How to become an INTERESTING person

All of us enjoy meeting fascinating, interesting people who are great conversationalists. We love to spend time with people who we find intriguing and entertaining. And, most of us hope that others find us engaging as well. But, how can we be sure that we are indeed interesting people? This advice might help!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Curiosity and interests--a healthy sense of adventure
• Time to devote to self-improvement
• A library card, video rental membership, television, internet connection

1. READ, READ, READ--
   The road to self-improvement is paved with good books. The most interesting people I've met are avid readers, and they read all kinds of books. Start exploring the library and used bookstores. Select books that pique your interest. And, set aside time to read. Reading is an acquired taste. If you are NOT a reader by nature, you'll need to train yourself to read. Turn off the TV, make a cup of tea, climb into a comfortable chair, and dig into the wonderful world of books!

2. EXPLORE YOUR INTERESTS
   What are you curious about? All of us have interests that can be developed. All of us have dreams and desires that we've allowed to lie dormant. Think back to your childhood. What did you daydream about? I remember reading a book about the pyramids in Egypt and King Tut's tomb. I borrowed that book from the library at least 20 times. I still love reading about the same subjects. I watch documentaries on TV. Rekindle those interests.

3. DEVELOP NEW INTERESTS
   What have you never explored? Don't assume you dislike something that you have never tried. Expand your horizons and give something new a try. Be almost arbitrary about it--if you dare. One day, I decided to take ballet classes. Just out of the blue. It was a great experience. Do you think you might like opera? Take a music appreciation class at the community college. Try painting watercolors. Buy a beginner's cook book and start cooking.

4. BECOME A LIFE-LONG LEARNER--and FOCUS ON A WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION
   Everyone should know a little bit about a lot of things. We should all know something about the classics--art, music, literature. We should all have a general understanding of history and politics. We should all be aware of current events. If you aren't, find a way to learn. Explore the Internet for a good source of news. Explore blogs about pop culture or current events. Find a way to learn what you do not know.
   
   Before I met my partner, I knew nothing about politics or current events. I was totally uninterested. Then, I began to live with a total news and politics buff. It was education by emersion, but I find that I am now more interested in the world around me.

5. EMBRACE LIFE
   At a certain age, many people let life sort of live them--rather than truly living life. Do NOT allow that to happen to you. See yourself as a wonderfully unique gift to this world. You are! Be your very best self. Develop your talents. Explore your passions. Share your gifts!

Tips & Warnings

• "The man who doesn't read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them." Mark Twain
• “We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” George Bernard Shaw
• "Dance as though no one is watching. Love as though you have never been hurt. Sing as though no one can hear you. Live as though heaven is on Earth." Souza
• "If you can walk, you can dance. If you can speak, you can sing." Zimbabwean Proverb
• Learning is addictive. You will not be able to stop.
• Falling in love with reading takes time, but it will change your life. Be prepared to stay up all night finishing a great book...the one you just can't put down.