A small gift can leave you feeling you owe a much bigger favor.

Reciprocity is the strong pull people feel to repay what they've been given, even when they never asked for it. Because turning down a gift or leaving it unreturned feels uncomfortable, a small, unrequested favor can create a sense of debt that persuaders use to get a bigger yes later.

Try today: The next time someone gives you something you didn't ask for and then makes a request, pause and ask yourself whether you actually want what they're offering or just feel you owe them.