I spent a lot of time watching him, trying to figure out how he charmed people into giving him free stuff and, usually, becoming his friend at the same time. He did have a formula. One, make fun of yourself. It makes you nonthreatening from the start. Two, smile. Especially when you’re asking for something. Three, mix your lies with the truth. Four, remind them how silly/stupid/forgetful you are, this is all your fault, and won’t you be an awesome person and lend a hand?
