Daniel Mabanta
Do people’s faces light up when you walk into a room? Do you tend to make others smile wherever you go?
If you answered yes to the above, then you’re one of the lucky ones. Having a likable and magnetic personality must come pretty naturally to you!
Being exceptionally likable is an important life skill that can open all sorts of doors when used wisely.
But if you’re not quite there yet, it’s all good!
We’ll get you to the next level. For starters, here are 8 traits of an exceptionally likable person. Ready to charm the socks off people? Let’s get into it!
1) You’re curious about people
People gravitate toward you because you actually ask questions and show genuine interest in them.
It may sound simple, but I guarantee you this behavior isn’t as common as you might think.
Let’s face it (and yes, this might sound a bit cynical), many people are too self-involved to care much about others.
Personally, I know people that can talk about themselves for hours, but the second you chime in, their attention shifts to their phone almost immediately, a bit like a reflex.
When you show interest and curiosity about another person, it indicates thoughtfulness and kindness on your part–because you’re allowing that person to take the spotlight.
You’re communicating that you value them, their opinions, and thoughts. And I guarantee this won’t go unnoticed. This surely makes you more likable.
2) You treat people equally
Treating people equally shows your value as a person.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re dealing with the wait staff at your local diner or your company’s CEO; you show equal amounts of kindness, respect, and dignity to everyone, regardless of class or circumstance.
You aren’t mean-spirited or heartless to those that are less fortunate than you; you recognize their status as human beings.
You care about others and are mindful of how your actions, both big and small, can affect them.
You realize that at the end of the day, we’re all essentially the same; that we’re all humans, and each and every one of us deserves to be respected as such.
Another thing many likable people have in common is humor. Speaking of which…
3) You’re funny (but not abrasive)
Let’s be honest, laughter is contagious. If you’re naturally funny and have a knack for making people laugh, then consider yourself lightyears ahead of the game.
Humor is like magic; it has the ability to break down barriers and bring people together.
And the great thing about humor is that it’s pretty much universal… everyone from Australia to Azerbaijan enjoys a good laugh.
In his heyday, my grandfather was one of the most charming men in town. He was also one of the funniest guys I’ve ever been around.
My grandpa was (and still is) always making witty comments, offbeat jokes, and hilarious facial expressions.
He was a businessman by trade, but everyone knew him as something of a comedian, constantly laughing and causing others do the same.
It didn’t even matter if he was interacting with someone that didn’t speak three words of English. They somehow ended up in a state of tear-inducing, riotous laughter.
Although he may have significantly mellowed out, now well into his 90s, he still makes the occasional wisecrack.
And when he does, my cousins and I knowingly smirk at each other as if to say: “the old man’s still got it!”
To be likable is to be funny. That’s just basic science.
But it pays to be smart too…
4) You’re knowledgeable about a lot of stuff
Here’s the thing: when you’re well-informed and well-read, your vast knowledge tends to impress people, thus making you considerably more likable.
By being educated about a variety of topics, people want to be around you–to soak up information and have spirited, out-of-the-ordinary conversations.
But I have a bit of a disclaimer here… You might have an abundance of knowledge about the world, but you don’t want to come across as snooty, braggy, or pretentious either. This will almost certainly backfire on you.
So use your cleverness in moderation and proceed with humility.
And since we’re talking about being humble, let’s take it a step further…
5) You’re humble
You don’t let trivial things like wealth or success get to your head. Regardless of what you’ve achieved in terms of status or goals, you’re still the same core person, in the best possible way, of course.
You aren’t constantly bragging to others about the contents of your bank account, the celebrity you kind of know, or the sports car you drive.
In fact, you find boasting about material things a little crass. Instead, you move in silence, always humble and always likable.
Your humility makes you an authentic person, an increasingly rare commodity on this planet.
And since we’re on the topic of authenticity…
6) You’re authentic
Let’s face it, there are a whole lot of plastic people out there–people that are surface-level ‘nice’ but really have some kind of ulterior motive.
Being authentic in a world full of phonies (pardon the French) is such an admirable quality–and one that makes your likability skyrocket.
You can sense an authentic person when you meet one: they’re respectful, they’re comfortable in their own skin, and they don’t try too hard to win the approval of everyone.
These people are completely at ease with themselves and aren’t often influenced by trends and fads. In fact, it’s their individuality that makes them stand out. A bit ironic, I know.
They’re naturally low-key individuals, but others are intrigued by them and their mystifying aura. They exude an attractive and refreshing uniqueness.
Moving on, let’s discuss how worldliness affects your likability…
7) You’re worldly
People that are exceptionally likable aren’t limited in terms of their social circles. They’re the furthest thing from cliquish.
They’re welcoming of people from different walks of life and sometimes even seek them out. They embrace diversity rather than scamper away from it.
They adapt and adjust to different and new situations rather easily because they have a well-rounded understanding and perception of people.
The latter can be triggered by exposure to travel and books or just an inherent curiosity and passion for new people and their cultures.
It goes without saying that worldly people aren’t content living in a bubble.
They want to make the most out of life and learn as much as they can along the way. They know that the quest for knowledge never really ends.
Many people are drawn to worldy people because of their tendency to stray from the status quo. And the latter is a pretty likable and brave quality.
Truly likable people aren’t just charming; they’re reliable too…
8) You’re a reliable friend
Exceptionally likable folks sustain their likabilty by being devoted friends.
How many friends can you truly rely on when sh*t hits the fan? Well, the exceptionally likable friend will likely have your back during times of distress, offering comforting words and support.
Or maybe you need a favor. Well, in this case, you can count on your reliable friend, who will likely be there to offer a helping hand when necessary.
And being reliable by nature, you won’t need to constantly text them with follow-up messages. The likable person often gets the job done, minimal questions asked!
This friend isn’t consciously ‘a people’s person.’ They act because they care. In the long run, other people can get a sense of this, and the appreciation grows.
Conclusion
To recap, if you want to be a person that is exceptionally likable, the effortless charmer always bringing delight to others, then remember to stay mindful about how you come across.
It won’t happen overnight, but with a bit of practice, you’ll get there in no time!
