Many people believe that being a likable person just comes naturally.
And it’s very easy to fall for this misbelief since it can seem like these people have been outgoing and likeable their entire life.
But, that’s not exactly the case. In fact, what makes someone likeable doesn’t really have to do with their innate qualities.
Being likable is actually a skill that nearly everyone can acquire.
And to have this ability, you need to obtain certain habits and qualities to change the way you think, speak, and act. It requires you to grow in emotional intelligence (or EQ) and to think of others.
So if you’re curious about what these habits and key behaviors are that make certain people likeable, then definitely keep on reading!
1. They Don’t Know Everything
We all can’t stand that person who jumps into a conversation and acts like they know everything.
But likable people don’t interrupt others and are great listeners.
They want to make people feel important and respected, so they know when to listen and when to speak.
People with likeable personality traits don’t seek attention, but instead aim for more meaningful interactions. They want to connect and make others feel important.
So the next time you’re hanging out with people, make sure to listen and treat them the way you would want to be treated.
2. They Use Positive Body Language
Likable people often impress others with their gestures and facial expressions.
Giving firm handshakes, making eye contact, smiling, and laughing when someone makes a joke are all well-known habits of charismatic people.
Essentially, you’re helping others to know that you’re happy they’re there and you like interacting with them.
So the next time you’re out, make sure you’re using positive body language to make those around your more relaxed and comfortable.
3. They Don’t Force Their Opinions on Others
Likable people are patient and will give advice if someone asks for it, but they won’t make a person feel forced to follow their advice.
They’ll give that person space and allow them to make their own decisions.
Or if a hot topic comes up, their likeable traits really get to shine here. They’re open-minded and ask thoughtful questions. They’re not trying to let the other person know what they think, dominate the conversation, and then make sure that they get the last word.
4. They Focus on the Good
Sometimes it can be difficult to work with people who have different personalities.
But the best way to build strong relationships with different kinds of people is to notice the good things about them.
Likable people respect others as they are and also look for things to like about someone so that they can get along.
5. They’re Trustworthy
Likable people never share people’s secrets or personal thoughts. They’re never passing judgment and they do their best to shut down gossip.
Even when it’s a friend or family member they know will never meet this other person, they just have too much respect for what they opened up to them about.
It’s a scary thing to be open and they know this and stay away from sharing with others.
Any kind of betrayal just isn’t allowed, and this helps them to gain the trust of those around them.
6. They’re Cheerful
If you’re looking for one of the top likability traits, then this is definitely up there!
It’s easy to enjoy the company of pleasant people, and likable people are comfortable to be around because they always seem to be encouraging and focused on the positive.
I mean think about it, how many times have you been around someone that was always negative? How often did you want to continue hanging out with them?
So the next time you’re hanging out with friends or new acquaintances, make sure that your mind is focused on thoughts and topics that will encourage positivity.
7. They Call People by Name
People tend to feel validated when someone calls them by their name. And what makes a person likeable is when they make it a point to use the person’s name every time they meet up or they’re just passing by them saying hi.
They want them to feel seen and know that they’re important.
8. They Ask Questions
Being a good listener is crucial if you want to be respected and liked.
Likable people pay attention to the speaker and focus on what they’re saying by asking genuine questions.
In this way, people will know you care about their opinions and appreciate your attention.
They also feel safe in knowing you’re not just waiting for them to stop talking so you can talk.
I promise you, this is one of the biggest things that makes people likeable, so definitely start growing in this positive trait. You’re gonna find that people want to be around you a lot more often.
9. They Don’t Judge
Likable people respect others in any way they can, and being open-minded and understanding will make you more approachable and likable to those around you.
People love being understood and seen, so if you can apply this to all of your relationships, you’re gonna start seeing people wanting to be closer to you (a lot more often).
Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.