Kiran Athar
We all want to be liked, right?
We want people to gravitate towards us, trust us, and enjoy our company.
But what actually makes that happen? Some would argue that attractiveness plays a big role, and it does to some degree. But there’s something much more powerful than that:
Your personality.
If you have these 9 character traits, you’re an easy person to be around. And if you don’t have them? Well, it’s something to work on!
Let’s dive in:
1) You’ve got a sense of humor
Laughter is a universal way to build connections with people.
Even if you don’t have much in common, if you can share a laugh or two, most people will warm to you.
If you have no problem finding the funny side of situations, chances are, people find you easy to be around because you know how to lighten the mood.
I have a neighbor, for example, who’s always smiling and busting jokes. It doesn’t matter how bad my day is going, if I see him, I’m stopping for a chat.
Just because he makes me smile.
So, if this sounds like you, congratulations! Having a sense of humor is undoubtedly a great personality trait to have, one that’s enjoyed by everyone around you.
2) You’re not easily offended
If you have a sense of humor, you’re probably not easily offended.
And in today’s world, that’s rare.
All you have to do is go online and see millions of arguments happening simultaneously on the most ridiculous memes and videos.
Behind most of them is a Karen who can’t handle a cute video of a kitten playing with a baby.
The truth is, when you have thick skin, people feel they can talk to you about stuff without you blowing up or getting defensive.
If someone has an issue with you, it’s much easier to deal with as they know they can resolve it with honesty, rather than tiptoeing around you.
All of this makes you much easier to be around.
3) You’re kind to people
Without kind people, the world would be a terrible place.
But thanks to people like you, we still have faith in humanity.
You’re the type to go out of your way to cheer someone up. Or to help a friend out. Or who takes that new employee under your wing until they settle in.
No matter how big or small the actions are, it makes a difference in how people see you.
I know I’d much rather spend my time with people who are kind and compassionate, rather than those who only think about themselves.
So, if kindness is something you actively practice, keep it up. You’re making the world a better place, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.
4) You open yourself to people
I’ve met a lot of different people in my lifetime, and there’s one trait in particular that always makes me gravitate towards certain individuals:
Their ability to be open and vulnerable.
That means you don’t shy away from talking to people about personal things. Or even just everyday general stuff.
The point is, you’re not a closed book. You’re not super reserved or quiet.
You allow people into your world and by doing so, create trust.
Here’s an example:
When I started taking Spanish lessons, I was excited to make new friends. A few people in the class were really chatty, friendly, and open to sharing their lifestyles/hobbies/habits.
It made me feel like I could get to know them on a deeper level.
On the other hand, there were a couple of people who were way more reserved and private. They weren’t bad people, but getting to know them was quite a struggle.
As a result, I tend to favor hanging out with the first group of people more.
5) You’re positive
Let’s be honest, positive people are just more fun to be around.
Where some people find problems and issues, they’re optimistic and look on the bright side of life.
My husband often says my positivity makes me easy to be around. Yesterday, for example, we were contemplating going for lunch in a nearby village in the mountains.
It was pretty gray, and the entire morning my husband kept predicting rain. But my positive attitude refused to accept it, and I convinced him to just get in the car and go for the adventure.
In the end, it didn’t rain and we had a great time.
Had we listened to him, we’d never have left the house!
So, the moral of the story is that when you’re able to stay positive even on the greyest of days, it makes you good company to be around.
And if that sounds like you, then you’ve got nothing to worry about when it comes to wondering if people enjoy your company.
6) You listen when people speak
Is there anything worse than hanging out with someone who continuously interrupts you? Who only speaks about themselves? And who doesn’t really pay attention when you’re talking?
We all know someone like that and conversations tend to be very one-sided and frustrating.
But if you’re able to actively listen to people when they speak, you’re already better company than most.
I can’t stress this one enough – making people feel heard is powerful.
Not only does it help you form better connections with people, but they genuinely appreciate the fact that you take time out of your busy day to listen to them.
You maintain eye contact, ask questions, and show a genuine interest.
All of that makes you an exceptionally easy person to be around.
7) You’re empathetic
We recently lost our kitten to a heart defect.
Some of our friends were incredibly empathetic about it and even though I wasn’t in the mood to socialize, their attitudes made it easier to be around them.
On the flip side, some family members were particularly cold about it all. Even to the point of not acknowledging what we were going through.
Seeing them felt awkward. And strained.
Put it this way; the next time I’m going through something tough, I know who I’ll be spending my time with (and who I’ll avoid like the plague).
You see, empathy is incredibly important.
If you’re empathetic, people will feel like you understand them. They’ll feel comforted in your presence.
You may not have been in their exact situation, but the fact that you try to put yourself in their shoes means a lot.
Whenever they’ve got something to get off their chest, or just want to be in the presence of someone kind and caring, you can bet they’ll be calling you up.
8) You always help out
Helping others out naturally makes you a more likable person.
It shows that you’re able to prioritize the needs of others.
Let’s say you go to a friend’s house for dinner.
Rather than sit on the couch while they whip up a 3-course meal, you decide to help them set the table and offer a hand in the kitchen.
Not only will your friend appreciate your help but it shows you’ve got good morals. You’re not afraid to get involved and make other people’s lives easier.
If you’re this way inclined, I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve got a healthy social life – you’re the perfect guest and friend to have around.
9) You’re flexible
Are you the type who goes with the flow and doesn’t sweat the small stuff?
Or do you make plans and stick to them, no matter what?
If you fall into the first category, it sounds like you’re an easy person to be around.
When plans change at the last minute, you don’t get stressed out. You revise the plan and avoid letting the adjustments ruin the mood.
This makes you a very easy person to be around.
Difficult people, on the other hand, would cause a fuss. Even refuse to change plans. This puts everyone else on edge too.
But if you also resonate with the signs above, being flexible probably comes naturally to you.
Your positive attitude helps, not to mention that sense of humor which lightens the mood and keeps things jovial.
Hopefully, this article has confirmed that you’re an easy person to be around. But if it hasn’t, don’t feel bad.
Just make note of the points you want to work on and start making conscious habits to adopt them. With time, you’ll notice that more and more people seek out your company!
