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#1. Studies have shown that smiling more actually makes people feel happier. A wide smile tricks your brain into feeling happier.
#2. Chew gum or eat food if you’re doing something that would normally make you feel nervous. It tricks the primal part of your brain into thinking you couldn’t be in danger because you’re eating.
#3. Find out who has a crush on you: when laughter breaks out in a group, individuals instinctively look toward the group members they feel closest to.
#4. Don’t say or write, “I think“ or ”I believe” — it makes you sound like you lack confidence.
#5. Stay calm when somebody gets angry with you. It’ll make them angrier at the time, but they’ll feel ashamed of themselves later.
#6. If someone gives you an unsatisfactory answer, maintain eye-contact and stay silent. The person answering will usually assume that the original answer wasn’t good enough, and they’ll keep talking.
#7. If you force yourself to be happy and excited to see other people, the next time they see you they’ll be a lot more excited, too (dogs do this to us all the time).
#8. The physical effects of stress are the same as those of exhilaration (heavy breathing, racing heartbeat, etc.) By reframing your threatening situation as a challenging one, you can transform stress into excitement.
#9. If you’re expecting someone to have a go at you in a meeting, sit right next to them. The closeness will make them feel less comfortable with being aggressive.
#10. When you’re on a first date, take your date somewhere exciting. They’ll associate you with that thrilling feeling.
#11. When you first meet someone, try to notice their eye colour. You’re not going to use this information — it’s a technique to ensure you make enough eye contact, which people find friendly and confident.
#12. People’s feet reveal what they’re thinking: if you’re talking to someone and their body is turned toward you but not their feet, they’re probably planning their escape.
#13. Want people to find you charming and wonderful? When you first meet someone, remember their name and then use it when talking to them later.
#14. Build up trust with people by mirroring their body language (but be subtle about it).
#15. Get through massive crowds with ease by keeping your eyes fixed on the gaps between people rather than on people themselves. Usually, they’ll part ways to let you through.
