12 habits that make you more likeable and approachable

Ever wondered what makes certain people so effortlessly likeable and approachable?

It’s not about being a social butterfly or having some secret charm.

It’s all about the habits they’ve developed. You know, those little things they do that make others gravitate towards them.

In this article, we will explore these simple yet powerful habits that can make you more likeable and approachable in any informal setting.

1) Having a positive attitude

Having a positive attitude is the first habit that can make you more likeable and approachable.

This means being optimistic and choosing to focus on the positive aspects of life.

Yes, it’s easy to dwell on negativity and setbacks. But that won’t help if you want to be likable and approachable!

So instead, try to train yourself to see challenges as opportunities for growth. And approach each situation with a can-do attitude.

Another thing that can help carve your positive mindset is being grateful for what you have in life.

I’d recommend practising gratitude daily.

Whether it’s your comfy home or a loving partner, there’s always something to be grateful for! So write it down, or take a moment out of your busy day to reflect on those blessings.

Your positive attitude can inspire and draw others to you, upping your likability factor.

2) Using open body language

They say actions speak louder than words.

Without saying a word, you come across as someone warm, open, and friendly through your body language alone.

You can do this by:

• Standing tall
• Relaxing your shoulders
• Leaving your arms and legs uncrossed
• Leaning slightly forward while sitting
• Nodding occasionally

These actions can help you come across as approachable, relaxed and confident.

But two additional body language cues can help set you off on the right foot, especially when making a good first impression.

Together, they make for a deadly combo!

The first one is ….

3) Smiling

When you smile, it not only brightens your face but it shows that you are friendly, kind and open to interaction.

Smiling is a universal language of happiness and is the perfect icebreaker in social situations.

Plus, it’s contagious. When you smile at someone, you can’t help but smile back!

This simple exchange can lead to more positive interactions and strengthen the bonds between people.

But don’t fake it! Forcing your smile won’t give the best impression.

Make sure that your smile is genuine and sincere.

Now, I can’t forget the next powerful body language cue, which is ….

4) Maintaining eye contact

Maintaining eye contact lets the other person know you are fully present and engaged in the conversation.

It shows that you’re listening and care about what they say.

Making eye contact is simple yet powerful. It helps establish a connection and builds trust.

But try to find a balance when holding eye contact. You don’t want to make the other person uncomfortable by staring intensely!

The key is to maintain natural and comfortable eye contact throughout the conversation.

I’ve talked a little bit about body language. So I’ll now get into mirroring body language.

5) Mirroring body language

Mirroring body language is when you copy someone’s posture, gestures, or facial expressions in a natural and gentle way. Basically, you’re in sync!

For example, if the person you’re talking to brushes a strand of hair from their face, you follow suit. And if they sit up in their seat and adjust themselves, you copy them subtly.

Matching body language helps build rapport and makes the other person feel comfortable around you.

But remember to be subtle and genuine. Don’t overdo it or mimic every move, as it might seem insincere.

6) Being helpful

Want to know another habit that can boost your likability and approachability? Being helpful.

I mean, doesn’t it feel good when someone goes out their way to help you? Especially when they have no need to.

It can be as simple as offering to lend a hand, being there to listen, or giving advice.

Pay attention to the needs of those around you. Look for opportunities where you can use your skills, time, or resources to make someone’s life easier or better.

Whether helping a coworker with a project, supporting a friend going through a tough time, or volunteering in your community, your willingness to help makes a positive impression.

7) Active listening

Imagine being in a conversation where the other person hangs onto your every word, genuinely interested in what you have to say.

How would that make you feel? Pretty special, right? And it would make you think highly of the person doing all the listening, I bet.

It’s all too common for people to be distracted, multitask, or wait for their turn to speak.

But when you practice active listening, you set yourself apart from the crowd. You create an environment where others feel valued, heard, and understood.

So, how can you become a better listener?

It starts with giving your undivided attention. Put away your phone, close your laptop, and focus on the person in front of you.

And remember that eye contact I mentioned earlier? Well, maintain it to show you are fully present and engaged in the conversation.

Another thing to remember is to avoid the temptation to interrupt or jump in with your thoughts.

Instead, let the other person finish speaking before giving your input.

I’ll tell you another thing that helps you to be a better listener

8) Being empathetic

Empathy is when you can understand and share the feelings and experiences of others.

If you want to build deeper connections and trust, being empathetic is the way to go.

So, when someone shares their thoughts, experiences, or challenges with you, respond with empathy.

Try to put yourself in their shoes and imagine how they might be feeling.

Validate their emotions and let them know that you understand what they’re going through.

That person will then know that you genuinely care and are interested in understanding their perspective.

People don’t always show their emotions explicitly.

So, take note of their facial expressions, tone of voice, and overall demeanour, too.

These can also give you clues into how someone’s feeling.

Practising empathy also plays a role in another habit that can make you more likable.

9) Keeping an open-mind

We all have our ways of thinking. And not every person is going to think the same way.

For example, I love beans on toast. I think it’s yummy! But you might not think so. You might think it’s the most disgusting thing you’ve ever heard of!

That said, another habit to help widen your circle is keeping an open mind.

To cultivate open-mindedness, start by being curious about the world and the people around you.

Embrace diversity and actively seek out different viewpoints and experiences.

Engage in conversations with an open heart and a genuine desire to understand others.

And instead of clinging to rigid beliefs, try to be flexible and receptive to new information and perspectives.

10) Having a sense of humour

Remember the positivity I mentioned earlier?

Well, a positive mindset helps you when it comes to having a sense of humour.

It allows you to see the funny and lighthearted aspects of everyday situations.

Finding humour in the ups and downs, embracing playfulness, and being able to laugh at yourself.

By sharing laughter with others, you create a positive and enjoyable atmosphere that draws people towards you.

11) Being present

Being present plays a large part in active listening.

Let’s face it; we have so many distractions around us.

It’s all too easy to get out the phone, scroll through social media, and check out some memes …

But to show the ultimate respect to the people you’re around, try to put the phone away.

Pay attention to the person in front of you, and be mindful of your surroundings.

Being attuned to the present moment shows that you are fully engaged and invested in what’s happening around you.

12) Being authentic

Being authentic is another habit that can help you be more likeable and approachable.

You see, people are naturally drawn to authenticity because it means you’re genuine.

In a world where filters and facades can be the norm, being true to yourself can set you apart in a refreshing way.

Being real lets you let go of the need to impress or please others. It helps you embrace your strengths and weaknesses. And it encourages you to be comfortable in your own skin.

You can be authentic by – expressing your thoughts, feelings, and opinions honestly and respectfully, being transparent, and not pretending to have all the answers.

So let your true self shine, plain and simple!

Conclusion

As we’ve learned, implementing habits such as being present, using open body language, and offering assistance can help you become more likeable and approachable.

These habits help create positive connections and meaningful relationships and make a lasting impact on the people you interact with.

So, make a conscious effort to develop these habits, and watch your likability and approachability flourish!