"The rule for all of us is perfectly simple: Do not waste time bothering whether you 'love' your neighbor; act as if you did. As soon as we do this, we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him. If you injure someone you dislike, you will find yourself disliking him more. If you do him a good turn, you will find yourself disliking him less." — C. S. Lewis

Surely those words carry an enormous amount of advice in a few short lines. It's amazing but true that the best way to win friends and influence people is not only to do something for them but also to get them to do something for you. It's incredible, but when you ask a favor, which, many times, is a compliment to the other person, his or her affection and fondness for you will actually increase.

Consider for a moment the changes that took place in your relationship with your next-door neighbor when you asked him or her to pick up your mail or water your plants while you were out of town. Did you get to know them better? Were their greetings a little more enthusiastic and sincere after they had done you the favor? Did you find yourself more willing to spend time conversing over the back fence? Did you feel a new sense of security and gratitude knowing someone right next door was willing to help you out in a pinch?

It's true that when you ask someone to do you a favor (within reason), the other person is flattered and, in most cases, will be willing to grant the favor. Friendships do develop, and that gives both parties something to smile about.

To find out more about Zig Ziglar and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com. Subscribe to Zig Ziglar's free email newsletter through ziglar.com.

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