For example, you could start a conversation with something like “I am interested in improving our relationship so that you can help me in my career, so I would appreciate the opportunity to buy you lunch.” If you simply offer to pay without providing such a motivation, it may be seen as manipulative; yet if the “manipulation” is made clear, so that the participant knows what they are consenting to, then it’s much more comfortable for them.

Yes, but also: absolutely not. Do not say this. The game of giving and receiving favors is played sub rosa, under the table, unacknowledged and consciously denied. What you are doing here is explicitly admitting to bribery, which is only a crime when motivation can be demonstrated.

And I better fucking not see a

on my walk today.