Having trouble convincing your better half to watch your film of choice?
In fact, theres a strong argument that it wouldnt be much of a relationship were that the case.
Lots of us will be facing this very conundrum, for example, whenDriveturns up on disc.
Where it will sit for many, many months.
So what can you do?
But each does have a success rate.
You just need to choose and deploy wisely.
We wish you the best of luck.
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1.
Lie
We start with the most unsavoury tactic of all, just to get it out of the way.
It is, however, a dark day when the Lie button has to be pressed.
Approach with lots of caution…
- without a no, then it gives you a better chance come the inevitable follow-ups.
your partner may ask.
Ive no idea, you’re free to truthfully answer.
Think of every detailed answer you give as a mini-firewall.
Your path to a yes vote might just be cleared as a consequence.3.
Pretend its for work/study
Obviously, this one depends on your job.
Just play with it a little and see where you get with it.
Which means you have to introduce just a little bit of detail into the conversation.
Too much detail, obviously, is a one-way street to a no, as weve already discovered.
But carefully chosen, minimal details?
They might just be golden.
Has it got someone from a sitcom they liked?
Does it involve a writer who worked on a certain franchise?
Are the costumes by someone posh?
Who did the music?
File away the individual fact, too, for future reference.
Novices need not apply.
Because the problem with reverse psychology is most people over-egg it.
You dont watch it.
But tap into their psyche.
Do they get a distinct pleasure from watching you cower at a scary movie?
Its got that bloke in it I cant stand, hes never funny, that might work.
Invest too much interest in your disinterest, and you blow the scam.
Recruit a friend
Were upping the ante here, and deploying extra staff.
This ones an oft-overlooked entry in the playbook.
Then get a mutual friend around that does.
In fact, specifically invite them around on the promise that youre going to watch the film.
Will your other half play along, though?
Only in extreme circumstances should you do the My friend asked specifically to see it line.
It takes more planning, and there are more things that can go wrong.
The bigger risk is the stand-up row in front of your friend.
This, however, happens very, very rarely, but shouldnt be completely ignored as possible fallout.
Have the film running just before they walk in the room
I like this one.
It doesnt risk thermonuclear war, and its success rate is surprisingly strong.
Either way, no argument ensues.
The trick, once again, is to try and remove the offer of a decision.
Even if youve not bought the tickets, put across that you have.
Better still, produce the booking confirmation.
Physical evidence always helps.
Obviously, this is a double or quits gamble.
Theres also the longer term risk that you will be denied future permission to book tickets.
Its still a useful tactic, though, but one to be used sparingly.
Sometimes, you get lucky, and film times work in your favour.
Beg
Never underestimate the power of this one.
For added effect, throw in pure, unadulterated honesty.
Heck, pour your soul on the carpet if it’s crucial that you.
And remember to say hey.
A lot.Lines that have been scientifically proven not to work:
We shouldnt watch this.
Its a bit too clever for you
Its got that person in it that you fancy.
[If they really fancy said person, they probably already know that theyre in it.]
Your best friend loved it.
[Remember, they talk to their best friend more than they talk to you.
So to speak.]
Its got Martin Lawrence in it.
Or those who already know their relationship is doomed…