I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit, and I spend a lot of time studying human behavior. And I’ve noticed something interesting.

We all want to be liked, to be accepted. But it’s not always about being the funniest in the room or the most outgoing.

Sometimes, it’s the subtle traits that make us inherently likable. Traits that psychology has helped identify.

In this article, I’m going to share with you 8 signs that you’re a highly likable person.

Not only will this help you understand why people naturally gravitate towards you, but it’ll also provide insight into how we can all strive to be more likable.

Let’s dive in.

1) You’re present in the moment

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. But highly likable people have a knack for being present in the moment.

As a mindfulness expert, I can’t stress enough how crucial this trait is. When you’re fully engaged in a conversation, it shows that you value the other person and their time. It creates a connection that people naturally gravitate towards.

Psychology backs this up. Being present and genuinely engaged is one of the signs of emotional intelligence, a trait commonly found in likable people.

So, whether you’re at a business meeting or having coffee with a friend, remember to be present. Listen actively, respond thoughtfully, and put away distractions.

This simple habit can significantly increase your likability quotient.

2) You practice empathy

Coming from a background in Buddhism and mindfulness, I can tell you that empathy is at the core of my practice. It’s about understanding and sharing the feelings of others—not just sympathizing with them.

Highly likable people naturally possess this trait. They can put themselves in someone else’s shoes, and this makes others feel seen, heard, and appreciated.

When you show genuine empathy, you’re not just making others feel good. You’re also building strong, deep connections that make you a truly likable person.

So, strive to understand before being understood. Practice active listening and offer help when it’s needed.

Every interaction you have with someone really is an opportunity to show empathy and spread kindness. 

3) You embrace imperfection

We’re all flawed in some way or another—that’s just part of being human.

But highly likable people understand and embrace this. They’re not afraid to show their imperfections.

Likable people don’t try to portray a picture-perfect image of themselves, nor do they expect perfection from others. This honesty and authenticity draw people towards them. It creates a safe space where others feel comfortable opening up about their own flaws and struggles.

This doesn’t mean that likable people don’t strive for improvement. On the contrary, they are often on a journey of self-growth.

So, the next time you’re tempted to hide your flaws or pretend everything is perfect, remember that your imperfections make you human—and they might just make you more likable too.

4) You maintain a positive attitude

Life is full of ups and downs, but one trait that sets likable people apart is their ability to maintain a positive attitude, even in challenging situations.

Now, don’t get me wrong. This doesn’t mean they’re always cheerful or that they ignore their feelings. But they have a knack for finding the silver lining, for focusing on solutions rather than problems.

This mindset is closely tied to mindfulness. When we’re mindful, we’re fully engaged in the present moment without judgment. We accept reality as it is, not as we wish it to be.

Likable people use this mindfulness practice to navigate life’s twists and turns. They recognize their feelings without letting them take over. They approach difficulties with a balanced mindset, focusing on what they can control and letting go of what they can’t.

This positivity is infectious. It draws people in and makes them want to be around you.

5) You live with purpose

One thing I’ve learned throughout my journey is the power of living with a sense of purpose. Highly likable people seem to have this figured out.

They’re not just drifting aimlessly through life. They have goals, passions, and a clear sense of what they’re working towards.

This gives them a certain energy—a zest for life that is highly attractive to others.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve into this concept in more detail. I talk about how living with purpose and minimizing ego can lead to a more fulfilled and balanced life. You can find my book on Amazon here.

When you live with purpose, it shows. It shines through in your actions, your conversations, and your attitude towards life.

And people can’t help but be drawn to that kind of positivity and determination.

6) You cultivate gratitude

Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you”. It’s a deep appreciation for life and all its experiences, both big and small.

Highly likable people exude this sense of gratitude, and it’s incredibly contagious.

Whether it’s mindfulness or Buddhism, the practice of gratitude is a common thread. It teaches us to focus on the present and appreciate what we have, rather than constantly longing for more.

Likable people take this wisdom to heart. They don’t take things for granted. They appreciate the small moments of joy, the everyday miracles that we often overlook.

This attitude of gratitude radiates positivity and warmth, making others feel good in their presence.

So, if you want to be more likable, start by cultivating an attitude of gratitude. Take a few moments each day to acknowledge what you’re grateful for.

This simple practice can make a significant difference in how others perceive you—and more importantly, how you perceive yourself.

7) You embrace change

Change is the only constant in life. Yet, many of us resist it, fearing the unknown.

But highly likable people have a different approach—they embrace change.

Buddhist teachings often emphasize the impermanence of everything. Nothing stays the same forever, and resisting this reality only brings suffering.

Embracing change shows resilience—a quality that many people admire and respect. It means you’re open to new experiences, willing to learn, and aren’t afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone.

So, remember, when faced with change, don’t resist it. Learn to surf those waves. Not only will it make you more resilient—it’ll also make you more likable.

8) You’re comfortable with silence

In our noisy world, silence can sometimes feel uncomfortable. We often rush to fill it with words, fearing that silence may be perceived as awkward.

But here’s the counterintuitive truth—highly likable people are comfortable with silence.

Mindfulness teaches us the power of silence. It’s in those quiet moments that we truly connect with ourselves and the world around us. Silence allows us to listen, not just to others, but also to our inner self.

Likable people understand this. They’re not afraid of pauses in conversation. Instead, they see it as an opportunity to reflect and truly process what the other person is saying.

This level of attentiveness shows respect and genuine interest in others, which naturally increases their likability.

So, the next time you’re in a conversation, don’t rush to fill every silence. Embrace it. Allow it to deepen your conversations and connections.

It might feel counterintuitive, but being comfortable with silence may just make you a more likable person.

Final thoughts

When it comes to being likable, it’s all about authenticity, empathy, and positivity. These are traits we can all cultivate with mindfulness and a willingness to grow.

Remember, being likable isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about embracing your authentic self and treating others with kindness and respect.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into these concepts, I invite you to read my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“. It’s packed with insights on how to live a fulfilling life while maintaining a strong connection with others.

In the end, being likable isn’t just about how others perceive you—it’s about how you perceive yourself.