Good relationships are key to general happiness, so who better to give advice on making friends than Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project? An expert on living well and joyfully, Rubin looks to psychology and personal experience to unlock the secrets behind a fulfilling and happy life. Read on for Rubin’s advice on establishing connections with new people.
- Smile! The amount of time you smile during a conversation has a direct impact on how friendly you’re perceived to be.
- Be easily impressed, entertained, and interested. Most people get more pleasure from wowing you than from being wowed by you.
- Have a friendly, open, engaged demeanor. Lean toward people, nod, say “uh-huh,” turn your body to face the other person’s body.
- Remember trait transfer. Because of “trait transfer,” whatever you say about other people (he’s obnoxious, she’s brilliant) shapes the way people see you.
- Laugh at yourself. Showing vulnerability and a sense of humor make you more likable and approachable.
- Radiate energy and good humor. Because of the phenomenon of emotional contagion, people catch the emotions of other people.
- Show your liking for another person. We’re much more apt to like someone if we think that person likes us.
