There’s a Worm in my Apple

I enjoy doing a little trick whenever I can with strangers. Whenever the
opportunity arises, I like to ask complete strangers to put their faith in
me when there is something at risk for them.

Example. The last time I got a haircut I realized at the end that I had no
cash, and the place didn’t take cards. I was able to convince the lady in a
couple of seconds, while she was cutting someone else’s hair, that I’d be
right back. From the time I told her I didn’t have any money to the time I
convinced her I’d be right back was roughly 2 seconds. She was very
uncomfortable as I quickly left.

I loved it. It was a perfect set up. The game is to get people to feel as if
their trust in humanity just caused them harm, and then turn around and come
through for them.

The look on her face when I returned, and on the faces of the other people
in the shop, were very pleasing to me. It was obvious that that they were
stressing and probably discussing the fact that I was never coming back. And
when they saw me return roughly 10 minutes later their smiles said something
very clearly:

Try it. It feels good to raise others’ faith in humanity.