6 Ways to Be More Likeable

Smile. A sincere smile is the best way to make someone like you. Fake smiles won't do because they make people doubt your good intentions. If you don't feel like smiling, keep a neutral face instead of putting on a fake smile. But to be likeable you need to smile sincerely as often as you can.

Listen and pay attention. People like to be listened to. When you have a conversation with someone, listen to everything they have to say without trying to interrupt. Be attentive and don't let yourself zone out. Just like a fake smile is completely different from a sincere one, genuine interest cannot be faked. Likeable people are good listeners.

Ask questions. People love to talk about themselves. By asking questions you give them this opportunity. If you are actively interested in others and genuinely want to learn about them instead of making them learn about you, they will surely appreciate it. Just don't forget to listen; there is no point in asking a question if are not going to listen to the answer.

Be open-minded. People who keep an open mind are interesting to others. It is hard to like a person who has a firm set of opinions about everything and is not willing to accept new ideas. Closed-minded people are judgmental, and no one likes to be judged. Of course, your are entitled to having opinions, but you must keep in mind that other people are entitled to having theirs, too.

Like people. If you want people to like you, you need to like them in return. Be warm and kind, say nice things and give compliments, make conversation and let them know you remember things they've said earlier. Make people around you feel appreciated, and they will reciprocate. You can't expect people to like you if you are a misanthrope.

Be genuine. Being genuine and honest is probably the most important rule. No one likes fake people because it is hard to trust someone when you are not sure what they really think of you and who they really are. To be genuine, you need to concentrate on things that make you happy and try to be yourself instead of who you want people to think you are.

Remember that likeable people are not perfect. Everyone has their flaws. Likeable people are aware of their flows and are constantly working on getting rid of them. Of course, you can't become perfect, but you certainly can reach the point when your likeability outweighs your shortcomings.