Whether we’d admit to it or not, everybody wants to be more likable. It’s a natural human desire, and it can lead to many more opportunities, improve your social life, and deepen your existing relationships. Thankfully, there are a lot of small changes you can make to improve the way you’re perceived by others, and our list presents the easiest of them to make.
Be Genuine
It’s no secret that people hate those who seem fake and insincere. On the other hand, people really appreciate honesty and authenticity, so it’s important to be yourself as much as possible. Remember that people can never truly connect with and like you if you never let them see the real you in the first place.
Show Empathy
Empathy is one of the most important social skills you can develop, and it goes a very long way in making you more likable too. This trait allows you to understand the emotions and experiences of others and make them feel seen, cared for, and valued. It goes without saying that people will naturally like you more as a result.
Offer Compliments
Even the smallest compliment can really brighten up someone’s day and leave a lasting positive impression they’ll never forget. Just make sure your compliments are genuine and specific so they don’t come off as fake. For example, you could compliment someone on their achievements, appearance, or hard work on a project.
Smile More Often
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, smiling is a quick and easy way to make yourself more likable. If you’ve ever seen a stranger smiling at you on the street, you’ll probably know what we mean. A genuine smile makes you appear warm, friendly, and approachable, which has a positive effect on everyone around you.
Maintain Eye Contact
We all know that maintaining eye contact during conversations is one of the best ways to show you’re engaged and interested. However, over time, it can also go a long way towards building trust and deepening your connections. All you need to do is remember to avoid staring—simply keep your gaze steady and natural to make a great impression.
Listen Actively
Active listening means giving your full attention to the speaker and showing you’re listening by nodding and giving feedback when appropriate. This will make them feel like you value their words and are genuinely interested in what they’re saying. Making others feel heard and appreciated is a great way to make yourself more likable.
Be Positive
A positive attitude is contagious and makes you much more fun and pleasant to be around. So do your best to focus on the good in situations and people, and try to help others see the bright side too. This is a great way to lighten the mood and create a welcoming atmosphere, making you instantly more likable.
Use People’s Names
When you use someone’s name in conversation, it makes them feel recognized, respected, and important. It shows that you care enough to remember them and give them the respect they deserve. This simple yet powerful act goes a long way in making you more likable to friends and new acquaintances.
Be Humble
Humility is a wonderful quality that makes you more relatable and likable. All you need to do to practice humility is acknowledge your mistakes, share credit for successes, and avoid bragging. Being humble shows that you’re grounded and respectful, which can make others more inclined to like and trust you.
Show Interest in Others
If you’ve ever met someone who’s always asking about your interests and experiences, you’ll know how valued it can make you feel. You can do exactly the same for others by showing genuine curiosity, asking questions, and having meaningful conversations. This shows you care and want to get to know them better.
Offer Help
Helping others without expecting anything in return is an awesome way to build goodwill. Little acts of kindness, like offering assistance or support, can really change how others see you. Being helpful shows you’re considerate and dependable.
Be Open-Minded
Everyone appreciates someone who’s open enough to hear their thoughts and opinions. So try to respect different perspectives and be willing to consider new ideas as much as possible. This openness fosters mutual respect and understanding, making it easier to connect with all sorts of people.
Practice Gratitude
Expressing gratitude can strengthen relationships and boost your likability. Thanking others for their help, support, or kindness shows you appreciate them. Gratitude fosters positive interactions and leaves a lasting impression on those around you.
Be Consistent
When you’re consistent in your behavior and actions, you’ll have a much easier time building trust and reliability. When people know what to expect from you, they feel more comfortable and secure. Being consistent in your kindness, honesty, and support can make you a dependable and likable person.
Show Respect
Respecting others, no matter their background or opinions, is key to building positive relationships. Treating people with courtesy and consideration shows you value them. This kind of respect fosters mutual admiration and can definitely boost your likability.
Avoid Gossip
While it may be fun to gossip, it can really hurt your reputation and make you seem less trustworthy in the long run. Try to focus on positive conversations and steer clear of talking negatively about others. By avoiding gossip, you show integrity and respect, which can actually make people like you more.
Be Reliable
Being reliable is something people really value in friends and colleagues. When you follow through on promises and commitments, it shows you’re dependable. When people know they can count on you, it strengthens your relationships and makes you more likable.
Keep an Open Body Language
Open body language, like uncrossed arms and maintaining an open posture, makes you look more approachable. It signals that you’re receptive and friendly. Pair that with a warm smile, and your likability will soar, making others feel comfortable around you.
Share Personal Stories
Sharing personal stories can help you connect on a deeper level with others. It makes you more relatable and humanizes you in their eyes. Just make sure your stories are relevant and appropriate for the situation, and encourage others to share their experiences too.
Be Punctual
When you’re punctual, it shows that you respect others’ time and are reliable. Arriving on time for meetings and appointments demonstrates your commitment and consideration. It’s a small but significant way to build trust and likability in both personal and professional settings.
Show Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm is contagious and helps make you seem much more engaging. Whether it’s about a project, a hobby, or someone else’s success, showing genuine excitement can make interactions more enjoyable. Enthusiasm shows passion and positivity, which can instantly make you more likable.