People decide whether or not they like you within the first seven seconds of meeting you. They then spend the rest of the conversation with internally justifying their initial reaction.

First impressions are tied intimately to positive body language. A strong posture, a firm handshake and a big smile.

Being likeable comes from natural, unteachable traits that belong only to a lucky few – the good looking, the fiercely social, and the incredibly talented.

It is easy to fall prey to this misconception. In reality, being likeable is under your control, and it is a matter of emotional intelligence (EQ).

Being genuine and honest is essential to being likeable. No one likes a fake. People gravitate toward those who are genuine because they know they can trust them.

It is difficult to like someone when you don’t know who they really are and how they really feel. Likeable people know who they are. They are confident enough to be comfortable in their own skin.

By concentrating on what drives you and makes you happy as an individual, you become a much more interesting person than if you attempt to win people over by making choices that you think will make them like you.

Being open-minded makes you approachable and interesting to others. No one wants to have a conversation with someone who has already formed an opinion and is not willing to listen.

People like to know you are listening, and something as simple as a clarification question shows that not only are you listening, you also care about what they are saying.

People are averse to those who are desperate for attention. You do not need to develop a big, extroverted personality to be likeable. Simply being friendly and considerate is all you need.

When you speak in a friendly, confident, and concise manner, you will notice that people are much more attentive and persuadable than if you try to show them you are important.