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These 28 Psychological Tricks Are So Easy, You’ll Probably Want To Try Them On The Next Person You Meet
Many books have been written studying our human nature, mainly because us, humans, are not your average mammals, but rather quite complex beings. And while we do have some apparent human behavior patterns, most of us have no idea how easy it is actually to read them without involving any real psychoanalysis. It turns out that no raised eyebrow, nose scratch, or foot placement is done without reason. But let’s be real – no body language trick will make your date instantly fall in love with you, or your dream company hire you. However, some of these psychological tricks are really easy, and you can use them every day. So, what can you gain from these life hacks? Well, you could appear more confident than you really are, and that is a great start.
One internet user compiled a list of fun and easy human psychology tricks that you can try for yourself. Take a look at these twenty short tips and interesting facts below and tell us in the comments whether you’ve used any of them before. And if not, you might be tempted to try this kind of psychological evaluation on your friends.
More info: bigboss0007, Aditya Shukla
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Learn Things With Ease
The best way to learn and remember something is by trying to explain it to someone else. We tend to simplify things when explaining them to others, therefore this might help you to concentrate on the most important bits of information that you wish to remember.
Julie He 7 years ago
This works very well, in school, me and my study partner would take turns re-teaching concepts to each other, dry erase board and everything. It helps you hear it again even if you knew it before, or some cases, learning it for the 1st time. Active learning better than passive learning (alone reading textbook).
Dianne Blasius 7 years ago
Obv did not work too well in school...it's 'my study partner and I' not 'me and my study partner'
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Dian Ella Lillie 7 years ago
I worked in immunological research for 7-8 years before I started teaching it. I learned more in the first two weeks of teaching than I learned in all the years before...
Carol Emory 7 years ago
My husband helps me remember my Accounting material for classes by making me teach him what I've just learned. Helps me a lot come exam time.
movie maven 7 years ago
not only a a stellar tool for learning, but also for trying to accept & reinforce a new concept notion or idea about making or taking to big new change in your life - such as it's time to change jobs or retire. also repetition & saying this aloud to as many people as you can helps.
Luigi Pasta 6 years ago
Sometimes when I have a question about something, instead of looking it up right away, I'll imagine someone else asked ME that question. It's amazing how often that psychological shift from passive to active actually gets you close to a solution.
Rosemary Kelly 7 years ago
And if you teach it wrong because you don't yet understand it yourself?
RELATED:
#2
Find Out Who's Watching You
You know that feeling when you sense that someone is watching you, but you're not really sure? Try yawning and then look at the person whom you suspect of watching. If they yawn too - then you know the person was watching you, as yawning is contagious.
Stella Rose 7 years ago
If they're a psychopath, it won't work, because they lack empathy and are therefore immune...
diane a 7 years ago
It's too damm contagious for me - I only need to read the word "yawn" and am off - yawned 5 times already just typing this lol
Christophe Ferreira 7 years ago
I find that I don't yawn back if the yawn looks fake ... even if it's a true yawn, if it somehow looks fake to me, I would not yawn. So I guess I would correct to "try yawning realistically" :)
movie maven 7 years ago
Or one is just tired &/or bored. Also certain individuals are more susceptible to contagious yawning than others, while others aren't. Recently learned from "Psychology Today" that there is no correlation between empathy or intelligence & contagious yawning. Only growing older seems to slightly alter against contagious yawning.
movie maven 7 years ago
pardon me folks didn't intend for my response to @Stella Rose to be duplicated repeatedly.
#3
Make Them Go Easier On You
If you predict that your boss is going to go off on you in a meeting, sit close to them. It is intensely uncomfortable to talk badly about someone and be aggressive when they are sitting right next to you. The result? The person that intended to bad-mouth you will take it easier.
Randy Dhuyvetter 7 years ago
When you're sitting on their lap, it's too close.
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Victor Manteca Hierro 7 years ago
That's great if you can choose your seat, but usually you can't.
Polleekin 7 years ago
I had a manager who would stand so close he was almost touching whoever he was talking to. When I talked to him i could feel the heat from his body. He also liked to put his hand on people and leave it there. It was intensely uncomfortable even when he was being nice. Maybe he was ensuring no one said anything bad to him
#4
Do A Little Experiment
This is a fun little experiment to try - when you are having a conversation with someone, pick out one word that they say. Each time that the person says that word (or something close to it), just nod or give some other type of positive affirmation. Now watch your conversation partner start saying the word all the time.
Nikisha Melendez 7 years ago
I did this all the time! One of my buddies learned what patronize meant, and I unknowingly nodded my head EVERY single time he said it that day. Later, one of my girlfriends told me about it, and I figured he'd let it go. Nope. Everyday after that, he used it at least 20x. We started keeping a tally sheet.
Amanda Ford 7 years ago
Hmmmm, I wonder if I can make my students work more, sit still, and be quiet with something like this...
