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The subconscious mind causes us to behave in ways we don’t even realize. We might find ourselves doing something without thinking about it, and we don’t stop to ask ourselves why, either. The inner psyche is deep and complex but that doesn’t mean it can’t be shaped with some clever hacks.

Recently, a Reddit user asked everyone to share the psychological tricks that blew their mind when they first heard them. Bored Panda has collected the finest ones to help you become a master of the mind.

From ones to help you realize yourself more fully, to ones that will help you to get what you want from others, there are lots of valuable tips here. And some funnier ones too! See what you can learn and check out our other collections here and here too!

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them If someone makes a derogatory joke about you in a group setting, play dumb and ask them to explain. It’s not funny the second time and they will look like an AH

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Caro Caro
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This works really well. And you don't have to play dumb either.

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Bored Panda spoke with Dr. Tara Well, a professor of psychology and creator of the 'Mirror Meditation' technique. This mindful practice is based on the neuroscience of 'mirroring' and her psychological research on stress-management, self-compassion, and emotional resilience. The technique teaches people how to increase self-awareness, confidence and personal presence; manage stress and emotions; and develop self-compassion.

If you’re interested in learning how to use mirrors and reflections for your own psychological benefit, you should visit her website and pre-order her upcoming book on Mirror Meditation. She’s always active on Psychology Today, so be sure to read more of her published writings there too. 

Dr. Well told Bored Panda more about her unique technique and experience in psychological studies. She said, “As a psychology professor, I study mirrors and reflections. People often tell me that they hate looking in the mirror because they can make them feel self-conscious.”

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As everyone has a mirror of some sort, she goes on to explain the psychological effects of them. She said, “We often use the mirror to check out how we look to others–as in morning grooming rituals and the stealth ‘spinach check’. But if you focus too much on how others view you, you may worry that they are judging you."
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    #2

    I taught teenagers in a really tough London school. A colleague taught me a brilliant trick to get a kid to calm down when they were angry:

    Look them calmly in the eye and say “what do you want to happen next?”

    Most of the time they were so caught up in emotion they hadn’t thought about the consequences of their dickery. As soon as you prod them to think about consequences, most of them would calm down straight away.

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    #3

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them Minimizing. If you feel like something is a really big chore or you just can't get yourself to get up and go do something, minimize it to a small insignificant part. Instead of doing all the garden work, say you're just going to take the tools out so when you want to work you can. 90% of the time once you're up and doing the small thing, the big bad chore doesn't seem so bad now and you end up doing it.

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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do this a lot, like stacking all the dishes neatly so later in the day or tomorrow it doesn't feel like such a chore to actually wash. Or getting the vaccine cleaner out, then actually doing the vacuuming the nxt day

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    So, how can we get out of this uncomfortable state? She continued, “First, realize you have a choice on where you put your attention. Then, deliberately shift your focus. Shift your attention off yourself and onto others.”

    “For instance, if you are giving a presentation, focus your attention on your audience and build rapport with them. Don’t focus on yourself and how nervous you are or how you may look to them. Focus your attention outward instead.”

    "In a conversation in which you start to feel uncomfortably self-conscious, shift the focus onto the other person by asking them a question and noticing how they are feeling instead," she explained. "When we feel anxious, we tend to focus on ourselves, which makes us even more nervous. Remember to volley the attention back and forth in conversation—don’t hold onto the ball of self-consciousness."

    Dr. Well's advice goes to show that it's all in our head and we can make a conscious decision about our behavior, so long as we keep this advice with us.

    #4

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them At a garage sale, my father wanted $5 for a desk. It sat all day. Eventually, he wrote $10, and $20 above the $5 and crossed them out making it look like he'd dropped the price twice. It was gone in under 30 minutes.

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    #5

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them If you don’t look a toddler in the eyes after it falls or hurts itself and just act like all is fine, there’s a good chance they won’t cry

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    "In a conversation in which you start to feel uncomfortably self-conscious, shift the focus onto the other person by asking them an interested question and noticing how they are feeling instead," she explained. "When we feel anxious, we tend to focus on ourselves, which makes us even more nervous. Remember to volley the attention back and forth in conversation—don’t hold onto the ball of self-consciousness."
    #6

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them If you ask someone to move over to an arbitrary different location to talk (could be 5 feet away) they are much more likely to listen to you and follow instructions. (One of my tricks as an elementary school teacher.)

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    #7

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them Stop talking.

    If you want to get more information out of someone, just let them speak. There are times in a conversation that things stop. Most people want to fill this themselves, but don't. Let the other person do it.

