Getting someone to like you can be challenging. You want to make a good impression, but you also want to stay true to who you are. You know that not everything about you is likable, but you also know you’re a catch! To make the process of making a good first impression easier, here are our suggestions on how to do so!
Encourage Emotional Validation
People need to be validated in order to feel that they are being supported. If the person says something deserving of a validating response, then give them that validation! In doing so, you will gain a better chance of having made a solid first impression.
You can do that by reassuring their feelings or getting them a gift basket delivery that shows how much you care. They will feel supported and more inclined to share their feelings and opinions with you the more supportive you seem.
If you appear disinterested in the things they share with you, this may offend the person or cause them to avoid telling you things in the future. The goal is always to make the other person in the conversation feel comfortable.
Ask a Lot of Questions
Often, people decide if they like someone based on how well that person considers them. In conversation, ask whomever you’re trying to impress a lot of questions about their life. The more interested you seem in their life, the more they’ll be inclined to consider what life is like for you.
As they learn more about you and see that you reciprocate interest in knowing them, they’ll focus their attention on getting to know you better. If you come across as too self-absorbed or talk about yourself too much, the other person might lose interest and consider you to be someone who has difficulty staying connected to friends.
Be Completely Nonjudgmental
Nobody likes to be criticized. While sometimes this is a necessary response, when you’re first getting to know someone, make the conscious choice to save your judgments and appear open-minded to what they have to say.
To be likable, you have to be willing to tolerate others’ views and ideas without casting judgment. Focus on cultivating nonjudgmental awareness, and don’t voice your judgments aloud when you’re first getting to know someone.
People have to develop a sense of trust before they are willing to open up and consider you as someone they really want to know.
Don’t Say Anything Offensive
Sometimes we try to break the ice by making a bad joke. While we only intend to smooth things over, this can unfortunately backfire and cause people to feel pushed away.
Avoid making jokes or comments that could offend, and instead always redirect the conversation to the other person you’re speaking with. Get the attention off of you so that the other person grows more comfortable conversing with you.
Appear Calm and Relaxed
No one likes to be around people who seem on-edge. If you are harboring difficult things in your life, commit to being attentive and present when speaking with someone you’re just getting to know.
If you appear distracted or emotionally intense, others may feel defensive and not want to get to know you. You want to appear poised, calm, and relaxed so that the other person feels comfortable talking to you.
The Bottom Line
If you want someone to like you, you need to make them feel that interacting with you is enjoyable for them. Focus on their needs in the conversation, be nonjudgmental, and stay present for the best results. Getting to know others takes skill. Practice and be patient!
