We all want to be liked. It feels great to see likes on a blog post (hint), and even better to hear someone say, “I really like you!”
But what really makes people more likable than others? Is it attractiveness, wealth, tone of voice, style of dress, mannerisms, or standard of hygiene?
Research tells us that our qualities such as level of success, fame, and good looks might initially interest others,
but by far, we like people who have good personalities.
The top character traits of likable people are trustworthiness, warmth, kindness, intelligence, sense of humor, and empathy.
Think about it. Do the people you like the most have “good” personalities? Do they make you smile, make you feel important and good about yourself? Do their eyes sparkle when they smile at you? I bet when they ask, “How are you?”, you are certain they really want to know.
We like to be heard, to be noticed, to be recognized. A warm hug, eye to eye contact, a kind word, the feeling that we are not being taken for granted, made fun of, judged, or criticized – but accepted and respected is what makes us feel liked.
Have you doubted your likability, or wondered why certain folks are a people magnet?
Pause and consider these six traits. How many do you have? How many do “they” have? It’s not a worthy goal to seek popularity for an ego boost. But it is a honorable one to be trustworthy, warm, kind, and empathetic: you will become more likable and in so doing, will make yourself happier in the process.