Life
I have a friend who goes through life sweeping people off their feet without even realizing he's doing it. He can charm his way out of any predicament and people are always more than happy to help him. One time he realized three hours into a road trip that he forgot his ticket for the football game we were driving to. Had it been anyone else, it would've been a disaster, but sure enough his naturally charming personality got him through the gates with ease. He simply explained to the ticket clerk that he forgot his, and they decided to just let him on through. These kinds of things always happen to him and it's easy to see why: he's incredibly charismatic. (In fact, he's so charming that one time I fell in love with him on purpose).
We all know someone who is truly the definition of the word "charming." They're the kind of people who can make absolutely anything seem interesting. Take for example actor Gael Garcia Bernal, who literally entranced James Corden and Meghan Trainor with his charisma simply by telling the story of his first kiss. It's easy to wonder why these wondrous people are the way that they are, and how we can be more like them as well.
Charm can work wonders, but are there any hacks that will make you a more likable person? Fortunately, there are seven interesting habits charming people do that might explain why these folks are so endearing (and how the rest of us can be too):
1
They Make Everyone Feel Important
Making those around you feel heard, understood, and worthy of your time are key ingredients to being charming the socks off of others. "One habit of charming people is that a charming person makes everyone — no matter their status — feel important," David Bennett, Certified Counselor, Relationship Expert, and Owner of The Popular Man and The Popular Teen, tells Bustle. "Charming people make sure to give the people they are talking to their full presence and attention."
2
They Use Mnemonic Devices To Remember Names
A defining habit of people with an abundance of charisma is that they take extreme care to remember everyone's names. Studies show that hearing our name activates our brain, even when it's spoken in a noisy room, according to Forbes. It feels good to hear our own names, and when someone uses it we're more likely to pay greater attention to them.
3
They Compliment With Confidence
When someone known for their charisma compliments you, it's always done so with conviction. "Charming people give the impression that a compliment from them is not only sincere, but valuable, because of their natural confidence," Bennett says.
4
They Have "Resting Nice Face"
We've all heard of Resting Bitch Face, but charming people actually tend to have the opposite of that, i.e. Resting Nice Face. It's easy to come off as endearing when you're also always appearing friendly and approachable. Double charismatic points for actively smiling regularly. Research shows that smiling can not only make you more attractive to others, but it can lift your mood as well as that of others around you, according to Psychology Today.
5
They Tell The Best Stories
My previously mentioned charming friend works in TV production, so the concept of endearing people being natural storytellers comes as no surprise. "They entrance and entertain with their stories, without overt bragging," Bennett says.
6
They Talk With Their Hands
Great news for anyone who's ever been dared to try and speak while sitting on their hands and failed miserably: your quirky conversation technique might be what draws people to you. Research shows that people who talk with their hands are viewed as more agreeable, warm, and energetic, according to Forbes.
7
They Never Talk Badly About Others
I don't think I've ever heard someone who I consider charming to speak ill of another person. Even when they're giving others constructive criticism, they take care to do so as encouragingly as possible. In fact, researchers have found that people who positively judge others tend to be described by peers as more enthusiastic, happy, kind-hearted, courteous, emotionally stable and capable.
Even if you don't feel like you're naturally charismatic, you don't need to change your entire personality to come off as more endearing. Incorporating some of these key habits could make you come off as charming.
