The Trick To Dealing with Strangers in 2024
is nonverbal threats
In the movie The Godfather, to get a message across, the Don leaves a man’s horse’s severed head in his bed while he’s sleeping. He wakes up and he realizes his life in somebody else’s hands. Then, shockingly, he cooperates!
KEEP READING! DON’T KILL ANYBODY’S HORSE!
Instead, you can get a similar effect with nothing more than your smartphone. When a stranger is bothering you, ask them to stop. If they don’t, start taking their picture. Make sure they notice you taking the pictures. Don’t say anything more. They now understand their online identity is in your hands. You could ruin their reputation. Or worse… their mind starts spinning. Now, they’re much more likely to cooperate and leave you alone.
Especially important, never actually send those photos around (unless they were violent). In today’s world of web-shaming, the consequences could be too brutal. You don’t want to live with that shame on your shoulders of being the reason a person is eviscerated on the internet. Not worth it.
Try it next time someone is acting out of line. I’ve heard this is especially useful in New York City, where strangers love acting in peculiar ways!
Question of The Day
How do you deal with strangers acting out-of-line? What works for you?
Your Friend,
Noah “BigNerd” Sochaczevski