If you’re on a date, choose an activity that involves an adrenaline rush. This will help stimulate arousal in the brain and make the other person believe they are really enjoying their time with you.
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Is there a connection between adrenaline and levels of attraction toward another person? Turns out, yes! Next time you want to take someone out on a date, skip the fancy dinner and go big. Take them to do something where you’ll both feel an adrenaline rush. Releasing adrenaline in the body increases emotional arousal and attraction between two individuals.
If you want someone to take your words seriously, say that your father told you. People tend to take parents’ advice to heart.
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In hindsight…maybe our parents really do know best. If you’re having a conversation with someone and you don’t want them to doubt what you’re saying or your judgement, they are actually more likely to take what you said to heart if you mention that you’re dad told you this. Fatherly advice goes a long way, so try it out and see how it works.
An easy way to win a “rock, paper, scissors” game is to ask someone a question just before the game starts. Chances are that your partner will most likely throw scissors.
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If you want to become the ultimate rock, paper, scissors champion, you have to know how to throw off your opponent. If you ask a random question before the start of the game, your opponent will most likely throw up scissors. The theory behind this is that scissors are seen as a sign of defense, so if asked a personal question beforehand, they will think scissors will win.
If you want to be an effective liar, build a reputation of being honest. The more you are known as being reliable, the easier it is to deceive and manipulate.
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We have to mention that lying isn’t a commendable trait, but, we’ve all told a little white lie here and there. This dark psychology is a good manipulation tool if you want to be an effective liar. If you appear like you’re reliable and responsible, people will most likely not view you as a deceptive person.
If you want to make a charming impression on someone, try repeating their name throughout the conversation. When we hear our names, it makes us feel special and builds a sense of trust.
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If you’ve ever been addressed by your name in a conversation, you might recall how positively it made you feel. It’s because it makes you feel confident and that the conversation is more personable. If you want to be a charmer, avoid calling people “pal” or “buddy.” Nothing will turn them off more than this. Addressing people by their name will establish a sense of trust and friendship.
If you feel nervous before an event or action, instead of biting your nails or fidgeting, try chewing on gum beforehand. Our brains are wired to believe that we’re safe whenever we’re eating.
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Are you one of those people who get super nervous or anxious before giving a presentation or being center of attention? If yes, keep some chewing gum on hand. Gum can increase our focus and reduces cortisol during psychological stress. Get rid of your nail biting habit and start chewing!
If you’re carrying something heavy and you want to share the load with someone, just keep talking while you’re handing them the bag. The majority of people will automatically take the bag from you without even thinking about it.
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If you have a heavy load on your hands, literally, and need the extra help carrying something, keep a conversation going and hand the item over to the person you’re engaging with. People automatically tend to take things when they’re being distracted. Try it out!
When you try to convince someone over something, make sure they are sitting and you are standing. This makes them more likely to believe you.
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Who knew that just standing is a useful psychological trick. In regards to trying to convince someone of something, make sure they’re sitting and you’re standing. Your posture, relaxed shoulders and even weight on both feet can enhance your impressiveness.
If you think someone might be attracted to you, look at their eyes. They will blink more than usual during a conversation with you.
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Did you know that physical attraction to someone can make your eyes blink significantly more than usual? Humans are emotional creatures, and when we’re into someone it might be hard to hide it. Blinking is an emotional response when we get excited, so if you want to know if your date likes you, just check out their blinking habits.
You can find out if someone is smiling genuinely or faking it by looking at their eyes. Wrinkles form near the eye corners when the smile is real.
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We’ve all been in a situation where we’ve been around people we don’t particularly vibe with, or maybe your boss made a terrible joke, but you smile and laugh if off anyways. Well, there’s a way to spot a fake smile from a genuine one. If you think someone might be faking it, look at the corner of their eyes and see if you spot the crows feet. If no wrinkles are in sight, it might be fake.
To know if someone is interested in a conversation with you, look at their feet. If they are pointing toward you, they want to talk. If they’re pointing sideways or away from you, they aren’t interested.
