48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene: The 12th Law.

The 12th Law of Power: Selective Honesty and Generosity to Disarm Your Victim: One sincere and honest move will cover dozens of dishonest ones. Open-hearted gestures of honesty and generosity bring down the guard of even the most suspicious people. Even the most suspicious people respond to acts of kindness, leaving them vulnerable to manipulation."

So make yourself useful to someone before asking for their help. Everyone without exception is hungry for love. Those who act as though they need it least, need it most. It's just the way we are created. We yearn to be seen, heard, appreciated, and thus loved. We thus, in essence, become connected with those who see us, hear us, appreciate us, and thus love us.

There is power in seeing people; hearing people out; appreciating people for who they are, what they represent, and do; and thus, loving people where they are. If you are going to use this as a tool, you'll need to be sincere, strategic, and patient. It takes time to build trust and relationships. Never expect something for nothing. Always ensure there is something in your emotional bank account, and never withdraw more than you have there.

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