#5
Stop Procrastinating
If you're a procrastinator and have important tasks coming up that can't be put off – try thinking about the task before you sleep. It will force your brain to act on them mentally and your brain will start to draw a pathway to the completion of the task. Simply put – before doing a task in the physical world, do it in your head first. When you get to it in your real life, the brain will have already processed a huge chunk of the task, making it easier for you to actually finish it.
Enea 7 years ago
I know from experexperience that this technique does work. However, it's a slippery slope, as it can raise stress levels and raise the likelihood of (chronic) insomnia. Unwinding and getting work-related thoughts out of your head is actually part of a sound sleep hygiene.
Daria B 7 years ago (edited)
Additionally, a sound sleep hygene and a "reset" from work can positively affect your productivity. Sadly... Not all bosses understand that.
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Stella Rose 7 years ago
I do this all the time! Sometimes, I dream about it, and it throws me off because I think I actually did it until I wake up.
Maci Wilcox 7 years ago
One time I woke up, got ready for school, did the homework I neglected to do the night before, and went to school and suffered through the hardest test of the entire school year....Then I woke up just to realize that I had to do all of those things again, just in real life XD
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Kim89 7 years ago (edited)
I call b******t on this one. Sleep is a very useful process for consolidating memory and for processing events and emotions, but it's not some magical activity that will effortlessly create a solution pathway to be implemented the next day. Moreover, as others have said here, thinking about a task that you're procrastinating from while you're in bed is more likely to prevent a solid night of sleep. Obviously, this would undermine the very goal you're trying to attain. The best thing you can do to have a fresh and productive perspective the next day is disengage, unwind, and have some great sleep.
Dorota Grabowska 7 years ago
Really? I say try NOT to think about work/tasks before sleep - whether you're a procrastinator or not.
#6
Spot Office Romances
While laughing in a group of people, we tend to glance at the person that we feel closest to. This can be an easy way to spot any office romances going on.
Naomi Armitage 7 years ago (edited)
That hoe! So soon after breaking up with Craig???
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Polleekin 7 years ago
I was thinking that too. The person I'm closest to in the office is a friend not someone I'm interested in romantically
Load More Replies... Meowton Mewsk 7 years ago
That’s very stupid. People can be close without having intercourse or romance. My office partner is the closest person to me in the whole office but I would never be with him and he doesn’t want to be with me either. The person you are closest to is probably the person who has the same tasks as you or sits nearby you.
Victor Manteca Hierro 7 years ago
I hate it, because it's always some other guy or a senior lady who stares at me. Awkward.
#7
Make Them Agree With You
If you want someone to agree with you when asking a question, slightly nod your head while doing so. In psychology it's called mirroring. It means that people will be more likely to agree with you if you are sending positive affirmation signals (in this case, nodding).
LOttawa 7 years ago
And do you want to share 50/50 with me... yes, yes you do
Load More Replies... Enna Regnoc 7 years ago
I'm in my 60s and worked as a professional. I honestly find people creepy who do this. I had a relative that did it and it was awkward and uncomfortable for her to nod all the time like that. We all reacted that way to her. Guess what? We rarely agreed with her btw.
Krystine Patterson 7 years ago
Seriously you can spot these a mile away, it makes me so wary of the person trying it. Maybe because I'm bitter and twisted and am suspicious of everyone!!
Polleekin 7 years ago
This one works in theory but it's pretty obvious and most people know it when someone does it. I've had sales people try and give me no choice but to say yes, "so you want me to ring you up for this ridiculously expensive item, right?! Come right this way!" I find it makes me want to more firmly say no and disengage
#8
Get The Information You Need
If you want somebody to open up to you, ask them a question and if the person answers it only partially - remain silent and keep eye contact for a little while. This will pressure the person into talking - only beware that some people might get irritated.
movie maven 7 years ago
as an anthropologist my advice would differ, just ask a person about themselves - people tend to relax & come forth more as it's a subject they are expert on!
Christophe Ferreira 7 years ago
I learned that in a manager's training and I used it on my ... manager. He was very good at evading and I'm talkative so it was easy for him. Like "Why do we need to do this task? It's supposed to be the other team and we don't know the product!" and after a few seconds of non-answer and I would add "It's ok, I can do it but I should not have to ...". When I asked a similar question and shut up, after a moment the manager answered embarrassingly he didn't dare refuse the other team but he's going to check with them again... The trainer called it "the 7s rule". Wait 7s after your question.
Krystine Patterson 7 years ago
The person could be silent for the rest of the year, I'll say what I wanna say and nothing more...so naff off!
Aunt Messy 7 years ago
Classic interrogation technique. People can't abide silence. They'll want to fill it and usually elaborate on what they just said.
#9
Appear Friendlier
Want to appear friendly and confident while meeting someone new? Try to make a note of their eye color. No need to mention it to them, of course, but the idea behind it is that it's a simple technique to maintain the optimum amount of eye contact which is a sign of friendliness and confidence.
Meowton Mewsk 7 years ago
Same. Almost everyone of Asian or African descent has brown eyes.