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This is a psychological trick you can try when bumping into someone you know on the street. Sometimes we may want to engage in small talk or perhaps we just want to get to our next destination without any distractions. Our body language, especially our feet, can determine if someone wants to chat with us. Check out their feet, feet don’t lie!
If your kid can’t stop asking, “why?” just look at them and say, “I don’t know, why do you think?” They’ll come up with their own answers and you can both move on.
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Not only is this a psychology trick, it’s also a parent hack! Kids want to know everything and they think we have the answers to everything. Sometimes we do, but when you’re being asked “why?” after every question, we start losing our minds a bit. To solve this, ask them what they think, and they’ll be pondering away.
If someone says they have the hiccups, tell them to prove it. The pressure will usually make the hiccups disappear.
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Is it just us or do hiccups decide to show up at the most random times? We try all the tricks in the book to try and get rid of them, but nothing seems to work. If you want to get rid of your hiccups, just tell someone you have them and you’ll prove it. Your hiccups may not reappear from the pressure. Cool hack!
If you think someone is about to become aggressive toward you, sit next to them. It will make things harder and more awkward for them.
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No one wants to be on bad terms with another person, but sometimes, people can get heated. If you feel like someone might be showing some aggression toward you, take a seat next to them. It’s easier for the aggressor to show off intimidation when you’re across from them. If you’re next to them, they have to turn their body toward you which makes things more uncomfortable.
If you want to stand out and be more memorable in an interview, try and be the first or last candidate. People remember the beginning and the end of something the clearest.
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If you’re looking for a job, a pretty useful tip is to show up as either the first or last candidate. You only get one chance at a first impression, and research shows that the first and last people interviewed will be better remembered.
If someone make a derogatory joke about you in a group setting, play dumb and ask them to explain the joke. It won’t appear funny the second time around and they’ll feel embarrassed.
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This is a psychological trick for the win. The best part, is you don’t even have to play dumb, but just adds that extra dramatic factor. Not only will you see who you’re real friends are, but they definitely won’t be making jokes about you again.
If someone is bothering you at your desk too often, continue the conversation but get up and walk them back to their desk.
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We all have that one co-worker who can be a bit annoying. They approach you at your desk, start chit-chatting, and you feel trapped to engage with them. The next time you’re approached at work while you’re busy, try getting up from your desk and causally walk with them back to their desk. It’ll work every time and you’ll have them wondering how they got there.
If you ask someone to move over to a different location to talk, they are much more likely to listen to you and follow instructions.
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This is a great tactic to get someone to listen to you. Taking someone to the side for a conversation appears to be more serious and private, therefore, the person on the receiving end is more likely to listen and follow instructions.
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.
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We’ve all been there…well, at least some of us when we kind of just ‘wing’ something at work or school. Chances are that you’ll actually appear to others to know exactly what you’re talking about if you show some confidence and just act like you know what you’re doing. They don’t say “fake it till you make it” for no reason.
Use phrases like “Thank you for your patience” instead of apologizing. It removes the blame from you and makes the other person feel better.
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Instead of apologizing directly to someone by saying, “sorry to keep you waiting,” just say “thank you for your patience.” It’s directed more toward the individual and you’re acknowledging them more personally. Maybe they’ll even give you a nice tip!
If you make a favor seem bigger than it is before asking it, the person on the receiving end is much more likely to help.
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If you’ve ever been asked, “hey can you do me a huge favor?” It’s more likely than not that the favor really isn’t as big as it seems to be. For example, if you’re sitting down already and you ask your partner to grab you something in the kitchen before they sit down, they will probably comply.
Compliment the guy you’re out on a date with if you want to impress him. Most guys don’t get complimented frequently, so when it happens, they tend to eat it up.
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Women are used to getting complimented, so they know how good it makes them feel. Men on the other hand are less likely to receive compliments about their appearance, but on their productivity and actions. So, if you want to make a man feel good about himself and show some charm, give him a nice complement! He’ll eat it up.
Every time you see someone you know, smile and say hello. They’ll think of you as a nice person and may be more likely to help you out in the future.