    This is especially useful if you think the person and their story is full of shit.

    I-am-a-meat-popcycle , LinkedIn Sales Solutions Report

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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's technique the police uses during "interviews" to make people give up their right to keep their mouth shut. Just be silent and wait till they can't bear the silence anymore and start to ramble.

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    #8

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them By walking with your head and eyes forward like you’re deliberately going somewhere, people will move out of your way. I first tried this in a crowed mall when I was 14 and was blown away. I felt so powerful at 14 lol.

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    Christian
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good tip. I usually walk after turning my head 90° and looking directly upwards.

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    #9

    If you look and sound like you know what you are doing, odds are a fair amount of people will think you know what you are doing.

    Even if you don't

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    hyperunknown avatar
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My dad did this as a test with me when I was about 20. I had never been at his workplace, he'd been changing recently so the people there didn't know me yet. He got me clothes that looked like DHL/Bring/UPS-type clothes, like the delivery-type, right. He said, while he had his break and wasn't there, just go into the reception, say hello while just walking past, go through the hallway, and then the second office to the right (his). Calmly unplug the computer and take it with you and walk out, saying bye as you exit. Worked flawlessly. He worked as a security consultant and basically that was what got them in trouble - noone said anything because it LOOKED legit.Social engineering as it's finest, innit. I never forgot it and I've used it on other occasions to let me out of a jam.

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    #10

    Working as a waitress, if I noticed a customer was getting particularly impatient and it looked like they were going to be rude to me when I went over, when I would take the food over and before they got the chance to speak I’d say something like ‘So sorry for the wait, thanks for being so lovely about it!’

    It seemed to catch them off guard and paint them as the ‘nice guy’ in my eyes, and more often than not their expression would change from pissed off to surprised, then they’d say something like ‘oh no problem it’s okay’ so they could keep being the nice guy and feel good about themselves and I avoid a chewing out.

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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    in my corporate job, they been telling me to never say 'sorry for keeping you waiting' or 'sorry for being late' - rather say 'thank you for your patience' and the likes

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    #11

    i tend to procrastinate. a lot.

    I've given myself this rule where i will internally count down from whatever number and when i hit zero i have to do the thing or else.

    example: in the shower, depressed, letting the water run over me. i dont wanna get out but I'm wasting water.

    begin counting down from 30. 29. 28. 27... 3. 2 1. put hand on dial and turn it off without any thought. the only thought is "zero"

    i do this for lots of things

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    Demi Zwaan
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, this doesn't work for me at all. Nothing works when you have executive dysfunction.

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    #12

    If a toddler does something to get your attention, do the same.

    Once my nephew dropped on the floor and started having a tantrum by shouting and kicking.

    I did the same. He looked at me shocked and confused, got up and walked away lol

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    WilvanderHeijden
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok, try doing that in the middle of the shopping mall. Security will escort you out.

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    #13

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them People who feel guilty will over explain to justify their actions.

    I do insurance claims. I don't need to know why you backed into a pole, I don't care. It's covered, all I need is the incident and damage description. But man some people feel so bad about it, they won't stop going on about how the sun was in their eyes but they should have looked better and they can't believe it happened, and they have a reversing camera and sensors which were supposed to help but they didn't and they're so angry with themselves and it's a new car and they can't believe they've done this.

    JackofScarlets , The Creative Exchange Report

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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Feeling guilty and being guilty are totally different things though.

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    #14

    You know how small yappy dogs and tiny mice running around are terrifying despite us logically being much larger? Well in Kendo there is the "disarming scream" where you run at your opponent with a loud scream. When I've attempted doing my kendo practise, despite warning the person of what I'm about to do they inevitably drop the sword and can't take it. I've used this trick even without my old bamboo practise sword. Ie I ran at a violent mugger who was beating a young student. I'm a small woman but the guy still ran off. I've also used this trick to literally throw a guy more than twice my size (don't recommend unless you know how to do a judo throw)

    So basically, if you don't have an alternative, loud scream coinciding with running at your opponent works very well at disarming someone.

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    Sheila McEnany Markowitz
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have chased quite a few coyotes away using this method, as well as stopped people with nefarious intent from carrying out said intent.