Load More Replies... Christophe Ferreira 7 years ago
or how to look creepy ... not everybody likes prolonged eye contacts...
Nikisha Melendez 7 years ago
How about just smiling genuinely? I'd prefer that to trying to "use the force" with me.
Shmily Riley 7 years ago
She's being very friendly. Boob grabbing shows extreme comfort with the person.
Lex McKee 6 years ago
Absolutely agree in most Western cultures. Eye-contact can be mis-interpreted in different cultures. The safe eye-triangle for those who buy-into a Western world-view is the upper triangle of left-eye, right-eye, then up to the middle of the forehead where some people talk about the third-eye. Any order works if it is not too rapid! The intimate triangle is a whole other affair... let's not go there!
Victor Manteca Hierro 7 years ago
Try it in Japan to have everyone feeling awkward around you.
Martti Laurson 7 years ago
Then you will start thinking about that colour and do not hear or forget what the other person is saying. Not good.
#10
Drop Name-Bombs
If you want to make an impression on someone and maybe even appear charming to them, try repeating their name throughout the conversation. This is because when we hear our names, it grabs our attention and makes us feel like we're being personally addressed and really engaged with. Make sure you don't overdo it though, as you might appear a little bit creepy.
Suzi Gauthier 7 years ago
I've seen this before, but have had salespeople use it so much that it gets annoying.
Christophe Ferreira 7 years ago
Actually, I hate that. I always think "I know you're talking to me, not need to use my name".
Aunt Messy 7 years ago
I do that a couple of times in conversation, but its mainly because I'm horrible at remembering names and if I repeat it at least once I'm more likely to remember it.
Kenny Kulbiski 7 years ago
Once in a conversation is plenty. After that it gets way beyond creepy.
L.j. Bus 7 years ago (edited)
It makes me a bit uncomfortable to be honest. It feels as though I’m not listening enough for them so they need to get more attention from me through saying my name (again). First had that with my bonus niece (switched my nephew out for his ex after he left her and his children and started a war with me for not alienating them as he wanted to so no-one would doubt his lies and drama). Still feels weird, subtle, not at all creepy, just not comfortable to me.
Frankenfrog 7 years ago
I really don't appreciate people using my name several times in a conversation with me, makes me think they have 5 second memory
Krystine Patterson 7 years ago (edited)
It's very disingenuous, it's like they're trying to be your best mate. I hate it and most of us aren't that dumb, so we know it's a 'be-my-friend' tactic. Sales people do it, try to use a fake name, then it won't matter so much!
#11
Stop Worrying Before An Event
If you feel nervous before some kind of event or action, instead of biting your nails or reaching for a cigarette, just try chewing some gum beforehand. Our brains are wired to believe that we're safe whenever we're eating.
Kermit frog 7 years ago
" Our brains are wired to believe that we're safe whenever we're eating" i can justify myself using this one quote now
Jill Rhoads 7 years ago
This reminds me of my new favorite from the new Mamma Mia movie. ”I think carbs are my soulmate.”
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TheDivineMs.M 7 years ago
I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks and I always have gum on hand to chew when I'm struggling
Victor Manteca Hierro 7 years ago
Just don't forget to get rid of the gum before that job interview.
#12
Kill The Annoying Earworm
Probably all of us at one point or another have had a song stuck in our heads that is just impossible to forget. The trick to stop the song playing over and over again inside your brain is to think about the ending of it. This is called the 'Zeigarnik effect' - it states that humans remember uncompleted or interrupted tasks better in comparison to completed tasks.
Blue Cicada 7 years ago
Then I look up the song, and watch a video of it, and then click drift to some other videos, and seven hours later I've watched every episode of you suck at cooking!
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Dian Ella Lillie 7 years ago
In the tea room I like to hum songs like Yellow Submarine or Joelene or Bohemian Rhapsody, just to set others off. Hours later the tunes will be kicking around the building in aural contagion!
Tiny Dancer 7 years ago
This is the song that never ends .. Yes, it just goes on and on, my friends .. Some people started singing it, not knowing what it was .. And they continue singing it forever just because .. This is the song that doesn’t end .. You're welcome, kids! ;-)
NZCas 7 years ago
Nooooo......... now that song will be stuck in my head hahaha.
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Merle S 7 years ago
Question to the englisch natives: is "earworm" a commen word. In German we've got "Ohrwurm" but my friends from Kansas didn't know that.
Geoffrey Pierick 7 years ago
I would not say that it is common, however it is in most people's vocabulary and they will know what you mean
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Connie Martin 7 years ago (edited)
I sing a different song, one that's difficult to sing, and the earworm goes away. The difficult song doesn't persist because it's difficult. I call this a "scrubber tune."
Jenni Bell 7 years ago
Whenever I get a song stuck in my head I look it up on iTunes and listen to it all the way through. Works like a charm, now I know why!
