Disclaimer: This blog title does not specify just how many sneaky ways are on the list. (i.e TEN Sneaky Ways…) This gives me leeway and freedom to add some more. Depending on how obsessive you are about knowing the whole story, you may need to keep checking back.
HOW IS THIS LIST DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS?
Sure, the internet is filled with lists of topics that you should discuss together prior to getting serious with someone. We all know you should talk about how you both feel regarding: a) Children b) Pets c) Finances d) Household Chores e) Frequency of Sex f) Location of residence g) Dark chocolate and so many other subjects, but still. Really?? Is that supposed to give you an accurate and true litmus test of whether this person is right for you? Aren’t we all still in the “Put my best foot forward” mode until the minute we walk down that aisle? And what woman is going to admit that putting her best feet forward entails having a $1500 pair of Louboutin shoes on them? Would you confess to someone (if you want them to continue seeing you in a good light) that the only reason you donate to a charity is to get those cute little personalized return address labels?
Every time I hear a couple’s relationship has fallen apart because “she isn’t the same person she was when we dated,” I nod my head knowingly. She (or he) did NOT change. They simply couldn’t keep the lovely sales presentation going forever. It’s exhausting. There must be a way to cut through the facade earlier!
When I date, I use my own unique version of a “Sincerity Test.” It involves making up a joke that doesn’t have a real punchline. When I tell it, I pause and then watch to see if they will do “that pretend laugh thing.” Here’s the most recent joke. “What do you call a woman who won’t do windows? An Adult Film star on ice-skates!” Get it ??! Some laugh uproariously. A few will look quizzically and ask me to either tell the joke again or explain the bizarre ending. Those are the ones I date again. And then tell another joke. . .
So without any further ado, may I present….
SOME SNEAKY WAYS TO FIND OUT ABOUT THE REAL PERSON YOU THINK YOU ARE WITH!
1. Forget Monopoly (and whether or not they cheat by stealing money from the bank.) Play Scrabble with them instead. Form a seven letter nonsense word. Do they insist on the Dictionary Challenge? (Trust Issues.)
2. Text them from a cell number they don’t recognize and flirt with them anonymously. Do they flirt back? (tests paranoia) While flirting, text them a joke WITHOUT a real punchline that you’ve already told them before. (Tests Memory.)
3. Go to a Chinese restaurant together. But forget how your partner treats the hired help. They already know you’ll be watching for how much kindness they show the waitress. Instead notice if they miss a tiny piece when picking the mushrooms out of the Shrimp Szechuan? (Tests for Attention to Detail. Also shows if they can tolerate a rubbery textured gross fungus. Eww!) Do they hand you your own particular fortune cookie or let you choose it for yourself from the plate? (Control Issues.) Do they add on, “In bed” after reading their fortune aloud? (Shows a propensity toward major Kink!)
4. Knock on their front door. Immediately throw dirt on their carpet. Gage reaction. Anything less than a chuckle is bad news. (No sense of humor.) Everyone knows this is a funny bit from one of the greatest “I Love Lucy” episodes ever.
5. Ask them if they prefer Mary Ann or Ginger? Mrs. Brady or Mrs. Partridge? Kramer or Newman? Starsky or Hutch? Wilma or Betty? Scarlett or Melanie? (Tests gullibility and logic factors….do they really believe Mary Ann can bake coconut pies without any flour on the island? The rest of the choices just tests for television addiction. Except the last one. It’s a 4 hour feature length movie with the most handsome guy ever. Tests their “Clark Gable Tolerance” level.)
6. Snickerdoodle or Oatmeal? Fudge or Peanut Brittle? The black or white side of a Black and White Cookie? This doesn’t tell you anything about their character whatsoever, but you will have clarity about whether you should walk into a bakery with them.
7. Ditch them in a large department store and then page them over the loudspeaker by your pet name, “Will Pookie, Snookie Cookie please come to cashier number 8 please? Your Doodle, Noodle, Kitten Caboodle is waiting for you.” (Shows tolerance for PDA.)
8. Hold a garage sale with them. Will they part with their kid’s old shoes? (Sentimentality test) Will they mark down those same junky shoes to a reasonable price? (Shows realistic expectations.)
9. Do they say “Bless You” when a stranger sneezes? (No? Shows lack of goodwill toward mankind. Yes? May be a religious zealot.)
10. Tell them this Valentine’s Day there is a big surprise waiting for them in your bedroom. But you’ve hidden your front door key inside one of those pretend, “Hide-a-key” stones. In your rock garden around the side of the house. (Tests perseverance) Text them back and tell them you meant to say “under the door mat.” Remove the mat. (tests Patience) Call and tell them to look in the mail. Remember to place your doormat inside the mailbox first. With a note attached that says, “Door has already mysteriously opened by itself.” (Tests whether they’d be a good audience for a magician show.)
