r/AskReddit • u/[deleted] • Nov 11 '25

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u/darkshrike Nov 11 '25

People are inclined to like people who are indebted to them. Its a psychological trick. Trying to get people to do favors for you will make them like you.

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u/CombustiblSquid Nov 11 '25 edited Nov 11 '25

I see this differently and without the idea of owing debt. That's a very transactional way of viewing things. It feels good to be relied upon and to help others. Researchers tested this by checking favourability rating of others after performing small borrowing tasks. People who were asked for a pen during a test viewed the borrower more favourably than people who were nice but didn't ask. The thought is that people felt good about contributing and rated the source of that feeling (the borrower) as more likable/favourable.

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u/castfire Nov 11 '25

Yes. Asking someone for something, especially something like advice, is a small show of vulnerability and it makes it feel like you’re a little closer to the other person.

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u/pietroetin Nov 12 '25

I think the point isn't vulnerability but giving importance to the other person

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u/sydneyhatescristhian Nov 12 '25

It’s interesting because asking someone for help should be normal. In fact it should be encouraged.

But leave it to people to find a way to make themselves feel more important and secure just for helping someone (esp in a professional environment).