1. Avoid humblebragging

It’s natural to assume that people will like us more if we hint about our accomplishments or strengths. Humble bragging, or just full-on bragging, makes you look insecure. Quite the opposite of likable, it advertises your need for validation. You are signaling that you want others’ approval, which makes you needy.

 

Studies show that humblebragging is even less likable than straight-up bragging.[5] If you do want to share something, don’t sneak it in. Be unapologetic about it. In a moment where it’s relevant to share, with pride say, “I was the top soccer player in my school!” That’s more likable than trying to make it sound like you don’t care that you were the best player.

 

2. Avoid name dropping

Even if you know someone famous or impressive, the only time you need to reveal that fact is if it can help the person your talking to.

 

Otherwise, you look like you mentioned it to make yourself look more important. Err on the side of caution and only comment on your link to notable folk when it’s relevant to your conversation.

 

3. Avoid gossiping

It’s human nature to indulge in this un-harmless pastime. But if you do, realize that you’ve pretty much sold your integrity. Why? Because if you listen or add to it, that means when (not if) it gets back to the people outside the conversation, they will know you can’t be trusted.

 

The bedrock of likeability is that you are trustworthy. Gossip defeats everything you are trying to build. Make it a habit to only say things about someone that you would also feel comfortable saying directly to them.

 

4. Avoid oversharing on social media

Likable people share important events and people in their lives on social media – things they think their followers would value. When you want to post something on social media, ask yourself about your underlying reason. Is it to get approval and likes, or is it because you think it will be interesting to those who follow you?