No matter what we do, or how nicely we play, some people won’t like us and some of these people will go out of their way to make us feel bad about ourselves.
However, that shouldn’t stop you from trying to be likeable by becoming better, more genuine, and more caring.
These are the most likable personality traits:
Be funny
Be a good listener
Don’t judge
Be authentic
Smile
Be humble
Keep your promises
Many people have the misconception that being likable is something that we are born with, we can become more likable by understanding what makes people like us and making a determined and consistent effort to practice those skills in our interactions with others.
Here are some ways we can become more likable:
Memorize people’s names and use them
When someone tells you their name, memorize it or associate it with someone else you know with that name or a word association. That creates a visual memory that’s easier for your brain to retrieve than a new name. Use their name when you say “Hi,” “Bye,” or start talking to them.
Figure out what you have in common
Discovering areas of shared interest is an excellent way to deepen our level of connection with others and increase their appreciation of us. We connect and develop good relationships with those we have things in common with.
Ask for advice
When you ask others for their expertise, wisdom or guidance, you’re not only potentially receiving great advice for yourself, you’re also tapping into their strengths, which makes anyone feel good.
Develop your sense of humor
Being funny is one of the most important traits for being likable, women value being funny even more than men do. Being genuinely funny is highly likable while trying to be funny is not and can push people away.
On top of this, people might think someone is funny because they like them. So if you’re not naturally funny, there are other things you can do that are probably more important.
Stop trying to impress
You do not need to make others envy over who you are and what you’ve done. This does not foster connection. Instead, share with them who you are, what you care about and what you hope for. This will help people get to know who you are, not just what you’ve accomplished on the outside.
Be a good listener
When someone is talking, do you focus all your attention on what they are saying?, or do you start thinking about what you should say next? If you think about what you should say next, it’s a sign that you need to practice listening.
However, it’s still not enough to be a good listener, you also need to show that you listen.
Be honest about your needs and boundaries
Many people fear being straightforward, but the more clear you are, the better it is often received. Don’t go out if you want to stay in. Don’t stay in if you want to go out. Be more authentic with your boundaries, and your relationships will go more smoothly just because you aren’t constantly bent out of shape trying to meet other people’s needs.
Give people undivided attention
Giving someone your undivided attention is an important part of showing that you listen. When you talk to someone, focus only on them. Put your phone away. Don’t let anyone else grab your attention. If you get stuck in your thoughts, refocus on the person you’re talking to by listening and paraphrasing what they’ve said in your head.
Practice not judging people
Not judging is a very important part of being likable. Likable people try first to understand where someone is coming from to understand their point better. When someone’s actions confuse you, try to understand what has happened in their life that led to their decision.
Maintain eye contact
There are constant distractions around us. Likable people do their best to maintain eye contact during conversations. It’s just another way to let others know that you’re genuinely interested in their thoughts and opinions.
Be authentic
Being authentic is an important trait of likable people in among men and women. Pay attention to when you are performing or trying too hard. When you are doing something, ask yourself how you would have acted if you didn’t care about anyone’s approval. That’s when you are completely authentic.
Be open-minded
We can all be quick with snap judgments but jumping to conclusions without giving others a chance to explain their thoughts will only make you seem condescending. Do your best to be open-minded and hear people out. Being tolerant and unbiased will always make you more likable.
Implement these habits, and you’ll see just how easy it is!
