Lesson 1: Saying Please and Thank You
It's not about being fake, it's about being polite. Saying please and thank you is the key to unlocking the secrets of the formalities universe.
Example:
When asking your neighbor to turn down the music, say: "Please, could you turn down the music? I'm trying to study for my formalities degree."
When your neighbor turns down the music, say: "Thank you, neighbor! You're a lifesaver!"