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It's no secret that psychology influences nearly every single thing a person does in their life. From creating what kind of a person they are to how they feel and how they form relationships with others, psychology affects nearly all aspects of life.
At the same time, a person can learn to utilize psychology for their gain, by learning tricks that can make a difference, whether within themselves or their connections. This list is full of ways you can mess with someone, which were suggested by various netizens. So, dive in to check them out -- just make sure not to use them for any overly malicious purposes.
More info: Reddit
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Ask them "How do you feel when you say that?" when they say something hateful or s****y.
Janos Schumacher 10 months ago
I like to say "When you say things like that, it makes me feel bad about myself. How does it make you feel when you say things that are mean?"
Orange Panda 10 months ago
When I was working with kids, at a training I was given a nuclear option for if the behavior is beyond the beyond. "What inside you hurts so bad that you have to hurt others this much?" I never used it because it was a one off, but man, that's a good one.
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#2
I've found that simply smiling at someone can really change the vibe of a conversation. It's amazing how a little positivity can make all the difference.
XenoMurph 10 months ago
Same, they think I'm laughing at them rather than trying to be friendly. Sometimes they are correct, often.
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#3
If you are talking with someone and you just hand them some random object, they will automatically take it.
BrunoVI 10 months ago
I'd have conversations with a housemate of mine where I'd move an object an inch or so, and he'd always move them back. So I did it on purpose. A lot. Within one conversation. Eventually, I was constantly moving stuff and he was constantly moving it back to such an extreme that my other housemate was dying laughing at it, but when I finally confessed what I was doing, he was adamant he hadn't moved anything.
For a lot of people, when they hear the word “psychology,” they instantly think of therapy or mental health. Such thinking isn’t inherently wrong, after all, therapy and psychology itself are important players in addressing mental health. As long as this connection isn’t tainted by stigma, there is nothing wrong with it.
Yet, in reality, the term itself is way broader. Technically, psychology refers to a person's mind and behavior, but when you look a tad deeper than this shallow explanation, you find that it's about the biological, social, and environmental factors and influences that affect how people feel, think, and act. It's deeply rooted in every aspect of life – from our inner selves to our behavior and connections with other people.
#4
The "gray rock" method: remain completely neutral and unemotional, driving them crazy with indifference.
Orange Panda 10 months ago
Oh, and "you're probably right". No actual admission of correctness, it's just to deescalate.
Disgruntled Panda 10 months ago
Anyone else know of the "still face" experiment and parenting method? Heartbreaking and reminds me of this
#5
Ask them "if you could change anything about yourself, what would it be
...apart from the obvious".
#6
My friend will randomly say things that sound racist but really aren’t.
Something like “Man I’m hungry. I feel like a Cuban who just changed his toilet paper roll.”
“Man I’m thirsty. I feel like a Canadian who just bought some new cologne”.
I know him well enough to know he is just saying random c**p… but when people first meet him it’s hilarious to watch their expressions. Some people get offended for whatever random country he chose and they really can’t express why.
Catlady6000 10 months ago
So, it's like one of those Shakespeare insult charts, where you pick a noun and an adjective ? So...I so tired, like a Frenchman putting air in his tires. Nationalty, common innocent activity
setsuriseikou 10 months ago
Well thanks, now I can't sleep wondering what those things feel like! Any Cuban or Canadian pandas willing to share?
Bored Seb 10 months ago
As a canadian who hâte Cologne, I'd be very confused if i just bought some...
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Schmebulock 10 months ago (edited)
That is funny and something I will have to add to my repertoire!
JinxBox 10 months ago
My father is turkish and we children would take all of his 'old turkish proverbs' as real. Turkish have some great ones, especially when cursing someone, but as we grew older it became obvious he would make some up just to amuse himself. When he didn't translate we knew he was really mad. When the five of us got in trouble his favorite was "one day insAllah God will give you as many kids as you deserve"
So, this makes psychology one of the most powerful tools each person has in their arsenal. Well, if they know how to use it.
As we already mentioned when we talked about therapy, psychology can help a person deal with their mental health, but it is also helpful beyond that, with various things, like motivation. It is deeply rooted in relying on how a person manages to find a drive and control within themselves, but also how they utilize external factors like punishment or rewards to stay motivated.
