You Are Not Alone

by Greer Hendricks

THE SISTERS ONLY LIE when absolutely necessary.

If you’re going to tell a premeditated lie, here’s how to do it: Make it believable. Practice saying it. Keep the lie short. Be confident. —Data Book, page 24 JODY ISN’T SUPPOSED to move in until the end of the month, but her presence is all around me when I walk in the door: New floral throw pillows adorn our brown cracked-leather couch, and a Monet water-lily poster hangs above the bench where we put our shoes. A silver-framed picture of her and Sean sits on the end table; only yesterday, all the table held was coasters.

One of the best ways to get someone to like you is to ask them to do a favor for you. In one study conducted in both the U.S. and Japan, people who thought they were working on a joint project ended up reporting liking someone more when that person asked for their help with the task. This is called the Benjamin Franklin effect. The phenomenon is named for the way the founding father used this tactic to appeal to a political rival, by asking the man to lend him a book from his library. —Data Book, page 32

Cutting boards can contain 200 percent more fecal bacteria than a toilet seat.

Her curiosity and determination to make sense out of seemingly disparate facts are dangerous.

Four indications people may be uncomfortable with you: 1. They touch their neck (where there are nerve endings; this can unconsciously help calm them down). 2. Their feet are pointed away from you. 3. They avoid eye contact or wince. 4. They cross their arms or physically withdraw and place an object between you (such as pulling a pillow on their lap). —Data Book, page 53

CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE SHAY Common law enforcement misconceptions: You can explain your way out of trouble. If you cooperate with the police, you won’t be charged. You’re safe if an officer didn’t read you your Miranda rights. —Data Book, page 67

I don’t have the luxury of indulging my feelings.

According to one comprehensive survey, the odds of having three children in one family who are all girls is 21 percent.