Reverse Psychology: How To Use Someone’s Mind Against Them
One of the best ways to influence is the use of reverse psychology. It plays to the darker part of our psyche that doesn’t want anyone else to get what they want. Basically, if you really want something, you can bluntly say what you want. Chances are they will most likely say “no” because they are being defiant. Once you make your true desires known, it’s probably too late to get the best aspects of reverse psychology.
Who does reverse psychology work on?You can usually spot people reverse psychology will work on because they are: angry, defiant, childish, or bored. This encompasses most children and almost all adults at some point or another when their day is going pathetically.
How does reverse psychology work?If you have a challenging person on your hands, in essence, just ask for the opposite of what you want. Your mom was probably really good at saying something like, “I hate it when your room is clean.” If you were in a tyrannical mood, you would clean up just to annoy her.
Use of reverse psychology in adults.
• Exclusivity: People want what they can’t have. Why do you think airlines have a curtain between first class and economy class? You may think the possibility of preferential treatment for all first-class passengers is a perfect reason to upgrade, but the things you don’t see… that makes you so desirable.
• You can’t have it: Telling someone they can’t have something only serves to expand their greed. There is something provocative in the phrase: “Let’s be friends.” Women like to use this term. They can flirt together all they want, but by the time they act on these mixed signals, they’re now stuck in the “Friends” drawer forever. So what’s stopping you, using this reverse psychology before her? It will drive someone crazy when you use her methods against them.
• Rarity: Advertising companies use this type of reverse psychology all the time: “limited time offer! Only 3 at this price!” If there isn’t much left, better get one now! How can you use this? Not being so available. Never let your boss or lover know how truly efficient you are! Sometimes don’t answer your phone or don’t respond to texts right away. Someone who is not available all the time is desirable.
• Assumptions: When you say something that is the furthest thing from your target’s mind, you still plant that seed. It confuses them and now they can’t get it out of their heads. For example, what if during a conversation with the object of your affection you said, “I would never pour hot chocolate on you!” You can guarantee there was no way they were thinking of this, but now you can be sure they aren’t thinking of anything else…
• Not Interested: Once you let it be seen that you really want something, you simply lose all your bargaining power. The best thing to do is go crazy on the inside and then find fault with what you want so that the seller is forced to deal with you. Obviously, the salesperson knows you’re interested, but the more you have to get him to “sell” you, the more his resolve wears thin.
• Using jealousy: Clearly, you have seen it when someone exhibits a more attractive person in front of their ex. It’s pretty cheeky, but it definitely works!