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    #15

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them If you find yourself overthinking, stare at a fixated point. To fetch memories, your eyes need to move. So if you’re staring at a singular point, it’s very difficult to overthink.

    chaoticsushi , Nathan Dumlao Report

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    Riley Quinn
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The saccadic eye movements that people make when thinking have been largely ignored in the eye-movement literature. Nevertheless, there is evidence that such eye movements are systematically related to internal thought processes. On average, people move their eyes about twice as often when searching through long-term memory as they do when engaged in tasks that do not require such search. This pattern occurs when people are in face-to-face situations, when they are in the dark, and when they have their eyes closed. Because these eye movements do not appear to serve visual processing, we refer to them as “nonvisual” eye movements and discuss why the eyes move during thinking that does not involve vision. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0963721412436810 BTW: This actually works! I use it whenever my mind starts to go off the rails.

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    #16

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them Smile as soon as you first see people (you want to like you) as you greet them, like hey buddy how you doin ?! And look genuinley happy to see them... dont matter whether its girls, guys, young, old.. itll make them excited to see you like every time i dont get it but theres phsycology to it and it actually changed my life

    tyler-warner , Lesly Juarez Report

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    kasaalex avatar
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I accidentally did this with a girl I didn't know, who I mistook for a friend when I was out surfing. I acted so happy to see her that she thought I was really kind and friendly, and we ended up becoming friends as well (:

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    #17

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them Talking myself to sleep. I’ll think things like, “my bed is sooooo comfortable. Sleeping is soooo easy. I love sleeping. Sleeping is great.” Instead of agonizing over why I can’t sleep. Positively reinforcing myself is my new lullaby lmao

    HarrisonRyeGraham , Zohre Nemati Report

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    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Framing. Not just useful for sleeping. It may seem too simple to work, but I believe you can gradually shift your perception of the world (note I said shift and not change entirely)

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    #18

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them My first workplace trick that I still use regularly: people will procrastinate with their own work, but drop everything to quickly "correct" someone else's work.

    Example: Bill needs to provide a paragraph of text to go in your company's brochure. He's been dragging his feet forever and it's the last thing you're waiting on but he keeps putting it off. Go to where his paragraph should be and write a shitty version of what he's supposed to do. Don't invest more than ten seconds. "We do widget services. We are good at it. Our services are good for your widget needs." Send it to Bill saying "hey I filled in the last paragraph about widget services; can you check and make sure it meets your criteria, and I'll send it along to the boss for approval?" You'll have Bill's polished, fully composed text in about ten minutes.

    Much_Difference , Arlington Research Report

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    WilvanderHeijden
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unless Bill couldn't care less and he's happy you did his job.

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    #19

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them "The Wally Reflector"

    Thanks to Dilbert-man Scott Adams, I learned the Wally Reflector at a young age. It's very simple. If someone tries to pawn their work off on you, ask them to do something for you first related to said task. 9 times out of 10 they'll leave and try to find someone else.

    "Hey can you finish this report for me? I'm going on vacation and want to leave a little early to beat traffic to the airport."

    "Sure, I'd love to help! But, could you possibly send me a quick email with a bulletpoint list of what needs to be in the report, just so I don't miss anything?"

    "Uhhhh, on second thought..."

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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Reality: "Great, thanks buddy, sure I'll get on it right away. You'll have that mail in the next 20 minutes." And next you see them running for the door to catch their plane.

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    #20

    Nod and agree and move the fuck on.

    If someone with a strong/difficult personality is demanding you do/try ____, (and you don’t want to but know they’ll argue) just agree and move the fuck on. No reason to argue lol makes it so much more simple.

    Ie: Barb: You really need to use this brand of diapers. They’re the best. I’ve had 22 kids

    Me: Oh awesome thanks for the tip!

    End of story. They never ask again, they just want to talk. To put their input in ANYTHING lol.

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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Paraphrasing: Captain Kirk said to Spok "How do you deal with feeble minded, arrogant people?" Spok replied "That's easy, I just agree with them" Kirk responded "That's ridiculous" Spok concluded "Yes, you're absolutely right"

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    #21

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them A therapist told me that anger is a secondary emotion and should be treated like a traffic light, you should stop at yellow before jumping to red. Ask yourself what was the first thing come to your mind triggered you is it being ignored, feeling trapped, unheard, insecure etc... Because your first thought is what you actually feel your anger comes last.

    I'm a calm natured person rarely get angry, this advice helped me to identify my weaknesses and anxiety. You can apply this to any emotion not just anger.

    bones_of_an_angel , Priscilla Du Preez Report

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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I dunno, whenever I meet someone who denies that anger is a "real" emotion I hear that as "I am extremely passive-aggressive. You should run away now." I'm not saying you should immediately act out your anger, but you should be able to feel it and acknowledge that it's real.

