8 simple social habits that make you instantly likable
<p>Meeting new people can be a nerve-wracking experience, and even though you should always be yourself, there are some simple social habits to follow that will make you instantly likable. Use these simple behaviours to boost your likeability.</p>
<p><strong>1. Make eye contact</strong></p>
<p>An oldie, but a goodie – never underestimate the power of eye contact. This stems from the idea that confidence is what makes people attractive and making eye contact is a sign of confidence. Even if you’re faking it, it will still have a powerful effect.</p>
<p><strong>2. Put away your phone</strong></p>
<p>Smartphones have plenty of positives, but they also have a few big negatives. Primarily, people now spend much of their time glued to them – even when they are with other people. Put your phone away and pay attention to the people you are with.</p>
<p><strong>3. Greet people by name</strong></p>
<p>Firstly, it shows you were paying attention or have a good memory. Second, it generally makes people feel good to be addressed by name. The key is not to overuse it. Don’t namedrop in every sentence or you’ll come across like a dodgy salesman.</p>
<p><strong>4. Listen</strong></p>
<p>Listen, listen, listen. It’s so important that we think it bears repeating. People appreciate when you genuinely listen to them, engage with what they are saying and don’t try to speak over the top of them. As the saying goes, you have two ears and one mouth – and that’s the ratio you should use them with.</p>
<p><strong>5. Ask questions</strong></p>
<p>Good listening doesn’t mean you never have to say a word. Ask questions that show you’ve been paying attention. People will be happy to expand on the conversation and, hopefully, should begin to ask you questions in return.</p>
<p><strong>6. Learn to accept compliments</strong></p>
<p>It can almost be a reflex to deflect a compliment as soon as it’s given. It’s a fine line to walk because you don’t want to sound egotistical by agreeing. Instead, learn to accept the compliment in the spirit it was given and say thank you.</p>
<p><strong>7. Don’t complain unnecessarily</strong></p>
<p>There’s no problem making a complaint if there is a genuine problem, but no one wants to hear you go on and on about something (or everything). It makes you seem like a negative person and someone who will suck the energy out of any conversation. Learn to laugh it off.</p>
<p><strong>8. Smile</strong></p>
<p>The simplest one of all.</p>
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<p><strong>Related links:</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/relationships/2017/02/this-simple-phrase-will-stop-gossip-once-and-for-all/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>This simple phrase will stop gossip once and for all</strong></em></span></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/relationships/2017/02/making-the-transition-from-friends-to-something-more/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Making the transition from friends to something more</strong></em></span></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/relationships/2017/02/nice-people-more-likely-to-betray-you/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Nice people are more likely to betray you</strong></em></span></a></p>