#13
Listen To Classical Music While Studying
According to one study, it was found that rap and hip hop negatively affect GPA, while listening to classical and easy music positively affected GPA. It is thought that the reason behind this is that the vocals in the music are naturally distracting – we, as humans, are more reactive to vocal sounds than to non-vocal ones. Therefore, when learning something new – try listening to some classical music or songs without lyrics.
Bumble 7 years ago
I heard that listening to white noise helps, so `I tried it and found it is the only way to study. It blocks out every distraction. Not for everyone, but definitely for me.
somnomania 7 years ago
I've found, if instrumental/classical music isn't doing it for me, I can listen to stuff with vocals as long as it's not in a language I'm familiar with.
Amanda Ford 7 years ago
I have tinnitus and need some noise to keep the high pitched whine I hear constantly from driving me to distraction. And insanity.
Load More Replies... Naomi Armitage 7 years ago
As an editor, I can totally confirm this, though I choose new wave/synth pop without lyrics. Words in my ears distract me terribly when I'm working with words in front of my eyes. Even people chit-chatting around me is distracting, so I wear headphones at work sometimes. Don't know why, but it's true.
Daria B 7 years ago
Yes! Kikujiro no Natsu and Spirited Away worked wonders for me.♥
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Cat person 7 years ago
I listen to songs with lyrics but they are all very monotonous sounding so they aren't distracting
Elfmonkey 7 years ago
Yup, I can't even read for leisure while listening to a song as I'm tuning in to listen to the lyrics.
#14
Mind Your Feet
The feet are a part of the body that we use a lot when communicating in body language. For example, if you approach someone and they turn their torso to you but not their feet - it's a bad sign and means that they'd prefer to be left alone. Also if you are talking to a person and notice that their feet are pointing away from you, they most probably want to flee.
Trixster Million 7 years ago
Also if you are talking to a person and notice that they're reading a book then leave them alone.
Amanda Ford 7 years ago
And if they're actively walking away, that should be a sign to stop talking to them!
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Luigi Pasta 6 years ago
one foot slightly towards, one slightly away, body 45° to theirs. Works for me!
A Dyke From The Dreamworld 7 years ago
I have femoral anteversion... this don't work on me. My feet are always pointed in weird directions.
#15
Make Your Kids To Finally Eat Vegetables
Every parent knows the struggle of trying to make your kids eat their vegetables. The trick? Instead of asking them if they want any broccoli at all (or any kind of vegetable for that matter), ask them whether they'd like three or five pieces of veg (the quantity is up to you). It'll make kids feel as if they've made a grown-up choice and they'll still be getting their nutrients. It's a win-win!
Stille20 7 years ago
What kid did that work on? Maybe give them a choice between two veggies, but given those two options the child will likely try to bargain down to two pieces... like by the time they are three years old.
Alusair Alustriel 7 years ago
Worked for me fine. Same was with dressing up: Giving a choice wether to wear a red or a blue shirt did wonders. Instead of asking: do you want to put this on? or What would you like to wear today?
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Linouchka 99 7 years ago
In other words, give them choices that don't matter : "Do you want to take your bath with the whale or with the duck ?" instead of "Get in the bathtub!"- "NO!"... Or "Wanna go to bed in your blue jammy or the red jammy ?" instead of "Bedtime !" - "NO!"... It's a trick, but it makes them fell like they have a say.
Ohm-Alex 7 years ago
My mom always got me to eat broccoli by creating pretend worlds where they were trees and I was a giant. Idk who it worked but it did
A Dyke From The Dreamworld 7 years ago
My bruncle (uncle that feels more like a brother) was told that he was a dinosaur (Dinosaurs were HIS S**T, he could name them on sight) and that he had to eat the trees.
Load More Replies... aurora50 7 years ago
With my kids, they each got to choose one vegetable that they could always refuse. All the rest they had to eat at least one bite when they were 4, two bites at 5, 3 bites at age 6. Worked for us... now, as adults, they are world travelers and fearless explorers of places, cultures and foods!
Blue Cicada 7 years ago
Lead by example. If I truly don't care for a food, I eat it anyway, and make certain the kids know that I am eating this food because it's good for me, even though I don't like it. I also will point out that I'm eating necessary food to get my nutrients, so that I can reward myself with a sensible portion of a treat.
Rose the Cook 7 years ago
Probably get better results trying to be more creative when preparing and serving vegetables. Kids who won't eat cooked cabbage will usually eat coleslaw. Reminds them of Mc Donalds etc maybe.
Belle_Pandamonium 7 years ago
Why would anybody give McD-s**t to children??? ☠
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Tackle Eye Contact Anxiety
If you experience anxiety, prolonged eye contact can make you a bit overwhelmed. If it is difficult and uncomfortable for you to maintain eye contact, try looking the person between the eyes. It does not look that much different to the observer and it will make you look way more confident and friendly.
Ohm-Alex 7 years ago
I always try to look them straight in the eye but I don’t know which one to look at
Kira Honeycutt 4 years ago
well if ya make sure they only have one ya don't need to make as big of a choice there do you?
