People with excellent social skills often display these subtle behaviors

…that we can all learn.

Image created with Midjourney

Have you ever wondered how some people seem to be liked by everyone?

It’s not just about their appearance, their smile, or the words they use — likable people often display some subtle behaviors that make others feel good around them.

From the way they listen attentively to how they navigate social situations with grace, their social habits make all the difference in how they connect with others.

What follows are some behaviors people with great social skills tend to display.

They treat you like an old friend

The people we tend to like are often those who treat us like an old friend, even if they don’t know us well —or at least not yet — which makes us feel at ease around them.

And if you think about it, it’s something we can all learn and apply. Treating someone like an old friend involves a certain warmth and openness that bridges the gap between strangers and creates an instant sense of familiarity.

In my experience, I’ve noticed how certain people excel in this area. They seem to radiate a positive energy that sweeps away any initial awkwardness or barriers to connection. And this energy simply boils down to a few things.

These things are: using some spontaneous conversation starters — for example: “Is this your first time here?” “How’s your drink?” — asking good follow-up questions, using open body language, and showing a genuine interest in others.

See, this isn’t about pretending or being fake, but rather about adopting an approachable behavior that suggests your willingness to get to know someone, trust them, and earn their trust.

They’re curious about you

Likable people have a genuine interest in getting to know others. This habit is almost unconscious and it’s rooted in a fundamental belief that everyone has a unique story worth hearing, an idea to share, or an experience from which they can learn.

Also, this curiosity is not intrusive but respectful — a delicate balance of wanting to know more about someone while…