Mind Control

After years of trying to force the Phenom to submit to my "mind meld" experiments, I have finally given up and resorted to good old mind control. I know, I know - it's a favored party trick of the jedi crowd. I'm not talking about waving your hand and producing a semi-hypnotic state. I'm talking actual mind control.

And, because I like all of you . . . I'm going to let you in on the secret.

I started developing this skill with children. Scene: we want to walk downtown for pizza. The child in the group refuses to cooperate with her mother's suggestion of coat and shoes. I sit down with the child, shoes and coat in hand and say "which do you want to put on first? Coat or shoes? Child says Coat, child puts on coat. Then, I say "which shoe first? left or right? Child says left. Shoes go on. Simple.

Fast forward to home, this evening. I ask the Phenom when the game we are most interested in watching this weekend is on. The answer is Saturday evening. I say, cool, what night are you taking me out to Mexicanish food? Friday or Saturday. The Phenom says, "Friday." All is well.

The trick is knowing that humans like to think they have control and choice. You can control their minds by controlling the choices. They feel as if they have dictated the terms of the interaction - when in fact, you just limited the terms.

Now, go out there and get your own way.