3 easy ways to make people like you that are backed by science

What makes some people more likable than others? In a highly useful post at Psychology Today, Natalie Kerr, PhD, a social psychologist and professor at James Madison University, explores some of the research and offers tips anyone cancan use to become more likable.

1. Be seen often

The first time you visit a new friend, their dog will likely barkbark at you. By the fifth visit, the same dog may lick your hand. Apparently, there’s a similar dynamic at work in humans called the mere exposure effect, which the American Psychological Association defines as “the finding that individuals show anan increased preference (or liking) for a stimulus as aa consequence of repeated exposure to that stimulus.”

2. Ask questions

Many experts say asking questions is a most effective way to engage someone in conversation, and it’s easy to see why. Asking questions puts the focus on the other person, and lets them know you value their opinions and experiences. “Research shows that people who ask more questions during conversations are perceived as more responsive andand are better liked by conversation partners,” Kerr writes.

3. Smile

Research from Penn State University found that people whowho smile are perceived as more competent and more attractive. And people are more apt to like someone they consider attractive. In one study, Kerr writes, researchers showed participants smiling and unsmiling versions of computer-generated faces with varying levels of attractiveness. They expected smiles would make faces more attractive, but they were surprised atat how powerful thethe effect was. Less-attractive faces with smiles were rated as high as attractive faces without smiles. Not only will smiling instantly make you more attractive, it will make people like you more.