I was a horrible person in high school and trusted no one. So, I would make up a rumor about an unassuming third party, tell only one person that rumor and then wait to see whether or not they would squeal to others. It was my insurance policy, I guess. And out of all of those rumors and people, only 3 people kept their word. It might be manipulative, but it really is a great way to weed out all of the undesirables. ;)