I read Dale Carnegie's book 4-5 times over because I enjoyed reading it. It really backfired on me one time, though. I was staying in a hostel and some guy was

I read Dale Carnegie's book 4-5 times over because I enjoyed reading it. It really backfired on me one time, though. I was staying in a hostel and some guy was angry at me (it's not important why). I decided to go for the "take the blame, and agree that it's your fault to disarm your opponent who expected a fight". The angry guy really felt like I was patronizing and I didn't give a shit about him, which just made him more angry. Oops. I was convinced that my Carnegie verbal kung fu was better than that. I made note and next time I'll argue briefly before conceding and moving on. I also agree with someone in this thread who said that it's annoying when you suspect that these techniques are being used on you. I have a friend who reads those kinds of books and I regularly wonder if he is being genuine when he asks my opinion about something.