"Say nice things about people behind their backs. There are no downsides: the person you’re talking to likes you better, and so does the person you’re talking about. This really helped me make friends at new jobs, new cities, and also can help diffuse social tensions unrelated to you."
You are very smart to understand that!
Btw, could I borrow a pen?
And I might have a ... small request later for you.
I like the way you responded to that.