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Bumping into someone you know on the street and saying hi makes a great impression on them. Being nice goes a long way, and can definitely work out in your favor in the future, if in fact, you might need a favor…literally. They will perceive you as someone who deserves a helping hand.
If you want to calm someone who is distraught and shut down, ask them questions that involve numbers, like their address or phone number. It will oftentimes pull them out of their emotional state and into a better headspace.
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Nobody wants to see another person in distress and no matter what we try and do to help, nothing seems to calm them down. A psychological trick that can be applied to help a friend who is visibly distraught is to ask them about numbers. Asking them for their phone number or telling them to count to 10 can help reduce stress and anxiety.
If you ask a question and someone’s first response is, “What?” give it a few seconds before repeating the question. Oftentimes they heard you, they just need a moment to process what you said.
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If you know, you know. This is pretty common and it’s probably happened to you while talking to someone. You hear the question and you’re listening, but not comprehending all the words so it takes a minute to understand the question. Saying “what” is also just an automatic response even though the person did in fact hear the question perfectly.
Slight touches on the body when you’re with the guy you like can make them psychologically feel warmer towards you.
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Physical touch is something all humans crave. Without it, we’d feel pretty lonely and physical touch is known to increase oxytocin. Oxytocin is the “love hormone” and when this releases in our body we feel a sense of trust, love, and warmth toward another person.
Instead of asking, “Do you have any questions?” ask, “What questions do you have?” People will be more likely to speak up.
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If you’re giving a presentation or you’re speaking at an important event, this is a great trick to get your audience to speak up more. By proposing a question or asking a question directly are two different things. At the end of your speech, if you want the crowd to engage ask “What questions do you have?” This implies that you should almost be expected to ask something and that the speaker is happy to engage in conversation.
If you don’t feel motivation to do something, just do it for 10 minutes. Even if you don’t keep doing it for longer, 10 minutes is better than 0.
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This is what we call the ten minute rule. Give yourself just ten minutes to do a task that you’ve been procrastinating on and you’ll much better about your productivity. Ten minutes here and ten minutes there is all it takes and the next thing you know, you’ve finished your task.
People are afraid of losing things. This is why “Only 2 seats left!” works when buying plane tickets. This is a marketing strategy to get people to buy things.
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Have you searched for flights or hotels and see written in bold “only one room left” or “only two tickets left.” Well, this is all part of a marketing strategy to get people to rush to decisions and purchase something. Most of the time these statements aren’t even true, but people don’t want to miss out on things. This also works in retail which is why sales don’t go on forever.
Pretend that something you don’t want to do is actually really interesting or fun in order to get somebody else to do it.
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Have you ever heard of the slang term Tom Sawyering? This is a term used as means to convince someone to volunteer for something which one should do themselves by using some manipulation tactics. Basically, getting someone to do something you don’t really want to do.
To get yourself in a better mood, bite a pen. This forces you to smile. Forcing a smile, even a fake one, can actually make you feel happier.
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Here’s an interesting psychological trick to get you or someone you know in a better mood. Now, we don’t advise chewing or biting pens regularly, however, it might put a smile on your face. Literally. According to science, if we’re feeling bad or down, even pretending to smile can improve our mood.
For your next phone interview, dress up in your professional clothes. The attire will help you get into a more confident frame of mind.
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Phone interviews are super common these days and definitely less nerve-wracking for the interviewee. But, instead of rolling out of bed and having an interview in your pajamas, one little trick that will boost some confidence is to actually put on an outfit you’d wear to an in-person interview. You’ll be in a better state of mind.
If you want an answer to something, make an incorrect statement about it rather than asking a question. People love to correct inaccuracies.
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If you really want the answer to something and want to be discreet about it, use this sneaky trick. Maybe you want to know the drama in the friend group, or how much money your colleague is making. Make a statement that you know is wrong, and see how quickly someone corrects you with more accurate information.
If someone isn’t being kind to you, tell them they have something in their teeth. They’ll obsess about it and you have the upper hand again.
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If you really want people stop messing around with you, do this. Not only will they feel totally embarrassed, they’ll probably never bother you or be unkind to you again.
Nod your head slightly up and down when you want someone to agree with you. Works like a charm.
