the Golden Globes, there was a bit where I wanted to sit on George Clooney’s lap when my name was being announced in the hopes that if I won, I would kiss him like he was my husband. I knew from my years of working both sides, of being on camera and behind the camera, that it was better to ask George Clooney’s people, “Would you mind if Amy sat next to George when her name was announced?” … and they would ask him or not ask him and they would say “no.” And it’s just too much to be like, “Can she sit on his lap?”

And then I just got to the table and I was like, “Can I sit on your lap?” and he was like, “Sure.” So it’s a little bit easier to just ask in person. … It’s a little harder to say “no” in person. That’s what any door-to-door knife salesman will tell you.”

A Candid Memoir From Comedian Amy Poehler? ‘Yes Please’