Have you ever noticed that some people are just innately likeable? The people who you meet and, within five minutes, you're convinced you have to be friends with them. Or the people you've heard so many great things about and wonder how it is they're just so great. It's no coincidence. It turns out, there are actually things that make you more likeable, according to science. That's right, some people are just scientifically more likeable than others.
But don't let that deter you from becoming the likeable person of your dreams. It's entirely possible to channel that kind of energy by adjusting a few of your daily habits, and integrating the habits while you're around other people. The following things don't require a major personality overhaul. In fact, they don't even require much practice. Most of the things that make you a more likeable person are no brainers, but it's the science that backs them up that makes them all so interesting. Even if you're not the most social creature, or you seem to put your foot in your mouth more often than you'd like — take a read through the following things that make you a more likeable person according to science, and see how you stack up.
1
Be Consistent
According to Forbes, being a consistent person increases your chances of likeability. Though you can't be expected to be the same person all of the time, people do enjoy knowing what they're getting when they approach you. If you're the type whose mood fluctuates heavily depending on the day, you may not be perceived as especially likeable.
2
Encourage Them To Talk About Themselves
According to The Wall Street Journal, a Harvard University study found that when you talk about yourself, the pleasure chemicals that are released are the same chemicals released when you talk about food, or money.
3
Spread Joy
According to a study done by Elaine Hatfield, professor of psychology at University of Hawaii, moods are contagious. Therefore, if you stay upbeat and positive, you'll find that other people may become more upbeat and positive too.
4
Befriend Other Peoples Friends
A study by the University of British Columbia found that people are more likely to become friends with someone if they already have a mutual friend in place. Having mutual friends makes you infinitely more likeable. Interesting, isn't it?
5
Give Compliments Freely
In a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, researchers found that "spontaneous trait transference occurs when communicators are perceived as possessing the very traits they describe in others." So when you tell someone they're smart or beautiful, they'll think you're smart or beautiful, too.
6
Spread Nice Gossip
What you talk about affects how people think of you, and that's a fact. In 59 Seconds: Change Your Life in Under a Minute, Richard Wiseman wrote:
When you gossip about another person, listeners unconsciously associate you with the characteristics you are describing, ultimately leading to those characteristics’ being “transferred” to you. So, say positive and pleasant things about friends and colleagues, and you are seen as a nice person. In contrast, constantly complain about their failings, and people will unconsciously apply the negative traits and incompetence to you.
So the next time you think about engaging in petty gossip, think twice.
7
Be Honest About Your Mistakes
In a study published by the American Psychology Association, researchers found that people who make mistakes and own up to them are more attractive than those who don't.
8
Casually Touch People
In Subliminal: How Your Unconscious Mind Rules Your Behavior, Leonard Mlowdinow discovered that when people make casual physical contact with another person, they're viewed as more likeable. The study was based on waitresses who touched customers hands when returning their change, who earned significantly more tips than their counterparts who did not.
9
Ask For Advice
In an interview with Dorie Clarke of Forbes, renowned social psychologist Robert Cialdini said that by asking for advice, you make yourself vulnerable in their eyes, and helps them warm to you.
