'Game of Thrones': Margaery Tyrell's Guide to Winning Friends and Influencing People

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Our long wait is (almost) over. A year after the Season 5 finale that launched a thousand fan theories, Game of Thrones is preparing to enter new territory in its sixth season, which debuts Sunday, April 24 on HBO. For the first time in its history, the series will venture completely off book, as the writers have lapped the release of author George R.R. Martin’s final two novels. So now, both readers and newbies will be on the same proverbial page when we return to Westeros, Dorne, and points beyond.

As viewers count down the days to Game of Thrones’ return, we here at Yahoo TV are launching our official countdown: #GoTIsComing. Check back here every day over the next month as we explore all of our favorite (and a few of our least favorite) people, places, and things about television’s most addictive show. From Direwolves and Dragons to the shows most hideous deaths and imperiled characters, we’re going to indulge or GoT obsession with the same fervor that Cersei imbibes alcohol. So raise a glass and toast the impending arrival of a long, cruel, and bloody Westerosi winter.

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Warning: This post contains spoilers for Game of Thrones Seasons 1-5.

Hundreds of books have been written on the subject of gaining power and success, but forget about books for a minute (George R. R. Martin sure seems to’ve!)… The only guide you need to attain the life you want is offered Sunday nights on HBO’s Game of Thrones. Namely the ascension of Margaery Tyrell from ordinary aristocracy to the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Employing a mixture of doe-eyed kindness and shrewd, shade-laden scheming, Margaery has arguably out-Cersei’d even Cersei herself! Putting aside the fact that Margaery suffered a major setback by the end of Season 5, her journey until that point remains impeccable. Let’s review what we’ve learned!

1. Know Your Goal

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You can’t get anywhere without knowing where you’re going. But don’t just settle for any goal… Go BIG. Also, stating this intention before your kingdom’s cleverest, most ruthless power-seeker couldn’t hurt either.

2. Stand Firm in Your Beliefs

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Haters will try to point out the flaws in your plan: Don’t let them! For example, if someone tries to tell you that marriage is about love and affection, kindly remind them that love and affection won’t get you on the Iron Throne.

3. Always Be Ready to Problem Solve

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When you’re faced with adversity, don’t get hurt. Get proactive! Like, when your obviously homosexual husband seems reluctant to impregnate you, offer up the fluffing services of your hunky brother. Whatever it takes!

4. Lie With a Smile

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Compliments are the whitest of white lies, so dole them out freely. Especially when you’ve decided to marry the foulest piece of garbage in the realm.

5. Bond With Your In-Laws…

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Family trees can get complicated on paper, but in person keep it simple! Particularly when marrying multiples of your best frenemy’s children.

6. …Even If You’re Only Throwing Shade

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At some point the pressure of attaining your goals might get the best of you. But rather than blow up or throw tantrums, try to shield your anger with the gentlest of shade. Yes, the object of your scorn will feel insulted, but she’ll feel too embarrassed to bring it up with anyone else. “She called me an old drunk!” is not a good look on anybody.

7. Show Genuine Kindness Even When No One’s Looking

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While it’s obviously crucial to insincerely compliment your peers, sometimes some good, old-fashioned empathy works just as well. And remember that just because someone isn’t in power now doesn’t mean they can’t help you tomorrow.

8. Show Genuine Compassion When Everyone’s Looking

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One thing that will NEVER hurt your cause: Doing some volunteer work in plain sight. Have heart-to-hearts with local orphans, even get your dress dirty walking the back alleys of your town. Just make sure your fiancé king is watching from a gilded crate-wagon nearby. Congratulations, everyone now thinks you’re a hero to the masses!

9. Encourage Your Friends

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There’s no better armor than friends who have your back. Be there for them in their darkest moments, and build them up when they’re down. Even if they end up getting stabbed by shadow babies in the night, you can still reap the benefits of their loyalty down the line.

10. Encourage Your Frenemies

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Again, flattery gets you everywhere when you’re trying to marry someone who is THE WORST. Just keep saying “You’re not the worst” over and over until you both believe it.

11. Know When You’ve Won

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At some point after you’ve attained your goal, be careful not to be a sore winner. While it can be extremely satisfying to call your rival an elderly alcoholic in front of all your friends, there’s a good chance she might reactivate an ancient religious order in an attempt to have you imprisoned. Avoid this scenario whenever possible! Margaery might have slipped up in the end, but knowing her facility for getting what she wants, I think we can all expect to see her scheme her way out of it. Get back in the saddle, girl!

Game of Thrones Season 6 premieres Sunday, April 24 at 9 p.m. on HBO.

Read more of our #GoTIsComing coverage:

‘Game of Thrones’ Peril-o-Meter: Who Dies Next?

‘Game of Thrones’: 11 Classic Tyrion Lannister Insults For Every Occasion

‘Game of Thrones’: Everything You Need to Know About the Direwolves of House Stark

‘Game of Thrones’: 10 Characters Who Were Recast

‘Game of Thrones’: Cersei and Wine, a Love Story

‘Game of Thrones’: 10 Best Dragon Moments

‘Game of Thrones’: 10 Characters We Want to Come Back to Life

‘Game of Thrones’: 10 Characters Who Really Need to Die

‘Game of Thrones’: Bran Stark Is Back (and He’s All Grown Up)

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‘Game of Thrones’: Who Is on Arya’s Kill List?

‘Game of Thrones’: A Traveler’s Guide to Dothraki — How to Speak So You Don’t Get Your Head Cut Off

‘Game of Thrones’: The 10 Best Action Sequences

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