Remember:
The first order of business of any grifter over the long run is not to gain your trust, but have you compromise your own integrity. That way, in your own mind, you become like them, and when your trust is betrayed, you think you deserved it, or worse, you fall into league with the grifter.
In the Cold War days, there was a term for this: #kompromat. Don't become a #kompromat
If you don't compromise with yourself, they can't compromise you.
I was in a meeting once with a very important supplier. He looked me in the eye after a couple of beers and said “should we get some hookers?”
I squared up to him and said “I want to be very clear, I’m happily married and I don’t do that. Moreover, I don’t give anyone leverage over me in any situation. I need your support for the business I have but I am going to immediately start working on diversifying away from your company. Thank you for the beers. Have a great night.”
I quickly got a price increase letter when I got home. Three months later I sent him my last order and I’ve never spoken to him since. If we don’t carry ourselves with integrity the world will drag us down.
This is my Trump cheer leading beef in a nutshell - well said...
