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Erik and I once also discussed the usefulness of appearing stupid and not understanding what they wanted ie a bribe or whatever. Does work too.

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Forgot to mention that. But yes, acting stupid really does help sometimes. I've gotten out of lots of bribe situations in French and Arabic speaking African countries by pretending not to understand what they wanted. They all eventually got bored trying to explain to the dull witted Norwegian what cadeau or baksheesh meant, and sent us on our way.

I've tried the same procedure with my wife when she's occasionally asked me to vacuum the house or do the dishes, but for some reason she hasn't been as easily fooled by my stupid act as the "officials" I've dealt with in Africa.

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