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There are some people who act like your friend, but are really spies for the enemy. Actually, I think many of them really are your friend, and they really do help you, but they are much better friends of your enemy. It is better not to learn about these people the hard way. Here are some examples I know about.
Real estate agents. Don't disclose the highest price you can afford. Don't look to them for recommendations on inspectors, etc. Find a second opinion on such matters as whether the property is in a flood zone, whether the neighbor with junk in the backyard really is about to build a privacy fence, whether the foundation problem can be easily fixed and covered by insurance, etc.
Employment agency staff. They probably get more repeat business from employers than employees. Even though you think they are getting paid a percentage of your future salary, it is just possible that they are getting a kickback if they successfully recommend that the employer talk you down. Don't disclose the lowest salary you will take. Don't say anything negative about yourself or employers.
Similarly, I've heard that professional mediators tend to be biased towards companies, from whom they get more repeat business than individuals.
Sales people working on commission. Sometimes you don't even realize they're sales people. Is your financial planner or ballroom dance instructor working on commission? (In this case, they aren't spies of the enemy, but the actual enemy.)
Friends of your ex-lover's new lover, if it's the type of new lover who hates you and is forcing all your mutual friends to choose between you. (Surely there aren't many of these.) Do not say anything that could in any way be interpreted as negative; that can't help you. Read Sun Tzu's The Art of War for good advice.
Disclaimer: By "enemy," I mean person with at least one interest at odds with at least one interest of yours. (Oh, that's everyone. Oops.) And of course not all spies are competent or motivated at spying.
Real estate agents. Don't disclose the highest price you can afford. Don't look to them for recommendations on inspectors, etc. Find a second opinion on such matters as whether the property is in a flood zone, whether the neighbor with junk in the backyard really is about to build a privacy fence, whether the foundation problem can be easily fixed and covered by insurance, etc.
Employment agency staff. They probably get more repeat business from employers than employees. Even though you think they are getting paid a percentage of your future salary, it is just possible that they are getting a kickback if they successfully recommend that the employer talk you down. Don't disclose the lowest salary you will take. Don't say anything negative about yourself or employers.
Similarly, I've heard that professional mediators tend to be biased towards companies, from whom they get more repeat business than individuals.
Sales people working on commission. Sometimes you don't even realize they're sales people. Is your financial planner or ballroom dance instructor working on commission? (In this case, they aren't spies of the enemy, but the actual enemy.)
Friends of your ex-lover's new lover, if it's the type of new lover who hates you and is forcing all your mutual friends to choose between you. (Surely there aren't many of these.) Do not say anything that could in any way be interpreted as negative; that can't help you. Read Sun Tzu's The Art of War for good advice.
Disclaimer: By "enemy," I mean person with at least one interest at odds with at least one interest of yours. (Oh, that's everyone. Oops.) And of course not all spies are competent or motivated at spying.