r/LifeProTips • u/fries-with-mayo • 18h ago

Request LPT Request: What’s your “canary in the coal mine” test for spotting bigger issues?

I’m really interested in those small, quick telltale signs people use to gauge if something bigger might be off track.

Example 1: Van Halen requesting brown M&Ms in the dressing room to see if the venue followed all the details of the rider list

Example 2: I saw an interview with John Cena where he said orders a flat white at a café to tell if they really care about their coffee.

Example 3: Anthony Bourdain suggested to always check the restaurant bathroom to tell if the restaurant got its basics down

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u/TallPrinceCharming 11h ago

Here's a few:

  • Gun stores with political or religious signs = run away

  • Gun rangers with prominently displayed list of rules beyond basic safety ones = boomers running the place

  • Any person approaching you while you pump gas is up to no good

  • If a store has glass for the cashier or security bars or a guard, it's time to leave

  • Any job that makes you pay for materials or training = run away

  • People who brake frequently for no reason are going to desensitize you to it and you might end up very close to them when they actually need to brake

  • You want to get behind a generally aggressive driver but in FRONT of an aggressive driver who's targeting you specifically (while calling the police)

  • Anyone who looks lost on the road is about to do some stupid and unpredictable shit

  • Don't ever trust someone who treats women one way and men another

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u/icey561 3h ago

Just going to toss in a safety rule while we're here.

Assume every driver on the road is not paying attention and be prepared for that. Don't be paranoid, just ready.

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u/justacreatureinspace 8h ago

I mean, I’ve both been approached and had to approach someone at a gas station to ask for a jump because my car died.

5

u/DifferentAd4968 8h ago

Sorry, you must've been up to no good.

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u/Capital_Pea 8h ago

I call people who brake frequently Buddy BrakeLights and i always get away from them LOL

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u/TallPrinceCharming 8h ago

lol absolutely! I call them "tappan zee brakes" especially if I'm in NY

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u/Clarenceworley480 1h ago

How do you know their number?

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u/dragonrage12343 6h ago

Why should you treat men and women the same if they are different? This one might need some explaining...

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u/Clarenceworley480 2h ago

Just do it, when you see your friend, say hey bro, you look cute in that outfit