Last Updated on January 16, 2023 by Editors Desk
When we meet someone for the first time, we usually know very little about them. In fact, it’s common for us to have only a few details on hand when gauging someone’s likability and trustworthiness. But as soon as someone becomes part of our circle of friends, family, or coworkers—or as soon as we begin a new job hunt—that’s when things change dramatically.
We suddenly notice the minute details about everyone around us with an acute focus on how they make us feel. It’s not easy to be liked by anyone. Fortunately, there are a host of simple ways we can all become more likeable that don’t require professional help and in most cases can be done on our own at home quite easily.
Be yourself
It’s okay to be you, but it’s also okay to be a better version of yourself. If you’re constantly trying to be someone you’re not, you’re not only wasting time but also risking causing confusion and uncomfortable situations as well. In fact, many studies have shown that people are much more likely to like us and trust us more when we’re just ourselves.
Despite what you might have heard, it’s not selfish to be yourself. It’s important to be true to your core values and morals while also being mindful of other people’s feelings, opinions, and needs. While you can’t please everyone all of the time, you can do your best and make an effort to be friendly, open, and genuine.
Take the time to get to know people before you start talking
You don’t have to know someone’s life story before you start a conversation with them. But you do have to make an effort to get to know a person before you start talking about yourself. There’s no point in starting a conversation with someone if you don’t know anything about them.
Acquaintances, friends, and family members may seem like they are familiar and friendly to you; but if you don’t know anything about them, then you don’t know anything about them either. When getting to know someone, ask about their interests, life story, and what they like to do in their free time. Ask about their family, what kinds of foods and activities they enjoy, what their dreams are, and what their goals are in this life.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions when meeting new people
We may be afraid to ask questions when meeting new people because we don’t know what to say or how to start a conversation. But you don’t have to come up with an elaborate topic or talk about something you know a lot about. In fact, it can be a lot more welcoming and helpful to others if you ask basic, easy-to-understand questions that get you to know someone a little better.
For example, you might ask a new coworker what their favourite band/artist/movie is, or what they are currently reading and why. You might ask a new family member what their current interests are, what their favourite movies and books are, or what their favourite foods are. These questions may seem simple, but they can be very helpful in helping someone feel more comfortable around you and less worried about what you think of them.
Make eye contact and hold it longer than you think is necessary
We all have different personal preferences when it comes to eye contact, but most people feel comfortable looking someone in the eye for up to about thirty seconds. After that, they tend to feel a bit uncomfortable and as if they are being judged if we keep looking them in the eyes for longer. When it comes to eye contact, it’s normal to feel a bit awkward at first.
But you should try to continue holding the gaze for a few extra seconds after you feel comfortable because it can go a long way towards making someone feel more comfortable around you as well. It might feel a bit strange to you at first, but it will show others that you are paying attention, engaged, and interested in what they have to say. It will help others feel more relaxed talking to you.
Smile often and genuinely when speaking with others
Humans are naturally drawn to smiles, and they are one of the most common ways we can show someone that we like them and want to be around them. Smiling is a genuine way of showing others affection, friendship, and kindness. It’s not a contrived or forced smile that you put on just to make people like you, it’s a genuine expression of happiness and joy.
You don’t have to go around grinning from ear to ear all of the time, but you do have to try to smile more and be careful not to fake it. While smiling can go a long way toward making others feel more welcome, it can also help you feel better about yourself. After all, smiling takes energy, and if you’re feeling stressed out or down, a smile can help you recharge and refocus.
Help out when you see coworkers struggling
When you see people struggling in any way, it’s important to help out. Not only is it an honourable and generous thing to do, but it can also help you learn more about people and build stronger relationships with them. When you notice that someone is struggling, it can be a good idea to help them out in some way.
Whether it’s by offering to drop off a project that you’re working on or giving someone a ride to work, helping others out can not only help you make a new friend, but it can also help you learn more about them and what their goals and dreams are in life.
Accept and apologize for your mistakes right away, especially in the workplace
There will be times when you will make a mistake or two. It’s important to accept these mistakes and apologize for them right away. This will show people that you take responsibility for your actions and mistakes and will make you look significantly more likeable in the process. Apologizing for your mistakes in the workplace is especially important.
This is one of the best ways to show that you’re human and to regain any lost trust and respect that you have lost due to your mistakes. You don’t have to apologize for anything you did by accident. It’s best to apologize for any mistakes that you did on purpose. These make you look more like a human and less like a robot.
Stay connected with old friends after a while has passed
People change and grow over time. This can be especially true when it comes to friendships, romantic relationships, and relationships with family members. It’s important to remember that people aren’t always going to be at their best in those types of relationships all of the time either. There will be times when you want to reconnect with an old friend or when you want to reconnect with your family member after a while has passed.
Don’t let the fear of being judged get in the way of being friendly and welcoming. It may be a bit awkward at first, but it will help you feel better and more like yourself. It will help you build stronger and healthier relationships with others.
Conclusion
There will be times when you feel like you have been rejected or that you have made a mistake in front of someone. The best thing to do in these situations is to apologize for your actions and to show that you are remorseful for what you have done. Apologizing for your mistakes in the workplace is especially important.
This is one of the best ways to show that you’re human and to regain any lost trust and respect that you have lost due to your mistakes. It’s important to remember that everyone makes mistakes, and it’s also important to remember that everyone forgives those who apologize for their mistakes, even if those mistakes were big ones.
