Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m a little bit of a sociopath when it comes to mind tricks.
I just find it so fascinating how our brains work in such specific ways that there seem to be universal methods of pulling fast ones on people.
Here are 10 easy ways to psychologically trick someone for those folks just as twisted as I am.
1. Show them something blue.
Accidentally tick someone off?
Having them look at something blue can fool them into calming down faster.
Apparently, this color has a way of subconsciously suppressing our baser impulses.
2. Catch them in the elevator.
Humans are naturally a little claustrophobic.
If you want to see how much someone trusts you, try to get into an elevator with them. If they’re shifty and awkward, chances are they haven’t quite let their guard down yet.
3. Keep some folks at an arm’s length.
People who are too friendly and warm during a first meeting typically have an ulterior motive.
Don’t fall for it.
4. Time your important conversations at night.
Whatever happens at night seems to feel a bit more private and intimate than what goes on during the day.
If you want to really hear the truth from someone, it’s best to chat with them in the evening.
5. Share your secrets with them.
Sharing a personal secret is a surefire way to get someone to trust you quickly.
Because you’ve already opened up, they feel less vulnerable when pressed about their personal business.
6. See if they like the color black.
Apparently, there are two kinds of people who like the color black: those who are extremely intelligent and those who are trying to cover something up.
7. Take them to exciting places.
Our memories are largely defined by the locations we visit.
If you take someone to on a unique adventure to an amusement park, a concert, or a haunted house, they’re way more likely to remember the event.
8. Check which way their feet are facing.
Body language means everything.
If someone’s feet are facing you, it likely means that they’re interested in what you’re saying.
If they’re facing away from you, they’re probably clocked out.
9. Dress yourself in bright, bold colors.
When making a first impression, remember to dress your best.
People are naturally more inclined to trust those who both look put together and stand out from the crowd.
This is called the “halo effect,” and you’ll want to make use of it.
10. Talk to them in dark environments.
Okay, not to be totally creepy – but people’s vigilance is significantly lowered when they’re in a dark place. After all, dimly lit bars are typically the culprit behind regrettable one-night-stands.
Great – now I know exactly what to do whenever I have to go to my next icebreaker event. With the way quarantine’s looking, that might be a pretty long time from now.
What are some psychological tricks you’ve picked up? Let us know in the comments below!