Load More Replies... Daria B 7 years ago
This one depends on the culture. In Korea, it is preferred not to make prolonged direct eye contact.
Marcus Fleming 7 years ago
Imagine a meeting room of people who've all read this post, are all trying this stuff, grinning and staring and yawning and saying each other's names, and all thinking they're the only genius in the room.
Trixster Million 7 years ago
Oh, the eyes, that makes sense. I was always looking at the breasts.
Linouchka 99 7 years ago
I try to un-focus and to look at all their face as a whole, like a painting or an object that cannot embarrass me.
Luigi Pasta 6 years ago
Always stare straight at the chest. Do not look away. This builds rapport and makes women feel very comfortable. They sense that you genuinely care about them, because you're focussed on their heart. .... lol. Or, alternate between eyes and mouth.
Victor Manteca Hierro 7 years ago
And if you are very close, you'll look like a wall-eyed derp.
#17
Fake A Smile
If you're feeling a bit down (we all have those days, don't we?) trick your brain into thinking that you're in a good mood by simply faking a smile. The brain and the body both exchange feedback simultaneously, therefore consequently, one affects the other in numerous ways. Fake smiling will engage similar neural networks as a genuine smile would. This means that faking a smile (or any other kind of expression of joy) can lift your mood.
Elfmonkey 7 years ago
And if you're actually depressed, don't fake-smile but ask for help. Signed, been there.
Blue Cicada 7 years ago
When working with people who are autistic, or on the spectrum close to autistic, they frequently express a reluctance to be "fake" or to "pretend". Some are unwilling to affect a pleasant expression on their face, or a smile, because "That's not how I'm really feeling" Or, "that's not real!"
Molly Tallmadge 7 years ago
As a person on the spectrum, I can confirm this. I don't hide my feelings.
Load More Replies... snoozy womble 7 years ago
I have tried this before, it makes me look like Wednesday Addams in Addams Family Values when she is at camp...
David Franks 7 years ago
Note that fake smiling creates a different facial expression than really smiling does, so don't fake smile in order to seem friendlier to other people.
Blue Cicada 7 years ago
But most people in the business world fake smile all the time!
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Pani Trakovická 7 years ago
I use this trick often and it works. Yes, there is surely no need to be happy all the time, but it helps to prevent getting into bad mood, which leads to bad decisions on that day. One fake smile in the morning on my way to work, in the car, where no one can see me, can change my perception of life that day from dark grey to coloured.
Krystine Patterson 7 years ago
Tell that to someone standing on the edge of a bridge or train tracks.
#18
Alleviate Motion Sickness
Motion sickness happens when your vestibular system tells the brain that you're moving, while your eyes are looking at something that is still and informs the brain that you are actually stationary. This clash results in motion sickness. To alleviate it – try looking outside the window as this way, your brain will understand that you're actually moving.
Grazina Strolia 7 years ago
Motion sickness is lessened by feeling in control of the movement. This is why you don't feel motion-sick if you're driving, but do if you're the passenger. You can also press down with your thumb on the pulse-point of each wrist and it goes away instantly. They even sell wristbands with a bump on them that do this. It apparently can also be lessened by lowering the ambient temperature? I haven't myself tested this.
Dzintra Kalnina 7 years ago
I feel it while driving. Especially automatic cars. The smell within a car (am sensitive to smells) adds to it.
Load More Replies... Daria B 7 years ago
But why do I only get motion sickness is cars, busses and entertainment park rides, and not in trains, ships and airplanes? There must be more to it. When I close my eyes and listen to music, it helps me feeling better.
Marianne Saiso 7 years ago
For some people it is an up and down motion that makes them sick. For others a sideways motion. Depends partly on your sense of balance in general and partly on the specific way your inner ear is built. And the position you are in. And how used you are to a particular way of motion. Some seaworking people get seasick standing on land after a voyage.
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Deena Salzman 7 years ago
This definitely explains why for me, and many other people, the surest way to give yourself motion sickness is by reading.
TheDivineMs.M 7 years ago
The best trick... keep your eye on the horizon. If you're on a curvy road and can't see a horizon, keep your eyes as far ahead as possible. It works, I've tried it.
Eunice Probert 7 years ago
Tried it and it doesn't work. I have an inner ear problem which caused the travel sickness.
#19
Learn Wiser
If you have a lot of content which you need to learn, try learning it in chunks of relevant information instead of trying to memorize the whole thing in one sitting. This method of studying is a combination of two psychological processes called 'interleaving' and 'chunking'. For example, if you have a large text to memorize, instead of cramming it whole, read two or three related topics about it and then get back to your main paper. Similar topics are filled with information that will later fit into the larger framework, which will then make easier for you to comprehend the whole topic. Also, processing the information in chunks makes your brain retain the information much easier.
GlassOfWater 7 years ago
What's wrong with cramming a year's worth of study the night before the exam??? ;)
Kira Honeycutt 4 years ago
that i have autism i will forget a years worth of that cramming lol
Load More Replies... Jill Rhoads 7 years ago
Also look into something called SRS (Spaced Repetition System) for more effective memorization.