The following items on the list must only be implemented when you are not around. You need to find out how they behave when they are alone. You’ve heard it said to “Dance like nobody is watching!” Right? Well, I will soon be marketing a motorized “Fly on the Wall” with a camera and mic hidden discreetly inside, so YOU CAN be watching.
11. Do they wash their hands in a public bathroom when they are the only ones in there?
12. In a private dressing room inside Target, will they keep their underwear on when trying on a bathing suit?
13. When they walk their dog on a dark street at night, do they still clean up after them?
14. Do they tailgate people who drive super slowly in the fast lane on the freeway? What happens when they realize they are old people and have already given them the finger?
15. Will they stop at a lemonade stand run by little kids? Will they overpay and lick their lips at the sugar water? Or do they demand their change, telling the child there should really be a cookie to go with the lemonade at these prices.
16. When watching Old Yeller, do they cry at the ending?
17. Do they drink from the family milk carton in their refrigerator when they just want a little sip?
You should try at least five of these prior to Valentine’s Day before you send the flowers or the chocolate. And remember # 4 is a major deal-breaker. EVERYONE loves Lucy.
Footnote: If you are surprised by how sneaky I am, it means you have not read this ( SNEAKY BLOG ) and probably should peruse it before you make the final decision of whether to follow my writings.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!
So clever and funny .lOVE IT! Forget about real age! think about your biological age and it is definitely 25! Full of energy. wit and enthusiasm, creativity and even wish to ball.
Love you.
Ex-mom.
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If you use the same criteria for your friends, it’s been nice knowing ya. How do you lock the door behind us rejects?
I guffawed at your window washerless joke. I’m paranoid and have no sense of humor.
If you change your mind, page me the next time you’re at a crowded garage sale. But make sure Register 8 is conspicuous. I hate looking for things. Once I get started, I don’t respond to my cell phone.
Gesundheit
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These are all excellent tests, I love it! Please don’t share with my boyfriend though, I have a feeling I might not pass a few of them…
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But of course you noticed that I didn’t say the individuals who PASSED are the ones you should hang onto. I think failing many of these makes for far more interesting relationship material. Therefore you are still running true to form. 😉
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Pingback: Weekly Writing Challenge – My Funny Valentine | Joe's Musings
Could not hold the laughter back. I have been on the receiving end of several of these. I suppose it keeps me on my toes. You can also tell a lot about a person when you interact with their friends and see them around their family. Funny list, lots of good laughs and I am sure the readers who do some of these will have same great stories to share.
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I hope you’re not on the receiving end of too many more. You look fairly trustworthy to me. 😉
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Great post! made me giggle 😉
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Thank you so much for dropping in and commenting! Giggles are good. Google “Giggle” to verify that. 😉
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Cookies! And – where do I sign up for the motorized fly?
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Thanks for your interest – – The Motorized Fly on the Wall is a new “off the wall” invention for sneaky people – – coming soon! Watch this blog for the “buzz!” 😉 And cookies? Sorry but you’re on your own with those. That’s the way the cookie crumbles?
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Aww, drat – no cookies? Well, I guess crumbs are better than nothing…
Ooh, I can’t wait for the wall to wall spy-fly action! 🙂
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“Spy fly?!!!!! ” Love it! Now why don’t I come up with your cleverness?
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Well, how about this: you can use the name on the box and we split the profits 😉 Erm.. or… you know… I could maybe get a discount coupon? 10 percent? Or five? … Two?
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I’m giving you royalties beyond belief!
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That’s it, trowing dirt on carpets from now on :D!
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Serge, I just knew you wouldn’t disappoint!
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Mary Ann! Always Mary Ann!
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Why? Why? It was those short shorts, right??
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Personality! 🙂 (The short shorts didn’t hurt either)
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When your other half calls you on your s*** you know he isn’t afraid and he is someone to consider seriously
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no truer words….
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Great blog! Especially like the “fake joke” idea! Works for friends as well.
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May work for a few relatives? Try it out.
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I have done number 2 when I was younger, but it was through facebook lol
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You youngster, you! Facebook was already around when you were young enough to do that!!!
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Oh no now I’m remembering it was MySpace, I was in high school lol
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You’re still YOUNG. No back pedaling! 😉
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Hey I’m 24 but I feel old!
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same some of that “feeling old” for when you actually are…..like me. Blech.
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Haha I will try! But from your pic you don’t look that old 🙂
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It’s the sunglasses….they cover all!
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Well at least take the compliment! Lol
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Thank you! I will be 50 in March so I will take any compliment anytime, anywhere!!
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Great list, although I hope you bake every type of dessert in #6 so the guy can praise your culinary skills. Maybe also try cooking the shrimp, fortune cookie, flourless coconut pie, and a batch of sugar water. Feed everything to him in one sitting.
It wouldn’t test anything useful, but it would make him happy. 🙂
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I think I’m subtly picking up on the “way to your heart.”
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Or at least the way that one can discuss in polite conversation…
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