It doesn't take cosmetic surgery or lots of moolah to be well-like. All you need is some brains and a good dose of sincerity. Issues For Girls & Boys reveals some secrets of popular people
1. Say what you mean and mean what you say
Nobody likes a person who can't keep his words. Especially in a world full of uncertainty, it feels good to know someone you can rely on. So be that kind of person, and you'll start gaining friends.
2. Cultivate a sense of humour
While you may not have a joke collection as huge as funnymen Jim Carrey or Owen Wilson & friends, it helps if you can laugh at jokes and at yourself. It's hard to resist the sound of crystal-clear, hearty laughter. You can set the seeds of humour germinating by reading amusing books (try James Herriot and Douglas Adams) and watching comedies (try British comedies). And don't be afraid of doing something foolish. People like people who are human, which means it's ok to commit gaffes from time to time.
3. Be curious about others
Show an interest in what others are doing, and they're likely to be interested in you too. People like to talk about themselves (despite what they may claim). And everyone loves an audience. So go ahead and ask them about their hobbies, the latest movie they've watched and the café that serves the best latte. A word of caution here: being curious doesn't mean being nosey. Know when to stop digging!
4. Look for goodness in others
Any fool can criticise and cut others to bits. But it takes a special person to see beauty and strength in a fellow human being. Open your eyes and your mind to find something you can admire about someone. And give sincere compliments when appropriate. We're not talking about false flattery - that's a sure way to invite distrust. There is something good in everyone' you only have to observe closely.
5. Keep yourself updated on what's happening
It's useful to be in the know about something, if not many things.It makes you interesting. Who wants to be with a clueless dork? Make good use of newspapers, magazines, websites, the TV and the radio!
6.Stand up for yourself
If you have about as much spine as jelly, it's time to show that you are no pushover. People gravitate towards those with admirable qualities, and self-repect is a wonderful thing to possess. Too many people let others walk all over them; so assert yourself, state your views and be proud of them. Don't go to the extremes though; maintain your stand gracefully without bulldozing the opinions of others.
7. Mind your manners
While you need not have the manners of the British royalty, you shouldn't be a rude little bugger either. Sloppy table manners and slovenly handphone etiquette are sure-fire ways of turning people. Even being a show-off counts as bad form.
8. Really listen to others
It feels good when someone pays full attention when you are talking to them. So return them the favour and give 100% of your attention to them too. A lot of people make the mistake of trying to get a word in when others are talking. Practising good listening shows that you respect others. And respect begets respect.
9. Lift the corners of your mouth
it has been proven that people warm up to a smiling face faster than a sullen one. And that a smile increases the attractiveness of the person smiling.Keep those facial msucles relaxed often. So what if someone doesn't return your smile? At least you are not the one having a "lip cramp"!
10. Be big-hearted
Only little people take offence all the time. Know when to forgive and forget the little annoyance in life.
Labels: be curious, be popular, being popular, cultivate humour, keep updated, look for goodness, manners, mean what you say, no pushover, say what you mean, self respect, sense of humour
