What a fun story! You've got "true story" as a topic - very cool! There is a probable reason why this rice pudding situation happened ... we are highly suggestible while asleep, which is why there have been loads of things created for people to learn while sleeping - languages, therapy, affirmations, all sorts of stuff. So it's true, "Nana" could have heard and accepted the suggestion about the pudding.

As a hypnotist, I can assure you that it takes more than this to actually hypnotise someone. A person has to agree to the suggestions, so that when you see someone actually bark or act like a chicken or whatever it was the hypnotist suggested, it's because while they were in hypnosis, they agreed to do it. And they did it in the interests of fun.

And this is the most important bit: The hypnotist has zero control and can never make a person do something they wouldn't do otherwise. You cannot be hypnotised to kill someone, for example, or do anything else that you would not do when you're not hypnotised.

Also - when in hypnosis, you are very much wide awake and more alert than usual. You hear everything, are aware of everything, and you get to decide if you want to accept the suggestions or not.

There is no great mystery to hypnosis; It is merely a deep state of relaxation during which suggestions can cross to the subconscious mind easily.

Great story! Thanks so much for submitting this to HHH! I love it!!