There’s a strange beauty in quirks. Those little habits that make us unique can also make us surprisingly likable.

Psychology tells us that it’s not always about being picture-perfect. Sometimes, it’s our eccentricities that draw people in.

So, what if I told you there are nine quirky habits that could boost your likability almost instantly? And no, it doesn’t involve manipulation or pretending.

In this piece, I will share these nine habits with you. 

Let’s dive in.

1) Embrace your awkwardness

We’ve all had those cringe-worthy moments, haven’t we? Tripping over our own feet, spilling coffee on our shirts, or just saying something completely awkward.

But what if I told you that this awkwardness can actually make you more likable?

According to psychology, people are drawn to those who appear genuine and authentic. And nothing screams authenticity louder than a person who embraces their own awkwardness.

Instead of trying to cover up your clumsy moments, laughing them off can show others that you’re comfortable with who you are. It makes you seem approachable, relatable, and most importantly, human.

2) Show genuine interest in others

It’s always nice to meet someone who genuinely cares about what you have to say, right?

People tend to like those who take a genuine interest in their lives, their interests, and their stories.

Here’s a personal example. I remember going to a networking event a few years back. I was pretty nervous and not sure how to strike up conversations with strangers.

Then, I met this guy named John. He asked about my work, my hobbies, and even my dog’s name. He listened attentively to my answers and asked follow-up questions.

I found myself warming up to John quickly, not because he was particularly charismatic or charming, but because he showed a genuine interest in me. That made me feel valued and important.

The lesson here? Be curious about others. Ask questions and listen attentively. It’s a simple habit, but it can make you incredibly likable.

3) Use people’s names when talking to them

Did you know that our own name is one of the most pleasing sounds to our ears? It’s true. Hearing our name activates different parts of our brain associated with recognition and validation.

So, next time you’re chatting with someone, throw their name into the conversation here and there. It creates a sense of familiarity and personal connection. Plus, it shows that you’ve made an effort to remember their name, which in itself is a sign of respect and consideration.

Just remember to not overdo it – you don’t want to come off as insincere or robotic. A sprinkle of their name in the conversation works like a charm to make you more likable.

4) Be open about your passions

There’s something incredibly attractive about someone who is passionate. It doesn’t matter what the passion is about – it could be anything from painting miniatures to astrophysics.

When you’re open and excited about your passions, it’s contagious. It tends to draw people in and make them want to understand more about your world.

You see, when you talk about what you love, your face lights up, your energy changes, and you become more engaging. And who wouldn’t want to be around someone like that?

Don’t shy away from sharing your passions. It’s one of those quirky habits that can make you instantly more likable. Who knows? You might inspire someone else to find their own passion along the way!

5) Practice active listening

In a world where everyone wants to be heard, being an active listener can make you stand out in the best way possible.

Active listening isn’t just about letting someone speak while you nod along. It’s about engaging with the person, providing thoughtful responses, and showing that you value what they have to say.

It involves making eye contact, nodding in agreement, and even mirroring the speaker’s body language. These small actions can let the person know that you’re fully invested in the conversation.

When you’re having a chat with someone, give active listening a shot. You’ll find it’s not just the speaker who benefits – you’ll learn more and create a deeper connection too!

6) Show empathy and understanding

We all face struggles and challenges. It’s part of being human. And sometimes, all we need is for someone to say, “I understand.”

Showing empathy doesn’t mean you have to solve someone’s problems. It’s about recognizing their feelings and validating their experience. It’s about saying, “I see you, and your feelings matter.”

This kind of emotional connection goes a long way in making someone feel valued and heard. And when people feel that you truly understand them, they’re more likely to appreciate your presence in their life.

Don’t be afraid to show your soft side. A little empathy can make a big difference in how likable you are to others.

7) Let your guard down

Perfection is overrated. In fact, it can often create a barrier between you and others.

I remember a time when I always felt the need to present myself as flawless, thinking that’s what people preferred. But it only made me seem distant and unapproachable.

The moment I started letting my guard down, showing my mistakes, my fears, and even my silly side, something amazing happened. People started to connect with me on a deeper level. They appreciated the fact that I was human, just like them.

Don’t be afraid to show your true self, imperfections and all. It’s not our perfection, but our authenticity that truly makes us likable.

8) Be generous with compliments

A well-timed compliment can make a person’s day. It shows that you notice and appreciate them, which naturally makes people warm up to you.

But here’s the catch – the compliment has to be genuine. Empty flattery is easy to spot and can actually do more harm than good.

So, whether it’s about their new haircut, their great sense of humor, or their brilliant ideas at the morning meeting – if you notice something commendable about someone, don’t hesitate to express it.

Being generous with compliments is a simple yet effective way to increase your likability. Just remember to keep it real and sincere.

9) Smile more often

Above all, never underestimate the power of a genuine smile. It’s the universal language of friendliness and warmth.

A smile can break down walls, start conversations, and make people feel comfortable around you. It’s a simple gesture that can have a tremendous impact on how likable you are.

So, whether you’re meeting someone for the first time or catching up with an old friend, let your smile be the first thing they see. It’s the quickest way to create a positive and lasting impression.