Do people like being with you? When you enter a room, do people smile at you? Do you often get elected as leader and can easily close a sale? Are you often given better service than most?
Only a handful of people will answer yes to all those questions. They are not necessarily the most popular person in the room. But they are absolutely the most likeable person you’ll ever meet.
Here are 10 things we gathered that exceptionally likeable people do:
1. They give you their full attention
Likeable people put their cell phones down and focus on you. Never mind if there is a text message or a notification, they are committed to the conversation, no matter how trivial it may be. Giving your full attention to the person you are talking to is the highest respect you can afford them.
2. They are open-minded
“Much of the vitality in a friendship lies in the honouring of differences, not simply in the enjoyment of similarities.” – Anonymous
Likeable people do not judge you, your actions, or your way of thinking. They have learned to be respectful of other people’s opinions even if they don’t agree with them. They accept you as you are.
3. They know who they are
Likeable people are genuine and people trust them because of it. If they are wrong, they admit it. If they agree with you, they’ll say it. If they don’t know the answer, they’ll say so too. They don’t pretend to be anybody else other than who they are but they aren’t in your face about it either.
“Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are.” – Kurt Cobain
4. They have a positive outlook on life
Wade Boggs, a former professional baseball player said, “A positive attitude can cause a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes.”
Remarkably likeable individuals have a positive attitude and choose to keep being positive. Rather than grumble or react negatively to a bad situation, likeable people find the opportunity or the silver lining. Their bright outlook brings people up and makes them a pleasure to be with.
5. They listen
“There is a difference between truly listening and waiting for your turn to talk” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Likeable people listen. Sounds simple but in reality, not a lot of people know how to do this. It takes practice to truly listen. Likeable people show this by asking questions, focusing on the conversation, and try to add something meaningful to it.
6. They have a great sense of humor
“Life is so much easier with a sense of humor.” – Anonymous
It’s a fact that we like hanging out with people who make us laugh. Likeable people have a great sense of humor without being offensive or obnoxious to others.
7. They don’t seek attention
Likeable people are confident and friendly. They don’t need to talk loudly or draw attention to themselves to feel good. If they are recognized for an accomplishment, they bring in the people who helped them. Attention seekers are never attractive to anyone.
8. They are very secure
“Most bad behavior comes from insecurity” – Debra Winger
People who are comfortable in their own skins do not need to draw attention to themselves, talk over people, or inject an accomplishment in every conversation. Likeable people make friends and meet new people with a genuine interest to get to know the person. They are confident, secure and genuine.
9. They are touchy
And we don’t mean it that way. Likeable people touch their friends, co-workers, family. During conversations, touching people inspires trustand positive feelings. A pat on the back, clap on the shoulder, a hug or a handshake releases oxytoxin that makes the recipient of the touch feel good.
Remember what John Keats said: “Touch has a memory.”
10. They make you feel good about yourself
Likeable people are great at listening, have a positive attitude, open mind and overall, make you feel good about yourself. Their acceptance of you, respects for your differences, and added value to your life, makes you feel a little bit better about being you, makes it easier to embrace your uniqueness.
Featured photo credit: Patrick Haney/Likeable? via flickr.com