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    #22

    Whenever my toddler refuses to do something, I start doing it. Then they get all angry cause they wanna do it.

    Idiots

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    opinionated biatch
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    husbands are like that too when it comes to jobs around the house - just ask where the screw gun or nails are :D

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    #23

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them Don't know what to say but want to keep the conversation going?

    Repeat the last phrase of the last thing the person said as a question.

    Eg: As a question?

    Yes. As a question. Raise your voice so it's clear that you want them to go on.

    aciddd123 , Christina Report

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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is the only technique I know for making one sided convos carry on

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    #24

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them Cunningham's Law, the best way to get an answer on the internet is to post the question with a misspelling, anal people will be drawn to correct and mock you and one will invariably have the answer you're looking for.

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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The law says to post a wrong answer, not a misspelling in the question. And I have hereby proven the law. Well done!

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    #25

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them Give young kids the illusion they are making a decision to do something that you really want them to do.

    Kid won’t eat their carrots and wants dessert now? You say to them do you want to eat your carrots first and then dessert? Or would you like to save your dessert for tomorrow and eat your carrots now?

    Event_horizon- , Angela Mulligan Report

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    WilvanderHeijden
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    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kid: "I want to save the carrots for tomorrow and have dessert now, thank you."

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    #26

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them When you want/need something from someone, ask them for help with it. Rather than "hey can you do this for me?", say "hey can you help me with this?" People are more inclined to be helpful than to just take on the task for you

    CaptainScotchTape , Priscilla Du Preez Report

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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But when you've been around long enough, you know that as soon as you start to help, the other party suddenly has things to do elsewhere so you end up doing their work for them. Best way to avoid this is saying that you have some worked lined up that can't wait, but if they start now, you'll come back to them to help them finish.

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    #27

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them You can give a person talking on their phone an object and they will most likely take it because they are focused on the call. I regularly hand people empty plates, most of the time they just keep talking and don't notice what I'm doing.

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    Martha Meyer
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And what exactly is the point of handing someone an empty plate?

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    #28

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them Whenever I’m feeling nervous or anxious about something I just tell myself how excited I am to do it and trick myself into actually calming down. Works well for presentations

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    #29

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them If you want someone to like you, ask them questions about themselves.

    19Todash , Christina Report

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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Doubt, I'd feel like you're interrogating me. And I'm sure I'm not the only one.

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    #30

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them If you want someone to be nicer to you, compliment them behind their back. If they find out they'll perceive you as nicer as most people say bad things behind other's backs. Either way if they act shitty towards you they seem like the bad guy, and because its behind their back it doesn't look like ass-kissing

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    Caro Caro
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    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No way. Nicer??? I don't feel the need to be everybody's friend or that they should all like me. Why is this person not nice? who cares.

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    #31

    I once went to training for handling media interviews. Something they described and demonstrated is how reporters can make you look bad in an interview. They recorded a video of me answering a question by a "reporter". The question was a bit sneaky in that the first part of the question seemed tame but took an evil turn right at the end...something like "Your company has a great philanthropic arm which supports many good causes including environmental efforts. How would they feel about the waste your putting into the waters at your Colfax plant?" They recorded the interview typical style where you can see the back of the interviewer but only see my face and used a separate camera for the interviewer. I thought I'd done pretty well and followed the training, but when we looked at the recording as an edited piece I looked bad because I smiled when he talked about the wastewater part. Definitely evil genius look.

    I didn't even realize I'd done it and I wondered why I smiled? Then they showed me the reverse angle (that was edited out). Just as he was speaking the shitty part of the question the reporter intentionally smiled, and psychologically we are trained to smile back when someone smiles at us.

    It was an amazing lesson.

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    #32

    Ignoring annoying people makes them less annoying

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    #33

    This is going to sound obvious but it honestly didn't click for me until after high school. **People will like you if you're nice to them and genuine.**

    Also people like when you show vulnerability and weakness.

    Sadly up through high school I thought showing weakness was bad and it was more important to show strength than kindness. It was a miserable time and those habits took a long time to break.

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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Part of the problem is that High school itself is a special case. 1) Normally people group together based on some common interest or ability. But High School groups people by their PARENT'S choices (job, where to live, etc.) Then you are randomly grouped within that. 2) The normal rules are relaxed and troublemakers are given huge leeway. Things that get the cops called in the rest of your life get totally ignored by the authorities, not believed, or best case scenario, a stern talking too. 3) People themselves are by definition, less mature. Depending on your high school, being nice, genuine, showing vulnerability/weakness may not have worked.