Besides all the ways psychology can help a person to “deal” with themselves, it also contributes to the way their relationships with others look. Factors like mental health and a person’s characteristics influence the way relationships look, and as we acknowledged a couple of times, these are driven by psychology.
#7
Looking/peeking over someone’s shoulder even though there’s nothing there.
detective miller's hat 10 months ago
My siblings and I used to do this to each other all the time.
Janos Schumacher 10 months ago
Don't do that to me. That's a good way to get a punch in the mouth. I really hate when people look over my shoulder. If they want me to move, I will. If they want to see what I'm seeing, I'll step aside and let them sit. Don't look over my shoulder. I'd punch my dead grandma if she did that.
#8
When someone insults you, reply with a very curious face “are you ok” lmao I heard about this one recently.
Catlady6000 10 months ago
A few of these can be really useful in diffusing some bullies, Grey rocking can be good too. Don't feed the beast.
Schmebulock 10 months ago (edited)
I'm very good at smack talk and prefer to fight fire with fire. Don't return the same insult, but change the target. Like if they say are you dumb attack something they might be sensitive about like a big nose.
#9
I sometimes say mid conversation "its like i always say" then dont say anything.
Apatheist Account2 10 months ago
Akin to the Pythonesque "May I interrupt you for a moment?" "Yes." "Okay thanks, carry on."
Gayle Brown 10 months ago
I was in a vehicle with my mom, my sister and a friend. Out of the blue my sister says "speaking of such and such" and she launched into talking about it. I said, "nobody was speaking about such and such!" Everyone but my sister thought it was hilarious that she started off a conversation in such an odd way.
Disgruntled Panda 10 months ago
My husband randomly adds "as my grandma always used to say" with really random examples. Or with curses in it
It can also be utilized to manipulate relationships, so to speak. Just as a person tricks themselves to get motivated with a reward/punishment system, various tricks can be used on other people too, for better or worse.
So, when a Redditor asked online for “a psychological trick to really mess with somebody,” plenty of people had something to say. To be more specific, almost 2K of them. We decided to compile the best responses into this list and make a small handbook of psychological tricks.
The list contains both innocent and quite mean tricks, from messing someone up by not taking gum yourself when you offer it to them to stressing them about missed meetings or something similar.
#10
"F**k what they say about you, I think you're alright.".
Chucky Cheezburger 10 months ago
I usually hear this version: " You're alright, I don't care what they say about you." My response is "I don't care either."
Adam Belaire 10 months ago
I defended you. That guy said you smelt, and I said, "like c**p, they do"
BrunoVI 10 months ago
PURELY jokingly, I'll occasionally compliment my kid, and then follow it up with, "I don't care what Ms. [teacher's name] says." As in "That's brilliant! You're really smart! I don't care what Ms. [teacher's name] says." Don't worry, I give him plenty of pure compliments and support.
#11
When someone says something dumb and I don't want to debate them, I just say "yeah, I can see how someone like you would think that" and change the subject. Their insecurities fill in the blanks.
#12
Offer someone gum but don't take a piece for yourself.
At the same time, we feel the responsibility to say that you should be wary when using any of these tricks – make sure it’s the proper time and place to utilize them and that someone won’t end up hurt.
For example, it’s better to use them to tease your friends than to torment someone. Ultimately, teasing your friends is a form of affection, knowing they won’t be too upset about it, but someone not so close to you might interpret it as bullying. And we don’t have to tell you that bullying is bad, do we?
So, don’t hesitate to have fun with what you learn here, but remain mindful of its potential harm.
Do you know any useful psychological tricks? Please share with us in the comments!
#13
Say “no pun intended” after statements with no pun in them.
Pferdchen 10 months ago
It can be interesting to add "to coin a phrase" at the end of a very common phrase, just to see how people respond. A few times, I've asked people "Excuse me, can you tell me what time it is" five to ten seconds after they've checked their wristwatch; they invariably look at it again.
#14
Sending a text: “hey, are you joining this meeting?”.
#15
When you're talking to someone who's being a prick tell them they have something stuck in their teeth... "nope, it's still there" "no, still there" shuts them down fast af.
#16
I like to start a sentence with “l’m not racist, but “ and then say something completely bland and not racist at all. As an old white guy, most people are expecting me to say something racist.
