Reverse Psychology

Every time the man next door headed toward Robinson’s house, Robinson knew he was coming to borrow something. "He won’t get away with it this time," muttered Robinson to his wife. "Watch this."

"Er, I wonder if you’d be using your power-saw this morning," the neighbor began.

"Gee, I’m awfully sorry," said Robinson with a smug look, "but the fact of the matter is, I’ll be using it all day."

"In that case," said the neighbor, "you won’t be using your golf clubs, mind if I borrow them?"