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    #34

    If someone insults you, either own it or pretend you don’t understand. They can’t get you on something you admit to and if they have to explain it, it loses all its impact.

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    #35

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them Door in the face technique

    Basically, someone who would have said no to a certain request if you asked it initially, is more likely to say yes to that request if you FIRST ask for something so big that you KNOW they'll say no, and then the thing you actually want seems reasonable by comparison when you ask it afterward

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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Child wants a kitten. 'Can I get a pony?' 'NO.' ' Well, then can I get a kitten?...'

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    #36

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them If you want people to like you, ask them for small favours they can easily do for you.

    Everyone likes to feel useful even if they don't realize it.

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    WilvanderHeijden
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love how people generalise things. "Everyone likes to feel useful even if they don't realize it". Hell, no. I'm fully aware of the fact that I like to be left alone and most of the time have no desire to be useful to anyone.

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    #37

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them Silence as a conversational/interrogation tool.

    People will rush to fill the void.

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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not with introverts. We thrive on silence. Only extroverts fall over themselves trying to fill silent gaps in conversations.

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    #38

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them To avoid Canadian standoffs when you and another person are walking towards each other in a hallway, square up your shoulders and tilt your head in the direction you plan on going. The other person will move out of the way 9 times out of 10

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    #39

    If someone who you don’t like is talking to you just keep staring at their forehead

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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Staring at their upper lip works better. They get insecure because they think that you see something that makes them look foolish. "Have I got something stuck between my teeth? Is there a booger hanging from my nose?"

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    #40

    If you want to be involved in any work environment, or feel like an insider during work, you gotta greet everyone you meet right away. If you missed them, turn around, go back, and say something like "sorry, I didn't catch your name. I'm ____." If you don't have time, then take the next chance, even if it's just a "hi" or a wave. People will see you as assertive and approachable. It doesn't really matter if you're introverted and don't speak to them for the rest of the day or whatever. It kills most of the awkwardness associated with being social with people you may or may not know. Plus, it sets you up for healthy teamwork

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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is 100% accurate. I'm definitely an introvert, but a quick "good morning!" in the hallway, or at the minimum a genuine smile, goes a long way. It's especially hard for me to greet newcomers to our office but after forcing myself to get over that social hump, I'm glad I did.

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    #41

    The fastest way to get the information you want isn't to ask, it's make an incorrect statement. People can't help but correct others. Seriously works so well.

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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The fastest way to get the information you want is to look it up yourself and check it with other sources.

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    #42

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them People are more likely to believe something you tell them if it's self depreciating. You can make up some sort of lie but if you add something negative about yourself in it it sounds more believable.

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    #43

    When walking through a crowd don’t look at the People in front of you. Instead look past them where you are trying to go and most people will make room without noticing it.

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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It isn't true. There's a race in my city, dancers against runners, where they have to run through the most crowded street. Runners tend to go as it's described above while dancers are looking for free spaces and what people do, also interacting with them. Every year all dancers arrive at least fifteen minutes before the first runner.

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    #44

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them If you need an answer, don't leave the question open-ended.

    This hell-site is full of comments like "HuRr DuRR maH giRLfriENd cAn'T dECIde WhEre to EAT!"

    Don't ask, "What do you want for dinner tonight?"

    Ask, "You feel like pizza or burgers tonight?"

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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mom would do this all the time with my dad. He always responded the same way: "Yes."

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    #45

    Visualizing yourself doing something properly can be better than actually practicing the thing.

    There was a study conducted on a basketball team. Group A practiced shooting free throws. Group B visualized themselves shooting free throws. Group C visualize for half the time then shot for half the time.

    Group C improved the most. Then group B. Group A was last.

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    WilvanderHeijden
    WilvanderHeijden
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've been visualising my self losing weight for 3 months now. Guess what....

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    #46

    Paying someone a compliment before a difficult conversation or fight. Specifically, one tied to the value in your opinion of them.

    For example: "I really appreciate the mature, level headed way you handled yourself in our last discussion" or "Your patience and understanding in situations like this is something I really admire about you"

    It's the upgraded, more subtle version of the "thank you for your understanding" line you see in customer service a lot. The "I" and "Me" pronouns are important, as it changes a generic compliment into an opinion or feeling you have about them.

    It sets a subconscious goal for the person that they will often try to live up to. It's like the subconscious goes "Why yes! I am those things, let me prove that you're right!" but also adds a little weight that you're opinion of them will decrease if they don't.

