How to Make Almost Everyone Like You

Build more relationships with curiousity and a smile.

Everyone wants to be liked by others and have the ability to make new friends quickly. It seems that the older people get, the harder it is to make lasting friendships. Some people lose that magic they once had as children--the one that enables kids to confidently walk up to anyone, anywhere and start a conversation. Recapture that magic you once had to help make almost anyone want to be your friend.

Instructions

1. Smile more. If you want to make people like you, you've got to make a good first impression and a smile can make it happen. People who smile seem friendlier--and the more genuine the smile, the friendlier you'll seem.

2. Shake hands, introduce yourself first and make direct eye contact. Eye contact conveys that you have nothing to hide and that your motives are genuine. It also shows that you have confidence in yourself, which is essential to make others like you.

3. Repeat a person's name often when you meet. Everyone loves to hear their own name because it conveys a sense of importance. Repeating a name also ensures that you don't forget it. When you're first introduced, say something like, "Kate, it's great to meet you!" Use a name as often as it feels natural to do so.

4. Ask questions about the other person. Ask him how he's doing, where he goes to school, what he does for a living, anything that will get him talking. People love to talk about themselves, and if you give them an opportunity to do so and show a real interest, they'll open up. They'll come away with a spectacular impression of you and you'll know a bit more about them, making the conversation starters easier the next time you meet.

5. Flatter the other person. Comment on her bag, her shoes, her jacket, whatever you see that you like. Flattery will really get you everywhere as long as it's genuine. Comment only on what you really like and only on one thing, though. Too much flattery makes you seem artificial and too eager to please. False flattery will get you nowhere when trying to make new friends and encouraging others to like you.

6. Let him do the talking. If you make eye contact, smile, nod and ask questions, you'll rarely have the chance to talk about yourself. As superficial as it sounds, a person doesn't want to hear about you, he wants to hear about himself. When asked a question, answer it briefly and accurately but immediately draw the conversation back to him. You'll give him a feeling of importance and he'll instantly like you.

Tips & Warnings

• It's difficult to learn not to talk about yourself. It takes discipline and it helps if you keep reminding yourself that you'll have plenty of time to talk about your once you've established a good friendship.

• Never talk negatively about others when meeting new people. It makes you seem like a gossip and your potential new friend will be turned off completely. She will assume that if you're talking about others, you'll eventually talk about her and no one wants to be the subject of gossip.