Ever wondered why certain people are like magnets, attracting others effortlessly?

I have.

They don’t have a secret superpower. They just possess habits that make them likable.

You may think you’re already pretty likable. And maybe you are. But there’s always room for improvement, right?

Today, I want to share with you six tiny habits that can make a big difference in how others perceive you.

This isn’t about being fake or trying to please everyone. It’s about becoming someone others genuinely enjoy being around.

Before we dive in, remember this – changing habits takes time and effort. But trust me, it’s worth it.

So… ready to become more likable? Let’s start.

Smile more

This might sound too simple, but trust me, it works. I’ve noticed that when I smile more, people around me tend to feel more at ease. It’s a non-verbal signal that you’re friendly and approachable. A few years ago, I was at a networking event, and I made it a point to smile at everyone. Guess what? I ended up having some of the most engaging conversations that night. So try it – smile more. It’s infectious.

Listen intently

This one took me a while to master. I used to be the person who would listen just enough to reply. But then, I realized that when I did that, I wasn’t really engaging with the other person. Instead, I started listening with the intent of understanding them better. And it made all the difference. People started opening up to me more, and our conversations became much more meaningful. So next time you’re conversing with someone, don’t just hear, listen.

Be positive

Negativity can be draining. It’s like a black hole that sucks all the energy out of a room. On the other hand, positivity can be contagious. It lightens up the mood and makes interactions more enjoyable. Did you know that according to a study by the University of Michigan, positive people have stronger immune systems and live up to 10 years longer? So not only does being positive make you more likable, it’s also good for your health.

Show empathy

We all go through ups and downs. It’s part of being human. I remember a time when a colleague was going through a tough situation. Instead of brushing it off, I took the time to sit with them, to understand and share their feelings. That moment created a bond between us that’s still strong today. Showing empathy doesn’t just mean you care about others, it shows you’re willing to walk in their shoes. It’s a powerful way to connect and is something that will make you truly likable.

Be genuine

There’s nothing more off-putting than insincerity. I learned this the hard way. Early in my career, I tried to fit in by pretending to be someone I wasn’t. It was exhausting and people could see right through it. I finally decided to just be myself, quirks and all. The result? People started relating to me more and I made deeper connections. There’s power in authenticity, so let your true self shine through.

Give compliments

Compliments are powerful. They can turn someone’s day around. I make it a point to give at least one genuine compliment every day. Whether it’s acknowledging a colleague’s great idea or appreciating a friend’s outfit, I’ve found that this small act can make a big difference. It not only boosts the other person’s mood but also strengthens your relationship with them. So go ahead, make someone’s day brighter with a compliment.

Be reliable

Being reliable is often overlooked, but it’s one of the key traits that make people want to be around you. When people know they can count on you, it fosters trust and respect. I remember a time when a friend needed help moving. I told him I’d be there and despite some unforeseen obstacles, I made sure to keep my word. He was grateful and relieved, and it reinforced our friendship. So whether it’s at work or in your personal life, be someone others can rely on.

In conclusion, being someone others love being around isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about adopting habits that enhance your interactions with others, making them more enjoyable and meaningful.

Rather than relying on others to manage their emotions for them, these grounded individuals take ownership of their inner state. They don’t walk into a space needing to be rescued from their stress or lifted out of a mood. Instead, they’ve built gentle, personal practices—like stretching in the morning, writing down what they’re grateful for, or simply stopping to take a few deep breaths—that help them stay centred.

By tending to their own emotional energy, they create a ripple effect. A calm, regulated presence often has a calming effect on those around them—a phenomenon psychologists call “co-regulation.” And the beauty of it? It’s quietly powerful and naturally magnetic.

With consistency and a bit of effort, these tiny habits can have a big impact on how others perceive you. So why not give them a try? You might just find that they not only make you more likable, but they also enrich your life in ways you never imagined.