    Sometimes I feel bad for using it, because it's almost too manipulative. (Especially if I'm lying about that opinion)

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    Jaime Higgins
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think most people are awake to these tricks. If you're going to have an argument or fight or "difficult conversation" with me, get into it straight away without the BS

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    #47

    When talking to someone I say “I’ll let you go” when I want to finish the conversation. This works tens times better then “I have to go”.

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    digitalin
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It took me way too long to understand that "I'll let you go" meant "I have to go." Before then, I thought it meant "I'm concerned about taking up too much of your time" and I would usually respond "Nah, I've got tons of time! *continues conversation*". So it took me a while, but now I can take a hint.

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    #48

    When my three sons were pretty young, think Irish twins but more like triplets, when they would tell a fib their faces would give it away. Besides the eyes and the expression on their little faces, their little foreheads would wrinkle up from their eyes getting so big when they’d fib. Their eye brows would go up really high on their foreheads and then wrinkles would show. They were all really cute with their tells. So, one day I told my sons, “I know you’re lying because your forehead lights up.” Literally, their wrinkled little foreheads is what I meant. But they were 3, 2, and 1. In an attempt to conceal their little white lies as an attempt to outsmart their momma, they began to cover their foreheads. If I couldn’t see their foreheads I wouldn’t see the lit up forehead after all. Then after a few times of this happening the three boys got so confused about my magic abilities to see what they were so cleverly hiding.

    What’s funny, now that their grown men they still have the same tells when they try to keep the whole truth to me and still they don’t get why I always know when one isn’t being honest.

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    An Co
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    15+ years of watching someone, particularly when the first 10 years they are less developed, tends to give you huge insight into them.

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    #49

    "Kill 'em with kindness."

    Wew lad nothing eats away at your enemies like that. Short, sweet, simple, and confident does the trick. You could get into a massive argument for hours, fight, cuss, spit, punch, kick. Nothing will really burn them at the core quite as much as being nice to them.

    I believe it is a psychological trick because they usually don't expect it. They know you're enemies, and it throws them into a loop and off-guard.

    I bumped into my old boss recently. He had absolutely royally screwed me over before I quit, stabbed me square in the back to protect his own hide. I gave him this huge smile, said "Hey [name], good to see you!"

    He gave a weird frown and returned "Hi... Uh... How have you been?"

    "Better than ever! How about you?"

    "Uh... Fine." He made an obvious effort to keep walking and avoid a conversation.

    I bumped into him again before I left the place we were at and gave him a nod, nice smile, and the "three finger wave" sort of like a salute. His face said it all... I hate that guy, why is he happy?

    Note: I want to clarify that this isn't effective in all scenarios, and going out of your way to rub false kindness into someone's face negates it altogether.

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    #50

    Getting though a job interview, when I first graduated I really struggled, had a couple of rejections and picked up a self help book. The first tip was just smile. They already think you're qualified, the interview is to check you're going to fit in.

    I didn't have time to read any further so I felt completely unprepared. The entire interview was all jokes and laughter and I got the job. It was for a creative role so most of these kinds of jobs don't do any weird testing or have any formal questioning or metrics.

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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This part is the most important: "They already think you're qualified, the interview is to check you're going to fit in." Plenty of people applied and they want to talk to you! That means your qualifications are good enough, on paper, and they just want to check a) you didn't lie about it and b) you'd be a good fit for the team/company. I assume you didn't lie, so you just have to be yourself and see if that fits. Don't try to act differently, because you want the company to fit for you as well and you won't know if they do if you don't act like yourself.

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    #51

    Ask an employee to do something you know they won't want to do, like move to another station? Or trying to get kids to do something? Give them a choice, where you are ok with either option. That gives them control. Everyone wants some control over their lives. This gives it to them.

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    Beto River
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Both my mother and sister are psychologists and, although I don’t claim know everything about it, I know quite well if someone is playing tricks on me. My wife does this all the time. She asks me if I prefer to do this or that and these are usually my answers: -I'm not one of your employees -I prefer to do neither -You’ll have better results If you ask me without trying to manipulate me.

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    #52

    I find that when I ask someone if they’d like to be a rewards member, they’re more civil with me if I say, “would you like to be a rewards member or no?” I figure that by saying no at the end I’m insinuating that is is completely fine to say no I don’t want to be. I use this on everyone. Ive had customers that I see get short with other cashiers when they ask them this, I then ask them my way whenever I’m cashiering and they’re completely civil about it. I almost always get from these same people, “no thanks not today.” I guess some people view this questions as nuisance because in their mind they feel like they’re asked this every time at a lot of stores.