#20
Ask For Favors
According to a psychological phenomenon called the 'Ben Franklin effect,' our minds struggle to maintain consistency between our actions and perceptions. This is due to so-called cognitive dissonance. Would you like to see how it works in practice? Try asking someone to do a small favor for you, as it tricks the other person into thinking they like you (spot the dissonance?). As Benjamin Franklin said himself, “He that has once done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another, than he whom you yourself have obliged.”
Luigi Pasta 6 years ago
I've noticed when driving, that if I am particularly helpful to another driver, and he later acts stupidly, I am actually LESS likely to react harshly to him.
#21
Walk Through Busy Streets More Easily
While walking down a busy street, keep your eyes locked on the direction you're walking towards. People tend to watch other people's eyes in crowded areas, to see which direction they're going so that they can go the opposite way.
Night Owl 7 years ago
Or pretend you're talking on the phone engrossed in the conversation, be loud, put your elbows out and gesticulate wildly and pretend you don't notice you're hitting people. They will start to get out of your way. Disclaimer: please don't actually do that.
Kira Honeycutt 4 years ago
lol, i kinda feel like this is the kinda stuff that would be on emkays: r/technicallythetruth
Load More Replies... SykesDaMan 7 years ago
Won't work for me! In my everyday routes, I tend to go through busy streets, with mostly people looking at their phones (!!!) while walking right through you. Heck, even if the street is empty, they walk into you!
Nizumi 7 years ago
The trick is to really focus on something *beyond* the person coming towards you. To look at them is a challenge - they won't move. To look away is submissive - they won't move. The phone thing? You'll just plow into each other. But for me, keeping my head up and eyes focused on something beyond the people walking towards me works about 85% of the time. The only times it didn't work was when it was so packed and busy, nobody had room to move out of the way, but they still shifted themselves sideways as much as possible. Interesting...
Linouchka 99 7 years ago
For me, I stare straight forward and right THROUGH people. They think I didn't see them and move out of my way. Works almost every time.
Victor Manteca Hierro 7 years ago
Wave a big knife just before you. People will change course or be eviscerated.
#22
Ask Someone To Help You Without Saying A Word
If you are carrying a heavy load, let's say several bags of groceries or a pile of books, and you want to share the load with someone - just keep talking while you're handing them the bag (or books). The majority of people will automatically take the bag from you without even thinking about it. However, some people might become confused.
GlassOfWater 7 years ago
I tried this with my brother. It nearly worked (he reached for the handle) but stopped and called me a lazy turd... ;-;
Kenny Kulbiski 7 years ago
If someone hands me a bag of groceries I'll say "thanks" and head for the house .
Hugo Raible 7 years ago
I think the person who is most confused in this situation is the girl on the right.
#23
Don't Be The Middle Guy
An easy way to make an impression on someone that is interviewing you for a job - don't be the person in the middle. Simply put - try to be either the first or the last interviewee. People tend to have the clearest memories of something that happened either in the beginning or at the end of something, and our minds easily blur everything that happened in between.
Naomi Armitage 7 years ago
I remember this from college psych class--"the primacy-recency effect" (remembering the first thing and the most recent thing easier than what came between them).
Blue Cicada 7 years ago
When being interviewed, I'm almost always asked about several time openings. I choose the earliest opening, in part to make a good first impression as the first interview of the day, and also to exhibit a willingness to take the initiative and start tasks early.
Luigi Pasta 6 years ago
"Hi, I have an interview for the admin position tomorrow, I just wanted to reschedule it so that I'm first or last." yep, that happens.
#24
Win Rock, Paper, Scissors
An easy way to win a "rock, paper, scissors" game is to ask someone a question just before the game starts. If you drop a question and then immediately proceed to say "rock, paper, scissors," chances are that your partner will most likely throw scissors.
Ryo Bakura 7 years ago
Most people pick scissors, regardless. Similarly, most people pick '3' when asked to pick a number between 1 and 5.
Jill Rhoads 7 years ago
If this really worked you could be a god in Japan where this small game is used to decide who goes first/last all the time.
Victor Manteca Hierro 7 years ago
"Are these pants too tight for my junk? Rock, paper, scissors!"
DonnieandKailyn Waters 7 years ago
I just did this with my husband and he freaked out when i told him i knew he was going to do scissors and wouldn't leave mw alone til i told him how 😆
A. Nonny Mouse 2 years ago
It’s because your subconscious is still focused on the question (most of the time because they’re confused why you asked the question in the first place), so it scrambles to come up with something to throw down, and it just throws down the last thing it hears (scissors)
A. Nonny Mouse 2 years ago
It’s because since your brain is still focused on r he question, your subconscious scrambles to figure out what it’s going to throw down so it will just throw down the last thing it hears with is scissors
Luigi Pasta 6 years ago
interesting. but I always throw rock. cos I like to intimidate my opponent with my fist.