Apatheist Account2 10 months ago
As an old white guy, these days almost anything you say gets interpreted as racist or some other "ist".
Rob D 10 months ago
When you've spent your whole life in privilege, equality feels like oppression. Let's all shed a tear for the chronically embattled old white guy. 🤦♂️🤬🖕🤡
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Janaina Palhares 10 months ago
I'm not racist both you look like a Chinese woman on the happiest day of her life
#17
If a tennis opponent is annoying me, I'll ask if they inhale or exhale as they go to serve. No one knows what they do and it gets them thinking about it.
Russell Rieckenberg 10 months ago
Exhale of course, during the actual serve. I haven't played tennis in decades, but I still know that.
#18
Ok here’s a good one, so let’s say you’re talking to someone who’s guarded. They clam up and don’t say much or respond minimally.
Humans want to be understood. They also want to avoid being misunderstood. So, when someone gives a shallow answer, you repeat back that last word. They will elaborate to clear up confusion.
#19
When you get in the elevator with other people don't turn around to face the doors.
Mary Kelly 10 months ago
i can see how a man might find this funny...but a man doing this to a woman in the elevator is threatening...and, no, i am not a snowflake...it's creepy AF
Apatheist Account2 10 months ago
So that you can see when the lift reaches the floor that you want, and are ready to exit. That's the basic normal process, hence the effect of not doing it.
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#20
Ask if they want to hear a knock knock joke.
If they say yes, ask them to start you off.
They'll say "knock knock"
You say "who's there?"
They didn't plan this far ahead.
Melanie Filmer 10 months ago
My kids hate me when it comes to knock Knock jokes as they say "Knock Knock" I just reply "Come in!"
Kathrin Pukowsky 10 months ago
"Step three: Profit"? What's the goal here? To waste time and make yourself look dumb?
#21
Nod your head when asking someone for something or suggesting something. The combination of nodding while talking makes them much more agreeable to what you're saying or asking.
PunchinelloTX 10 months ago
I have a very pronounced tremor which makes it seem that I’m always nodding in the affirmative. Always! If people don’t know that I have this condition it seems like I’m the most ceaselessly agreeable man in the world. Or, conversely, it’s confusing if I’m saying “no” whilst nodding yes.
Orange Panda 10 months ago
Oh, that's why some people do that! I thought it was a weird thing they learned from their parents or something.
#22
Start sniffing in the middle of their statement. Don't mention anything. Just look around and keep sniffing. It's the most unnerving thing. You can do it to ANYONE and you'll immediately mess with them.
Becca not Becky 10 months ago
I have a cold so I've been doing this involuntarily. The results are the same and it's hilarious
#23
If you want to get something out of someone, let them do most of the talking while asking mostly questions, and only respond to the parts they talk about that get you to your goal. You'll still be engaged in the conversation, but people tend to forget about most of what they say if one thing becomes the final point of the conversation. Basically, lead the other person from behind. The trick is subtlety.
#24
One boss I had would never answer you immediately, he'd always take a moment to think about what he was going to say like there is no way he's going to be rushed into any decision. it made him appear very organized and sure of himself.
Had another boss that you'd knock on his glass door, and he'd always wait a moment before waving you in even when he wasn't doing anything. This made him look more like a d**k, but he kinda was.
Apatheist Account2 10 months ago
From the Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin: "One, two, three, four, make them sweat outside the door, five, six, seven, eight, always pays to make them wait. Come!"
JinxBox 10 months ago
My brother would never say a word without giving five seconds to think about a reply that is as polite as possible. But on the phone it is not polite anymore, it's all just "hello are you still there? I can't hear you" Now most people just call his wife to get the faster information.
#25
Okay, so this is more of a harmless one, but it can totally mess with someone in a playful way. If you’re talking to someone and you subtly start mirroring their body language like crossing your arms when they do or leaning in when they do it creates this weird sense of connection without them realizing it. But then, if you suddenly stop and do something completely opposite, like slouching when they’re sitting upright, it can make them feel slightly off-balance or confused without knowing why. It’s subtle, but it definitely throws them off their rhythm in the moment. 🤷♀️.
#26
Look at someones forehead a couple of times in a really short time when they’re talking to you!
