 So, you're in a new social environment. It might be your first day at school, new job, or maybe you're trying to make friends. It's daunting getting to know others and perhaps you've faced rejection and felt like an outcast. It's even human nature to bond with others and is important for both your mental and physical health. So, how can you make a good impression? Here are six convincing ways to make people like you more. Number one, embrace the pratfall effect. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to be absolutely perfect to be liked by others. Have you heard of the pratfall effect? The pratfall effect suggests not only that those who make mistakes are more likely to be seen as likable, but also that those who are believed to be flawless and perfect can become seen as dislikeable. A study conducted by Elliot Aronson, a social psychologist, found that people who slipped up, such as by spilling coffee on themselves, were perceived as more relatable and thus more likable than people who did not. Showing your vulnerability can help you connect better with others, making you seem more human and easy to like. Number two, up from your screens. We all know someone who never puts their phone away when you're talking to them. Are they always stuck on their device and seem to care more about that than you? Chances are you feel like you're not being listened to and might like that person a lot less. According to psychologist Dr. Guy Winch, making glances at your phone during a conversation can signal to the other person that you're distracted or disinterested, which might make you less likable. When you're getting to know someone, try putting your phone away or putting it face down to make yourself seem more present. It can go a long way. Number three, follow up with others. This is Christine. Christine is talking to her friend, Ellie, who tells her that she's really nervous for an upcoming exam. Christine validates her nervousness and assures her that things will go all right. After the exam, Christine asks Ellie how it went, and Ellie says it went great. Thanks for asking. Don't you think that Ellie might like Christine a little more for remembering? If someone shares something personal on their mind to you, whether it be an upcoming exam, an important job interview, or the health of a relative, it probably means that they're excited or worried about it. Regardless, it can be nice to follow up with them after a few days, asking how things went or if they have any updates. Doing this can show that you remember things about them, have a genuine interest, and care, and that you're listening. These are all things that can help you be more likable. Number four, crack a smile. Do you ever tend to be a little blank-faced or don't grin as often as you want to? According to researchers at the University of Ottawa, smiling and showing more expression can actually make you seem more likable to others. They discovered that if one wanted to build more social bonds and likability, showing expressive dissonance, especially such as smiling when anxious, may help achieve just that. You know how people say that smiling can help you feel better when you're sad? Well, the researchers found that those who smile are actually seen more likable by others to an amount greater than positive internal outcomes that result from smiling. So don't be afraid to crack a grin or two the next time you're with others and you're enjoying yourself. Might just make you a bit more liked. Number five, speak up. Imagine you're being introduced to somebody new. You're trying to make a good impression by being conversational, but they just can't really get much of a word out. Only the occasional nod or mm-hmm. You might think that less is more in a conversation to come across as likable. After all, you don't wanna be seen as a chatterbox. It also keeps you mysterious, right? This is actually not as true as you may think. In fact, talking more in a conversation with someone new according to research at the Center for Decision Research at the University of Chicago can be associated with higher levels of likability. Talking for as much as 70% of the conversation can form a positive impression with other people. It might make you seem more familiar, giving others the ability to find similarities. Still, remember that it's just as important to listen to others and that you shouldn't dominate a conversation. Keep it natural. Everyone has at least something to say, but talking more than you usually do, especially to new people couldn't hurt. And number six, don't suppress showing stress. You ever show stress by biting your nails or fidgeting or touching your face? New studies from the University of Portsmouth have shown that humans might actually have evolved to show these signals of stress to seem more likable and to cause others to react more positively to us. Showing behaviors of stress can invoke empathetic responses in other people. An honest sign of weakness can cause others to engage in a cooperative, not competitive interaction. Think about courage, the cowardly dog, or even Harry Potter. Characters who are almost always stressed, but among one of the most loved and adored. Don't be ashamed of showing stress or even being stressed. It's a natural thing and other people will feel for you. And there you have six convincing ways to make people like you. Things like smiling, showing vulnerability, speaking more, and just being a little more socially open are all ways to be a better people person and strengthen your connections with others. 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