#25
Make Bonding Easier
If you want to seem inviting when meeting someone new, make sure your hand is warm before giving them a handshake. In addition, try subtly mimicking their body language as it builds trust and makes you bond easier.
Sally Appleton 7 years ago
*aggressively breathes on cold hands before going in for the handshake*
Kira Honeycutt 4 years ago
bruh y u gotta take the hard path, just dunk them hands in steaming water
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Thomas Ewing 7 years ago
A firm handshake with eye contact and a smile work nicely. Be open and honest, even if you might think the person isn't to your liking. They will have no 'ammo' against you.
Luigi Pasta 6 years ago
no, that's a bit rude. Put your hands down THEIR pants first.
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First Name 7 years ago
Gee. I'll just have to remember to pull my hands out of the microwave right before introductions.
Daria B 7 years ago
Make sure your hands are warm? Hmmmmh.... Goota keep my blood circulation running wild. And keep my hands in my pockets during the whole winter. ♥
Ashley Frieson 7 years ago
I'm quite literally freezing cold all winter, my hands especially. Winter is the season of no handshakes, apparently lol
Victor Manteca Hierro 7 years ago
Just avoid being seen when you get your warmed hand out of your pants.
Victor Manteca Hierro 7 years ago
Just avoid being seen when you get your warmed hand out the front of your pants.
#26
Drop The Annoying Habit
An amazing thing about our brain is that it is extremely gullible and will believe anything you say – therefore, you can use this trait to your advantage. Firstly, you need to have a trigger – a thing that scares you, like social anxiety for instance. Then, for example, if you want to quit an unhealthy habit, like biting your nails, lie to your brain that you biting your nails will result in some scary social situation. Bear in mind, that this should be used for good purposes only. Don't tell your brain that you're unworthy, incompetent or stupid – because while it is not true, you can easily make your brain believe it.
Louise Brigance 7 years ago
Are we really that weak minded? I recall telling myself over and over again how bad smoking was...and I knew it. Thought I was invincible till I got lung cancer! That stopped me cold. I don't recommend that way!!
Signe Manat Hansen 7 years ago
"smoking is bad" is nowhere concrete enough. Also congrats on beating cancer :)
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Linouchka 99 7 years ago
You can actually train your brain any way you want. Yet, I would go for the treat rather than for the punishment : "If I refrain myself from biting my nails, they will grow beautifully and look healthier than they do now and people will stop looking at my hands with pity. They will admire me for quitting this nasty habit !" and so on.
First Name 7 years ago
Isn't using social anxiety counterproductive? It doesn't make sense to counter a bad habit by encouraging an even more damaging psychological condition.
Daria B 7 years ago
The best way to stop a bad habit is to focus on something else that will let you forget about it. For example, I was a hopless nail biter for all my underage life. After high school, I made some lifestyle changes and I noticed I don't bite my nails anymore. It simply happened. I just focused on the other things in my life. And now, a whole decade has passed and I still don't bite my nails.
Sophia Cai 7 years ago
When you have social anxiety you can think of a bad scenario from any habit or choice
#27
Appear Wiser
If you want people to take you a little bit more seriously, each time you give advice you can tell them that it's 'what your father taught you.' People by nature tend to trust father figures.
TheBlackPanda 7 years ago
I know this trick. When people try to use it on me I say "I don't really care what your dad said" lol especially if I didn't ask for their advice.
Victor Manteca Hierro 7 years ago
Every time I hear that, I think "wow, your dad was such an idiot".
Magdalina777 7 years ago
...I don't really see why that'd work. Why would I be inclined to believe the experience of someone I've never met and don't know a thing about as opposed to the experience of the actual person I'm talking to(which implies I probably at least know their name etc)? Is it just because it's a parent? Parents don't know a lot of things. Not even necessarily due to being bad parents, it's just that time change and something that was very useful and on-point in times of their youth may well be useless now.
#28
Memorize Your Grocery List Easily
The mnemonic peg system is a memory aid that works by creating mental associations between two objects. Generally, the system includes linking nouns to numbers and it is usual to choose a noun that will rhyme with the number you want to associate it with. Let's say, the third product in your grocery list is a soap. Three rhymes with tree, therefore you can try imagining a tree with bars of soap hanging from its branches. Ridiculous, yet effective. Try making your imaginary story as dramatic as possible, as vivid visualization helps you to remember information easier.
Also, remember chunking? This technique was mentioned as one of the most efficient ways of retaining information. You can also apply chunking when trying to remember everyday things, such as your grocery list. Try grouping the items together, for example - vegetables could be your one group of items and bread products – another one.
Lilly 7 years ago
after i got used to carrying a cell phone (something i actually hate), i started using it to my advantage. i start a grocery list on the inside of my cabinet door & just before I head out, I take a picture of it. no need to try to remember to grab the list--and have something else to carry around. if i feel that i've forgotten to add something to the list, i take pics of the inside of the 'fridge/freezer & shelves/cabinets so i can double check stock levels while at the grocery store. works great for me & i just delete the pics when shopping is done!