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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, it's not the cashier's fault they have to ask that question.

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    #53

    Tell someone to quickly pick a number between 1-10.

    The number 7 is picked an overwhelming amount of the time. I don't know why.

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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If this is true, it's probably because 7 is seen as a lucky number in some cultures.

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    #54

    Holding something warm creates positive feelings toward someone you just met, and something cold creates negative feelings.

    Always meet someone at a coffee shop.

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    WilvanderHeijden
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In the Netherlands it's not a good idea to set up business meetings in a coffee shop.

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    #55

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them Want someone to tell you a secret? Just start guessing out loud. People have the tendency to correct you. I’ve had people revealing their full passwords to me starting off by saying “you look like someone that would put an exclamation mark at the end of their password”. No? “Well then it’s probably your birth date”. And so on.

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    Guido Pisano
    Guido Pisano
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I will be suspicious if someone starts to ask questions on my password

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    #56

    If you want to make a lie sound believable, say something embarrassing about yourself with it.

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    WilvanderHeijden
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So if someone says something embarrassing about themselves, they are lying.

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    #57

    30 Psychological Tricks That "Blew People's Minds" When They First Learned Them When you ask for something, give a reason. Any reason. Any reason at all.

    In the study that popularized this idea, it was people asking to cut in line for a xerox machine (copier). They would literally say "Can I cut you in line?" But sometimes they would also say "I'm in a rush" (a valid reason to cut in line) and sometimes they would instead say "I need to make copies."

    Except, it's a copy machine. Everyone is there to make copies.

    What they found is that, when the request isn't high-effort, a terrible reason (Langer called it "placebic" information) is just as effective as a good reason. Worst case is just that it's a high-effort ask, and in those situations it makes no difference so might as well ask.

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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These kind of tips are just extroverts taking advantage of shy and/or introvert people, who just don't feel comfortable calling them out on their bullshit.

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    #58

    When you play Rock, Paper, Scissors, ask your opponent something that really confuses them. Then continue on. There's a super high chance they'll pick scissors.

    I've used it on my literal twin, and it still works. That's how you know it works.

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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Could I have an explanation? Like why does asking them something confusing make them more likely to pick scissors?

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    #59

    Humans have a tendency to take or give things if you put your hand out while talking to them. Really common in sales or just messing with friends.

    In sales i often hand the person the item im selling and most often they take it without even realizing it. More likely to buy it too. Ive chatted with a friend and put my hand out and he just gave me his phone. 5 minutes late hes wandering where his phone is.

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    #60

    I don't remember the specifics but if there's a tense situation between you and another person, eat something. Seeing you eat, something that people/animals only do when they're relaxed and feeling unthreatened, will essentially mentally cue yourself AND the other person to relax a little more.

    Don't know how true it is but it makes sense!

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    #61

    When you're walking down the sidewalk and someone is walking in the other direction look over their shoulder at something in the distance and they will usually move out of your way.

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    #62

    Fake it till you make it.

    When you're having a bad day, just acting happy makes you feel happy. Especially around other people. When they notice your mood they'd most likely brighten up too and, there you go.

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    Riley Quinn
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I'm having a bad day and simply can't snap out of it, I turn to YouTube comedy stand up videos to get me laughing. Sometimes just a 5-minute routine will suffice, and the remainder of the day goes smoothly.

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    #63

    Silence during conversation. The info you get after the first answer is the true knowledge

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    #64

    My brothers stopped tickling me if I didn’t laugh.

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    #65

    Not sure if it is a trick, but when a woman asks me how to guess how old she is I subtract 10 yrs from what I really think. Amazed how well it works.

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    Raven DeathShade
    Raven DeathShade
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That reminds me of when I was a kid. I was talking to this lady who was complaining loudly because she's "old and tired". I responded with: "How are you old? Aren't you like 25?" She thanked me and gave me a hug XD.

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    #66

    Learning how to kickstart your own “hypnagogic hallucinations” to shut off your brain and quickly go to sleep. You basically force yourself to start visualizing the abstract imagery that your brain produces when you would normally start to drift off to sleep, and stop using the language part of your brain. It’s like kickstarting sleep instead of waiting for it to happen.

    As a long time insomniac from a family of insomniacs, this has been one of the most shockingly effective and potentially lifesaving mind hacks I have ever learned.

    Seriously, read up on it and give it a try.

