Loneliness. We've all been there, and sometimes, just getting someone to hang out with you requires a little more than a simple "come over." These innocent manipulation tricks are nothing to be ashamed of, because in the end, isn't the two of you getting together beneficial for both sides?
1. Target Their Insecurities
Everyone has insecurities, so figure out their's, and use that to your advantage as you go in for the kill shot. For example, if you know that your pal HATES being pale, try “Hey ____, you’re looking pretty pale, come to the beach with me!” Or, “Hey ____, looks like you’ve missed a few leg days, let’s go to the gym together!” Now, he/she hanging out with you is beneficial for him/her too, ergo working as a very effective method for yours truly!
2. Guilt-Trip Them
While this method may seem annoying and immature, desperate times call for desperate measures if you’re lonely and your target isn’t budging! Now, guilt-tripping has two possible angles: 1. Bring up efforts you have made for him/her in the past, such as that time you drove him to the airport at 4:30 in the morning, or 2. Make him/her feel bad about NOT hanging out with you by mentioning that you’re still really upset about a breakup and need a friend, or by reminding her that she wont see you for a while for whatever reason.
3. Dazzle Them
To dazzle someone, talk up the activity you are trying to convince him/her to join you in. If your target is being really stubborn, you may have to exaggerate A LOT — maybe even tell some white lies. For example, if you’re trying to convince her to come to brunch with your grandma, maybe tell her that your grandma is Meryl Streep, or that the brunch is at the White House. But don’t worry, even if she’s disappointed when she arrives, at least you got her there and now you’ve got someone to hang with! This method could also include tempting them with the classic lines such as, “I really have to tell you something, but it has to be in person.” Either way, this method is especially great for one-time hangouts and your forgiving friends.
4. Lay Out Their Other (Worse) Options
For this method, make sure you are slightly aware of their other activity options, and if they come up with something legit, brush it off and make it seem really lame compared to you. For example, if you KNOW that he’s not going out tonight, push him with, “What else are you going to do, sit at home and watch T.V. with your mom?” (Lines like these also go back to the first method of targeting his insecurities—don’t be afraid to mix, match, and combine!) Also, if you know that she’s busy with other—not you—stuff, make a list, like, “You could go to the movies with your boyfriend, but I heard that film sucks, and as for your cousin’s wedding, well, we all know it’s not going to last anyway, so how about you and I hang out?” Sold.
5. Pay Them
Now this method, for me at least, is a last—desperate—resort, but again, sometimes necessary. If you feel odd offering to pay her for the overall hangout, maybe offer to pay for her dinner, the concert tickets, her cab ride to and from you, a new purse, her next hair appointment, her phone bill(?), etc.
