#1. Smile.
It sounds obvious, but it’s all too easy to lapse into “bitchy resting face”. One study found that women smiling were perceived as more likeable than women who weren’t smiling, regardless of body language.
#2. Monitor your friend count on Facebook.
Don’t get lured in by random friend requests to bump up your perceived online popularity; stick to your actual real-life friends. One study showed that likeability ratings of a profile owner with 100 friends were the same as for someone who had 300 friends.
#3. Avoid over-sharing — in real life and online.
Disclosing intimate information on social media and early on in relationships can make you seem insecure; go for lighter topics like work, hobbies or funny memories first.
#4. Combine talking about yourself with asking questions about the other person.
Most people try to avoid talking too much about themselves so as not to sound big-headed, but it’s just as dangerous to keep asking questions like you’re interrogating someone. Find the balance and conversation will flow.
#5. Open up.
Scientists say that allowing your real feelings to show will make people like you more than bottling up. So give up trying to be aloof and mysterious; just be open and friendly.
#6. Sharing too many photos online.
Be mindful that your relatives won’t like it when you’re always posting snaps of your friends, and your friends will get fed up with endless family photos.
#7. Intense close-ups.
We all love a selfie, but research suggests that faces photographed from 1.5 feet away are considered less trustworthy and competent than faces snapped from 4.5 feet away.
#8. Have a sense of humor.
Loosening up will always make people warm to you. One study found that workers who were particularly uptight in the office were less likely to be popular among their co-workers.
#9. Let people know you like them.
You don’t have to tell someone how fantastic they are every other minute, but in one study people liked group members more after being told those group members liked them first.
#10. Be nice, but remember to say “no”.
Being overly accommodating can actually make you seem a little false. As long as you explain why you’re turning down an invitation, people will respect you for it.
#11. Humblebragging.
Avoid disguising a brag as self-criticism or a joke. It can actually make you seem incredibly arrogant because — unbelievably — you’re not being as subtle as you think you are.
#12. Don’t let your nerves get the better of you.
Research has shown that the odor of nervous sweat can subconsciously affect people’s judgement of you, making you seem under-confident and less trustworthy. So relax!