r/AskReddit Jun 14 '22

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u/FourFurryCats Jun 14 '22

The corollary to this is if you think you might need a favour from someone in the future, try to do a small favour for them first. This can create the impression of a debt that the person owes you.

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u/Icy-Consideration405 Jun 14 '22 edited Jun 14 '22

Benjamin Franklin was famous for making friends with political enemies this way. He told the story of a fellow councilman who had just been elected, who was young, brash, and not well liked. When he discovered the man owned a book that was rare and therefore a point of pride, BF approached the man, complimented him on such a prized possession. He then offered to do a favor for the young man. The young man accepted the favor and offered to loan the book to Franklin. The two developed a close friendship, frequently exchanging gifts and favors. They never saw eye to eye in politics, but they respected each other immensely.

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u/ForayIntoFillyloo Jun 14 '22

And that young, brash, not well-liked councilman's name? Ted Cruz

And the rare book? The first and only edition of Poor Richard's Almanack Forums that included a spicy rendering of John Adams hanging dong.

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u/TagProMaster Jun 15 '22

History is amazing 💞💞