We should sometimes learn from the politicians who govern our country. OK, they aren’t necessarily upright citizens, but then again, neither are you.

Every question that is posed to you has an answer that that someone wants to hear.

Or, another way to say it is: each question has an official and an unofficial answer.

This isn’t dishonest, it’s just feeding people the information that will serve them best. And of course will get you out of a conversation that last for 4 hours with no possible success for you.

Aside: Providing too much information is not going to get you any awards or monetary compensation. Give people the answer that they want to hear and include a version of the truth in there. Keep it short so they cannot tear it apart and find the flaws in your story. It’s simple so keep it simple.

So, from this point on, understand that your first response to any question is always the official answer. The only choice you have to make is whether you disclose any unofficial information.

“What time did you get home last night?”

Now, if the person asking this question is your girlfriend, you simply say, “Around midnight.” Job done.

If the question is asked by your best friend, you still provide the official answer, but it sounds slightly different. Something like this:

“Officially? Midnight. Unofficially? Errr, Four-thirty.”

This way you have still towed a certain party line, and those who are privy to the unofficial information understand that the information is not for public consumption. You have protected yourself.

Applications: cheating, lying, drug use, stealing, eating (if you are fat – “did you eat that pizza that was in the fridge?” – “Absolutely not.”), and getting out of attending parties or functions that you do not wish to attend .

Random examples:

• “I tried it once, but it made me feel jumpy and I couldn’t sleep. I don’t like it.”
• “Yeah, we had a couple of beers.”
• “No of course I’m not cheating on you.”
• “Porn? Yeah, I’ve watched it a few times before.”
• “Of course I always wear condoms.”

Advice: The public always wants the official answer. Don’t deprive your public of what they want.

Who is the public, you may ask?

1. Your girlfriend, wife, or latest piece of ass.
2. Your parents.
3. Strangers.

Information is power. Don’t put yourself at risk.