The Most Important Trait to Make People Like You
The internet is full of lists of ways to make people like you. There are usually some very nice things and some things that might be considered questionable on these lists. The one thing that most of these lists have in common is that they tend to be things that you can do right away. Things like using someone’s name, giving them a gift, or doing something for them.
The reason that these techniques can be suspect is because there may the perception that they are being used insincerely to get something. This is the reason that the most effective technique is never mentioned. It is not a quick fix and involves investing time into the relationship with people.
It is being trustworthy.
When people trust you and can rely on you to do the things you say you will, they will want to have you in their circle. Trust can be a rare attribute and a truly trust-worthy person is a very attractive person. Whether it is being trust-worthy in a business or personal setting, when people trust you, they will like you very much.
The reason trust is so effective is because it takes time to establish. It is very rare to trust someone immediately, unless there are very specific circumstances, such as if someone is in an authority position and obligated to take care of you. The authority of a soldier, doctor or fire-fighter can be instantly established in a crisis, but these occurrences are few and rare.
Establishing trust under regular circumstances takes time, and even if you do nice things for people without any expectation, these actions themselves may elicit suspicion as people may wonder what you want from them. However, if you give for the sake of giving, or if you keep your word and can be relied upon regularly to do the things you say you will, people will begin to like and trust you, and you will see dramatic, positive improvements in your personal and business life as your good reputation grows.
Once you establish trust, you will be a very likeable person that people will want to be around.