BoredDragonfly 7 years ago
I just make my grocery list on my phone. I have it with me at all time (don't use it all the time, but always have it with me). Therefore when I think of something, I immediately put it in my phone. I just use my notes app in my iPhone. In the Netherlands we have at least one supermarket I know of where you can put your groceries list in and if I am not mistaken, when you use the app in the grocery store, it puts all your groceries in the order of the walkway of the store.
Louise Brigance 7 years ago
Oh, I do online grocery shopping and I start my list about a week before I go pick up my groceries. I wouldn't trade doing it this way for anything. Somebody else fights the crowds or not. I just know I tell them I want pickup my groceries on this day and this time and it's there!!
Carol Emory 7 years ago
The association technique also works with exams. When I took my osteology exam, we had to remember the names of certain parts of the bone. Those that weren't blatantly obvious were difficult. But word association helped. Like the ridge of bone that runs alone the underside of your femur (thigh bone)...It's called the Linea Aspera and I remembered it by thinking "It's the line close to my a*s." Another technique I used in history was not remembering dates and the associated event. But remember the dates in order they occurred and the event in the order they occurred. Then when it came to test time..they'd ask what event took place in 1776. I just had to count down the list to 1776 (5th event) then count down my event list til I reached #5 (US Declaration of Independence Signed.)
Gwen Pollock 7 years ago
I like to make my grocery list by how I shop. I will start at one end and go from there. It helps me get out quicker. Plus I will group things by aisle, that way I am not going down the same aisle three times.
Shivank Agarwal 6 years ago
Really good stuff on memory. I am looking for some data on visual memory. But is not here. Else your content is too gopd
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What do you think ?
The Cappy 7 years ago
Or you can have honest interactions without the head games that make the world such a trying place. Just sayin'.
Load More Replies... Krystine Patterson 7 years ago
And if you follow all of these psych tricks, you'll be suitably qualified to lead a cult.
Debiah McKnight 7 years ago
These techniques are facts it works like a charm. I'm a very good listener I love to have people engage with me. I like people and this is a surefire to accomplish communication. I've been doing these techniques for many year's. There was a time in my life when it was horrible to talk with other's however after getting over it I started to implement this way of communicating. Good luck if you're new to these steps. Kindness Always Debiah
siot Poly 4 years ago
This is very innovative and informative also useful Article. Very good article on latest trending topics. It was really good content. This is one of the most incredible blogs I've read in a very long time. I appreciate your work for providing us such a useful information.it was really good content. best polytechnic colleges in navi mumbai
Sabal Minor 7 years ago
Agree & think this would be good steps for anti- socials or asperger (sp?)sufferers
Max L. 7 years ago
#29 hope it helps. I had a time in which I had to face panic attacks, and this was getting worse going into crowded places. Felt observed, thought everyone would watch at me and find me ugly and overweight (I know Im still overweight, btw :D). So anytime getting into a mall, for some reason this was the most affected place, found this working trick and the panic attacks disappeared. Well, if I think Im ugly and overweight Ill just wait someone to pass who does seem more ugly and more overweight and I will chase so people will look at him, sounds right. That worked. Only little to none side effect, those chaps randomly felt followed around the aisles and quick turn around so as soon as you get the trick to start browsing the shelves looking for nothing, that would do. :-)
The Cappy 7 years ago
Or you can have honest interactions without the head games that make the world such a trying place. Just sayin'.
Load More Replies... Krystine Patterson 7 years ago
And if you follow all of these psych tricks, you'll be suitably qualified to lead a cult.
Debiah McKnight 7 years ago
These techniques are facts it works like a charm. I'm a very good listener I love to have people engage with me. I like people and this is a surefire to accomplish communication. I've been doing these techniques for many year's. There was a time in my life when it was horrible to talk with other's however after getting over it I started to implement this way of communicating. Good luck if you're new to these steps. Kindness Always Debiah
siot Poly 4 years ago
This is very innovative and informative also useful Article. Very good article on latest trending topics. It was really good content. This is one of the most incredible blogs I've read in a very long time. I appreciate your work for providing us such a useful information.it was really good content. best polytechnic colleges in navi mumbai
Sabal Minor 7 years ago
Agree & think this would be good steps for anti- socials or asperger (sp?)sufferers
Max L. 7 years ago
#29 hope it helps. I had a time in which I had to face panic attacks, and this was getting worse going into crowded places. Felt observed, thought everyone would watch at me and find me ugly and overweight (I know Im still overweight, btw :D). So anytime getting into a mall, for some reason this was the most affected place, found this working trick and the panic attacks disappeared. Well, if I think Im ugly and overweight Ill just wait someone to pass who does seem more ugly and more overweight and I will chase so people will look at him, sounds right. That worked. Only little to none side effect, those chaps randomly felt followed around the aisles and quick turn around so as soon as you get the trick to start browsing the shelves looking for nothing, that would do. :-)
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