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There is a weird quirk in human psychology that can make anyone trust you immediately.

If you ask someone for help, or even just a small favor most people will forget that they have no idea who you are and give you what you are asking for.

Conversely, if you offer someone help they didn't ask for they will become distrustful of you.

This seems a little backward, but it is how most people operate. Consider if you met someone on the street who offered you free money, you would likely be skeptical. If you see someone carrying several large bags most people would go out of their way to hold open a door for them.

Our species has evolved to turn down free assistance and trust those who ask for assistance automatically. Con men and social engineers exploit this quirk to steal your wallet, enter restricted areas, or obtain private information.

Don't be evil.

Happy_Killbot 7 June 3
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I learned that as a negotiating technique in financial dealings. At some point you use the exact phrase " I need your help" followed by a reason why you can't pay as much or accept as little as they want. it really does have a high success rate. I never considered using it in a non financial setting but I guess it works everywhere. weird.

If you read the book "Never split the difference" by Chris Vos, He uses a similar technique in hostage negotiations, except the phrase is: "How am I supposed to do that?"

1

The Ted Bundy school of victim selection.

1of5 Level 8 June 3, 2019

@SeaGreenEyez I'm pretty twisted, so don't feel too good about it. 🙂

That was my first thought: Bundy.
One of the FBI profilers wrote that, after interviewing many sociopaths/psychopaths: that THEY are expert profilers, themselves.

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