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Customizing a gift or service to align with a recipient’s specific needs or preferences significantly amplifies the power of the rule of reciprocation. Examples: * A hotel correcting a service error with personalized assistance creates stronger loyalty than a flawless stay. * Visitors given a small cup of yogurt (matching their immediate need for food) increased food purchases by 24%, compared to a generic gift like a key ring. Where does this idea come from? * The Rule of Reciprocation * B

In close relationships, reciprocity shifts from exact exchanges to a broader willingness to meet each other's needs as they arise. Examples: * Families and close friends provide support without tracking exact balances. * In "communal" relationships, the focus is on mutual care rather than equivalent exchange. Where does this idea come from? * The Rule of Reciprocation * Relationship Dynamics What's similar to this idea? * Altruism in relationships * Unconditional support What's opposite

We feel compelled to repay what another person has provided us. Examples: * People go to great lengths to avoid being seen as freeloaders. * Small initiating favors can increase compliance, even with those we dislike. Where does this idea come from? * Social norms * Cultural expectations of fairness What's similar to this idea? * No such thing as a free lunch * Give-and-take * The psychology of indebtedness What's opposite of this idea? * Don't-back-down * Self-sufficiency Where does t

The rule of reciprocity can create a sense of discomfort and obligation, often leading individuals to repay more than they have received. Examples: * Feelings of internal discomfort and external shame drive overcompensation in returning favors. * Avoiding asking for favors when repayment seems unlikely. * Women often feel uncomfortable accepting expensive gifts due to perceived expectations or obligations. Where does this idea come from? * The Rule of Reciprocation * Cultural expectations o

A person can create a sense of obligation in others by doing an unsolicited favor, leveraging the cultural and social pressures of the rule of reciprocation. Examples: * Feeling obligated to repay a favor that was neither requested nor wanted. * Marcel Mauss describes the "obligation to give, receive, and repay" in gift-giving practices. * A person controls both the initial favor and the expected return, leaving the recipient in a difficult social position to refuse. Where does this idea com

Where does this idea come from? * Triggers * Automatic responses * Behavioral psychology * Classical Conditioning What's similar to this idea? * Turkey nurturing only chicks that make cheap-cheap noises * Placebo Effect * Fixed-action patterns What's opposite of this idea? * Desire and ability to make thoughtful decisions * Decisions of personal importance Where does this idea lead to? * Simplification of decision-making in complex scenarios * Favors more successful when followed by a re