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Nodding or shaking your head up and down not only gives you confidence in your own thoughts, but influences others to agree with what you’re saying. Something as simple as offering a cup of coffee to a guest might make them say yes if you slightly nod your head. Try it and see how well it works!
If you act really excited every time you see someone, they will eventually start to get really excited every time they see you without realizing why.
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Feeling happy and excited when we see someone regularly can condition them to feel the same way when they see you. Feelings can be contagious and you’ll come across as more likable to be around.
When working on a group project, if you want someone else to do something say “Can you start on this?” This makes it sound like less work and they will be more willing to do it.
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Knowing how to be a team player and working well with others is an important part of working life, and a good quality to have. Different roles are assigned in group projects and if you’re the team lead who’s giving out tasks, ask your peers to start on something instead of doing it. Starting something doesn’t mean ‘finish’ it, so it comes across as less work for the individual and they are more likely to do it.
Offering someone even the smallest gift can significantly change their opinion of you. It’s one of the easiest ways to get someone to like you.
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People like receiving gifts especially when they are random and not just on birthdays and Christmas. Gift giving shows the recipient that you like them and works in reverse as well. A simple present goes a long way and helps people like you more as well.
A good way to establish trust is if you admit when you’re wrong, especially on little things.
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No one likes to admit when they are wrong, but there’s a time and place when it’s appropriate to fess up on any wrongdoings. Admitting when you’re wrong can actually teach us important life lessons, help us grow, and boost trust with other people.
If you can’t get your child to do something, give them the choice to do it themselves or offer to help them. Either way, the task gets done and you got them to do what you asked.
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Children don’t always have to be so complicated, and if you’re a parent, you’re probably familiar with this trick. If you’re the cool uncle or fun auntie who agreed to babysit for the evening, this little hack is for you. Children need choices and this will help you get what you want if they’re having a tough time listening.
If you find yourself overthinking, stare at a fixated point. Eyes need to move to catch memories so looking at a singular point makes it difficult to overthink.
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If you’re an overthinker one way to help free your mind is to focus on one fixated point. The more we look around, the more likely we are to constantly think. Breathe, relax your muscles, and hopefully your mind will slow down.
Instead of agonizing over why you can’t sleep, use positive reinforcement instead. Think of things like, “My bed is so comfortable, sleeping is easy, I love sleeping.”
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Positive reinforcement in all aspects of life can go a long way. We tend to focus on the negative more than the positive, so no wonder we have trouble sleeping. Think good thoughts, release good energy and you shall receive an awesome nights sleep!
If someone wants to pawn their work off on you, ask them to do something for you first that’s related to the task. Most of the time they’ll leave and find someone else to do it.
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Doing favors for people and getting favors in return is a fair exchange. However, no one wants extra work if it’s not necessary. If someone at the office asks you to finish their work because they want to leave early for the weekend, just ask them to send you a detailed email with bullet points that explain the task. Most likely the won’t put in the effort to do that, and you’re off the hook.
If someone is trying to make you decide in a hurry, they are probably giving you a bad deal.
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If you’re being rushed to make a decision, whether it’s a contract for a new job offer or deciding what flower arrangement you want, if you’re being rushed or pressured…walk away. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
If you don’t look a toddler in the eye after they’ve fallen or hurt themselves, there’s a good chance they won’t cry.
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Rule of thumb when a child falls, avoid all eye contact! Of course this depends how bad the fall is, but generally speaking, if a child gently falls on the ground while chasing a bird, chances are he or she is perfectly fine. Don’t react, and they won’t either. You’re welcome.
If you want to make someone feel uncomfortable, look at their forehead when you’re talking to them.
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Nothing makes a situation more awkward than lack of eye contact. What makes a situation even more uncomfortable is when their staring at your forehead.
If something takes less than three minutes, just do it and you’ll feel much better.
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There’s the five-second rule that refers to how much time food can spend on the floor before we tell ourselves that it’s still ok to eat. Now, we have come up with the three-minute rule that can help us stop procrastinating. If something takes three minutes, like making your bed, just do it! You’ll feel more motivated and happier throughout the day.