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    Riley Quinn
    Riley Quinn
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I learned this when I was stricken by a disease that caused insomnia, something I'd never had experienced previously. The imagery my mind created was so intricate that I would exhaust myself trying to follow it. Another trick I learned was concentrating on numbers when I had words stuck on repeat in my head.

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    #67

    If you use a word someone doesn't know, they'll usually just ignore the rest of the thing you said instead of admit that they don't understand you

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    mpilting
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actually, I used the word "anhedonia" in a group setting once. Everyone called me out on it (laughingly". I was forced to explain what it means. But you're you're probably right about that .most of the time.

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    #68

    Whatever you're scared of doing is only going to last two seconds. Then you'll blink and it will be months later and you'll wonder why you were even worried. I figured this out in 8th grade before a presentation I was TERRIFIED of giving, and I think of that moment every time I'm nervous to do something and now I'm 28! Time flies. No point of worrying about it.

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    #69

    If you play dumb successfully you can see people's true intentions and morals. I can't tell you how many times people have admitted some incredibly f*cuked to stuff to me because they thought I was too dumb to know right from wrong.

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    #70

    Funny enough it came from Reddit.

    It’s that trick where when you’re talking to someone, and they reply with “what?” as if they didn’t hear you. Instead of repeating yourself, just keep staring at them without saying anything. Almost 99% of the time the person will then continue without you having to repeat yourself.

    Pretty awesome!

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    Helena Houzarová
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My brain sometimes needs a few more seconds to understand the thing I just heard. I might blurt out a 'what' before the brain is done processing and analysing but realise what I heard a second later. I think this happens when I don't hear the statement properly, so my brain puts the garbled sounds in context, deduces what it was about, and gives me a revised answer.

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    #71

    As a kid, arguing with my brother:
    It is not!
    It is so!
    Is not!
    Is so!
    It. Is. SO!!
    It is not!
    Good, I agree.
    Blink, blink.
    It only worked once, and surprised me it did.

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    #72

    The book “Never Split The Difference” is full of great psychological techniques. One of my favorites is the email simply asking “Have you given up on this?” When someone stops responding to you (typically in a sales scenario, but applicable elsewhere), this simple email practically guarantees a response.

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    Demi Zwaan
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a strange question. I wouldn't know how to respond. I'm trying to find an example of where this question would make sense and I just don't know any.

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    #73

    Hmm so many good ones but being able to laugh I think was the most important, as going through some of the crap that I did it was learn to laugh or roll over and die, you’d be amazed at what a fucked up joke followed by a desperate chuckle can let you live through.

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    Riley Quinn
    Riley Quinn
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The day I lose my sense of humor will be the day I cease to exist.

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    #74

    If someone is yelling at you over the phone, just don't say anything. They are GOING to apologize.

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    SlartyBlartFast
    SlartyBlartFast
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    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    or hang up? I am not anyone's punching bag, I don't have to listen to yelling. I will inform them I do not wish to continue being on the receiving end of whatever crap they are unloading on me and that I will hang up.

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    #75

    I'm not sure if it works everywhere, but in the South (USA) people will be nicer to you if you use a Southern accent. Doesn't matter where they're from, it's very calming.

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    #76

    When I was a kid, if I ever had to split candy with my little brother, I would split it, take the bigger piece and give my brother "the rest" because apparently getting the rest meant getting more in his mind.

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    #77

    Always give a reason when you ask for something. Even the most stupid reason like in this example:

    You are in a line for the printer and you ask the guy infront of you ”Hey, mind if i go first i have to use the printer”

    This exact experiment has been done and you were succesful more often when you give that reason.

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    Ellie Rosser
    Ellie Rosser
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Another tip-always read the other tips before giving a less clear example fo the exact same thing.

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    #78

    I told my friend that I was doing this and he got mad.

    About 5 years ago I had a house that I would host parties at. As dumb young 20's aged people, we would smoke cigarettes. If I didn't have a lighter I would ask for one.

    Eventually, I decided to try something. I had a joke where I would snap my fingers and say "I wish I was the human torch or some shit." After the small giggle someone would offer a lighter. As I did it more often, I noticed that I wouldn't have to make the joke and someone would hand me a lighter.

    It got to a point where if I snapped my fingers my roommate would grab his pocket out of instinct. That's the story about how I Pavlov'd a few of my friends.

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    #79

    Telling people that it drives you crazy when other people have dry lips and they in turn, subconsciously start licking their lips.

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    #80

    Crying. I was extremly young, basically fresh out of the womb. People do all kind of shit when you cry. They even wipe your ass for you and give you food.

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