Meeting new people can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re worried about making a good first impression.

Many struggle with finding the right balance between being approachable and authentic.

Fortunately, there are a few tried-and-true habits that can help.

In this article, we’ll explore eight habits that can instantly endear you to new people, making you someone they want to get to know better from the very first interaction.

Let’s dive in. 

1) Be genuinely interested

Everybody loves feeling interesting, right?

When you meet someone new, make it a habit to show genuine interest in them.

This doesn’t mean you should pepper them with questions like a journalist on a deadline.

No, it’s about being fully present in the conversation, asking thoughtful questions based on what they’re saying and really listening to their answers.

You’ll be amazed at how this simple habit can instantly endear you to others.

They’ll feel valued and appreciated, which let’s be honest, is something we all crave.

And guess what? This isn’t just about making them like you – it’s also about you getting to know them better.

A win-win situation if there ever was one!

2) Share a part of yourself to build connection

Authenticity is a powerful connector.

When you’re open about who you are, it gives others the permission to do the same.

This can spark an exchange of stories and experiences that can instantly build rapport and endear you to the person you’re talking to.

Let me share a personal story here.

Once at a networking event, I found myself talking to a woman who was clearly passionate about her work in wildlife conservation. I was fascinated, listening intently and asking questions about her work.

Then she asked me what I did, and I confessed that my job in tech was nowhere as exciting as hers. I also shared my little known love for birdwatching on weekends.

To my surprise, she lit up. It turned out she was a bird enthusiast too.

We bonded over our shared interest and even planned a birdwatching excursion together. What a lovely turn of events! 

That’s the power of sharing something personal about yourself – it can turn a formal conversation into a meaningful connection.

3) Remember people’s names

Dale Carnegie once said, “A person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.”

That’s so true, isn’t it? I, for one, feel very much valued when other people remember my name. 

When you remember someone’s name, it shows that you value them and the interaction you had. It tells them they made an impression, that they matter.

I know it’s not always easy, especially if you’re meeting a lot of people at once. But trust me, it’s worth the effort.

Try to repeat their name when you’re introduced and use it a few times during the conversation. This not only helps you remember it but also creates a sense of familiarity and comfort.

So the next time you meet someone new, make it a point to remember their name. It’s a small habit with big rewards.

4) Be aware of your non-verbal cues 

Did you know that we communicate a lot more with our body language than we do with our words?

That’s right — studies show that up to 93% of communication effectiveness is determined by nonverbal cues.

Your body language can instantly convey confidence, friendliness, and openness to people you meet.

So, make it a habit to maintain eye contact, offer a warm smile, and use open postures.

These non-verbal cues can make others feel comfortable around you and endear you to them in no time.

5) Empathy is the key to connection

The ability to understand and share the feelings of others can instantly make you more likable.

When you meet someone new, be empathetic. Show that you care about their feelings, experiences, and perspectives.

This doesn’t mean you need to agree with everything they say or do. It simply means acknowledging their experiences and emotions, validating them.

This habit of empathy can help build trust and foster deeper connections.

It’s like a bridge that links hearts together – it reassures people that they’re not alone, that someone gets them.

And who wouldn’t want to be around someone who makes them feel understood?

6) Positive energy is infectious

Ever been around someone who’s so positive that it’s impossible not to feel uplifted in their presence?

Yeah, those people are like magnets.

When you meet someone new, bringing that kind of positive energy can instantly endear you to them.

It could be your enthusiasm about a topic, your optimistic outlook on life or simply your warm and inviting demeanor.

People are naturally drawn to positivity. It’s like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.

So, make it a habit to radiate positivity when you meet new people. You’ll not only lift their spirits but also leave a lasting impression that they’ll remember long after the conversation ends.

7) Humility goes a long way

When we meet someone new, it’s natural to want to impress them, to prove our worth. But sometimes, the best way to do this is to show humility.

Humility is about recognizing that we’re all human, all navigating through our own challenges and triumphs. It’s about being real rather than trying to project an image of perfection.

When you meet someone new, don’t hesitate to show a little humility.

Admit when you don’t know something. Show appreciation for their knowledge and experiences.

People are usually drawn to those who are genuine and humble. It makes you relatable and trustable. Besides, no one likes a show-off, wouldn’t you agree?

So remember, while it’s great to be confident, a little humility can instantly endear you to new people. It shows them that you’re human, just like them.

8) Consistency is the key

We’ve talked about several habits that can make you instantly likeable when you meet new people. But there’s one thing that ties all these habits together, and that’s consistency.

Whether it’s showing genuine interest, remembering names, using positive body language, showing empathy, radiating positivity, practicing humility – all these habits need to be consistent.

People can usually tell if you’re genuine or not. If your actions don’t align with your words, it can create doubt and mistrust.

But when you’re consistently kind, attentive, and authentic, people will not only like you but also respect and trust you.

Final thoughts

If there’s one overarching thought to keep in mind here, it’s this one from the poet Maya Angelou:

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

This quote perfectly encapsulates the essence of building meaningful connections. When you meet someone for the first time, it’s not the specific words or actions that linger—it’s the emotional impact you leave behind.

Did you make them feel heard, valued, and respected? These feelings create lasting bonds and shape how people remember you.

By practicing habits that prioritize empathy, kindness, and genuine interest in others, you ensure that your presence leaves a positive, memorable impression.