7 Ways to Make People Like You

How Smell and Smile Increases Your Likeability Factor

These seven ways to make people like you are from psychological research, psychologists, and other experts -- and they will increase your likeability factor!

Some of these seven ways to make people like you are surprising. For instance, your smell increases your likeability factor because it subliminally affects other people’s perceptions of your personality traits. Other things people like – such as smiling and making eye contact – increase your likeability factor exponentially!
7 Ways to Make People Like You

1. Wear a light scent. Psychological research from Northwestern University shows that a light lemon smell increases likeability without people even being aware of it. You don’t have to smell like citrus to make people like you – any pleasant, barely perceptible scent is effective.

2. Be curious about other people. “People are flattered when you find them appealing – and they naturally reciprocate,” says Dr Ann Demarais, psychologist and co-author of First Impressions: What You Don’t Know About How Others See You. Showing interest in others increases your likeability factor because it shows you’re confident. “And when you’re confident, you appear more attractive,” says Dr Demarais.

3. Follow up on your previous conversations. If an acquaintance mentioned a particular topic in the past (eg, a sick dog, job promotion, house for sale), then ask about it now. This is an appealing personality trait that increases your likeability factor, because it shows you’re interested in others.

4. Really listen to what other people say. There’s no point in being curious about others if you don’t really care about them, or if you don’t really listen to them. In fact, it could backfire! To make people like you, develop a genuine, sincere attitude towards them. You don’t need psychological research to know that nobody likes fake, insincere people!



5. Smile. A pleasant, happy face with a smile increases your likeability factor by making you look approachable and friendly. To keep your face open and happy, think positive thoughts! Recall your last vacation, a funny joke, or last night’s episode of Two and a Half Men.

6. Share positive experiences. To make people like you, talk about positive things…such as your last vacation, a funny joke, or last night’s episode of Two and a Half Men. Negativity and complaining are personality traits that won’t increase likeability factor, so keep the whining to a minimum (not to say you can’t ever complain – just don’t complain constantly!).

7. Make mistakes. Psychological research shows that people who make mistakes are more likeable than those who seem perfect. People who make mistakes are seen as more approachable and less judgmental than perfect people – so don’t be afraid to let your imperfect personality traits shine through! This will make people like you because they’ll feel you’re normal and fallible…just like they are.

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