JB 10 months ago
Meanwhile every woman you’ve ever done this to thinks you’re a vile creep. You know why? Because you are! What kind of pathetic pervert leverages generations of sexual harassment to gain the upper hand in a discussion? A weak, incompetent, incapable of professional behaviour or actually defending his point. And BTW, it’s still sexual harassment. So, great job on outing yourself for being an abusive git. Don’t try to claim “it was a joke”; what’s funny about sexual harassment? Can you explain to us all how fūcking hilarious it is to deliberately intimidate women using sexual harassment? If Apathist has the brain cells to delete his comment here’s why I’m so angry: “I have found that staring at a woman’s chest unnerves them - especially if they’re older. I’ve only done it for “tactical” reasons in order to get my own way in a discussion with someone who was senior (honest).
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When someone gives you a direct criticism, reply with “what are you implying?”.
#28
Silence. Its a very effective interview technique, because as humans we are conditioned to break silences in conversations.
Mary Kelly 10 months ago
i thought the point of a job interview was to find out if you're a good fit for the company, not to play mind games
Shelby Moonheart 10 months ago
My dad would ask me questions and then silently wait for me to answer.
#29
Once a week turn down someone's mouse sensitivity by one notch until eventually it's the slowest.
Scott Rackley 10 months ago
We used to mess with a supervisor like this. The whole screenshot/hide icons stuff to. Dude went through 3 mice one year because he didn't know the cellophane tape trick. Once turned everything to Russian.
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#30
I used to leave the building everyday of the week and say "Have a good weekend everyone" that used to drive people mad.
Papa 10 months ago
When leaving on the last workday in December I like to say "See you next year!"
#31
Aska a family member/roommate "Have you seen our toothbrush?".
#32
Start a sentence then stop midway and say, “Never mind”.
#33
Taken from 30 Rock, but say "Nice to meet you" to someone you've clearly already met.
#34
When you are having a conversation with someone about, say, turtles, change the subject by saying "speaking of turtles..." then something completely different, like "did you hear Bob and Emily are back together?" It will confuse the c**p out of them!
#35
Angry eyebrows no matter the subject lol.
What do you think ?
Captive 10 months ago
Tricks? Most of them are just mean or troll moves. Why would you do that? Are you 12?
Catlady6000 10 months ago
Hones, I used a lot of these to deflect bullies, both in school and in a professional setting. The best ones are where don't say anything or you express concern. Grey rock. Big sincere smile. "Are you ok?" or "There's something in your teeth" in a helpful concerned tone. Don't feed the beast.
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David Jeffery 10 months ago
The best thing I recently watched in a movie (the name escapes me) is, if you're not be good at keeping a conversation going or you just can't be bothered, repeat the last three words the person talking to you has said, but as a question. Similar to one up above, it forces clarification and continuation without you having to actually contribute anything
Smeghead Tribble Down Under 10 months ago
Agree with everything my father said (screamed) when he started. ''Yes, I am the biggest b*tch that ever walked''. ''You're always right, and I'm always wrong'' (no matter what. Even if he said the sky was pink with purple polka-dots) Walk on eggshells 24 hours a day every day. Anything to avoid conflict -_-
Captive 10 months ago
Tricks? Most of them are just mean or troll moves. Why would you do that? Are you 12?
Catlady6000 10 months ago
Hones, I used a lot of these to deflect bullies, both in school and in a professional setting. The best ones are where don't say anything or you express concern. Grey rock. Big sincere smile. "Are you ok?" or "There's something in your teeth" in a helpful concerned tone. Don't feed the beast.
Load More Replies... David Jeffery 10 months ago
The best thing I recently watched in a movie (the name escapes me) is, if you're not be good at keeping a conversation going or you just can't be bothered, repeat the last three words the person talking to you has said, but as a question. Similar to one up above, it forces clarification and continuation without you having to actually contribute anything
Smeghead Tribble Down Under 10 months ago
Agree with everything my father said (screamed) when he started. ''Yes, I am the biggest b*tch that ever walked''. ''You're always right, and I'm always wrong'' (no matter what. Even if he said the sky was pink with purple polka-dots) Walk on eggshells 24 hours a day every day. Anything to avoid conflict -_-
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