by Precious Alex-Toji | Jun 27, 2022 | Personal Growth
The start of every month can be likened to a fresh start. And as with all fresh opportunities, there are things to do at the start of every month that should help increase your productivity.
Keeping an organized monthly schedule is the key to building a productive month. A popular maxim says “failing to plan is planning to fail”. You might not necessarily have a failed month but having a planned month keeps you organized.
Organizing your month helps you set priorities right. For example, if you have planned to go to the market on the 3rd of April, the only reason you would be doing otherwise is because of an emergency.
I kind of love the idea of a monthly plan just because of the organization. I mean, when I make my weekly meal plan, I know what to eat and when to eat. So why shouldn’t I do that for my monthly plan?
So, let’s jump right into 6 things to do at the start of every month.
1. Set a Monthly Goal
One of the things to do at the start of every month is to set your monthly goals. Goals are a set of things you want to achieve. Setting monthly goals can help you achieve maximum productivity as an individual.
Your goals could be financial, social, or academic goals. Whatever goal you aim to achieve, make sure it is something realistic and achievable.
I once had a goal to write 20 articles in a month. When I look back, I just laugh because I was going to stretch my limit. While writing 20 articles in a month is achievable, I had to add school tasks, other freelance gigs, and self-development courses. It just wasn’t realistic at that point.
So, when setting your goals for the month, consider other factors that can hinder you and see how you can work through them. Then break down how you wish to achieve that into weekly goals.
For example, if I decide to write 10 articles this month, my weekly goal will be to write 3 articles and my daily goal will be to write at least 700 words per day.
2. Create a Monthly Budget
I have been a victim of unbudgeted spending every time I receive my salary and this has made me go broke faster than you can say “sapa”.
One thing I began doing at the beginning of this year was to create a budget to guide just how I intend to spend my money. It hasn’t stopped me from going broke; it has just stopped me from going broke faster.
Creating a monthly budget is one of the things to do at the start of every month. If you have a stable source of income, it is best to prepare a spending plan, an investment plan, and a savings plan, if you can afford all three.
The good thing about creating a budget is that it gives you an idea of how much to spend and helps you know when you are over-spending. If your budget for expenses is N50,000, the moment you spend above that, you know you are over-spending.
3. Make a Food Plan
Anyone who knows me knows that food is my favourite thing about being human. Honestly, I really feel for plants because how can I be a plant and not be able to eat pounded yam?
A monthly food plan is a great way to get the month rolling. You know as a student, I am constantly worrying about what to eat when I get home, a situation I could have prevented if I had created a plan from the beginning.
Making a food plan saves you from constant thinking like me. It also gives you the scope of how much food you consume, if you need to add more spice to your food selection, or even just how nutritious your meals are.
Once, I cooked beans (with varieties of course) for three straight days and it took the intervention of my mates to call me to order. How would I know when my favourite meal is beans!
4. Plan Out Your Outdoor Activities
For those of us who work remotely, it can be so tempting to stay indoors and not even notice. I mean, since the school closed, my routine has been waking up, writing, learning how to code, talking to a few people, using Twitter, praying, and sleeping.
Is it good? No
Will I stop? I’m working on that
A good thing to do at the start of every month is to make plans for recreational activities. C’mon! The outside world is fun. You can’t spend all your time working or staying indoors.
To spice it up, you can even make plans with friends so you don’t go back to your shell when you should be out sightseeing.
There are so many things you can do. Attend a wedding (an owambe is my favourite part of Saturdays), watch a football match, visit a famous site and the likes.
As simple as these activities seem, they are a good way to spice up your month.
5. Pick Up a 30-Days Challenge
To have a productive month, one of the things to do at the start of every month is to pick up a 30-days challenge.
A 30-days monthly challenge is a set of actionable steps taken to help you achieve a goal. You have 30 days in a month (sorry, February), and using those days to meet up with one challenge, one step at a time, is a pretty good idea.
Choosing what challenge to face should not be a hard thing. To begin with, you can decide to pick any part of your life you wish to improve on and work on it.
For example, if your challenge is to improve your body shape, you can pick an exercise challenge to focus on for the month. Like how I started working out on my abs for three months straight because I was beginning to eat too much.
If you’re still lacking ideas on what challenge to pick for a new month, check out Pinterest for more templates.
5. Do a Reflection on the Previous Month
It’s so easy to get caught up in the new month frenzy, we tend to forget that the past month was just yesterday.
A good thing to do at the start of every month is to take a look at the past month and take stock of everything that happened.
- What did you achieve?
- What did you not achieve?
- What mistakes did you make?
- What lessons did you learn?
- How do you intend to improve?
You can use these questions to take a reflection on how the past month went. The answers you get can then be used to shape your goals for the next month.
Conclusion
Having a 30-day plan for the new month has numerous advantages. Aside from keeping you focused, it helps you stay organized and productive when you follow through.
While writing this piece, I made up my mind to work on number 6 for April. What tip hit you hard? Let me know in the comment section.
FAQs
What should I do to start the month strong?
To start the month strong, make sure you set goals that are realistic and achievable by writing down exactly how you wish to work on them.
What should I add to my monthly to-do list?
When making your monthly to-do list, make a list of things you couldn’t do the last month and add it to the current month’s list.
What should I do monthly?
Every month, it is necessary that you set out time to clean the house thoroughly.
by Precious Alex-Toji | May 30, 2022 | Personal Growth
We all love compliments. I, for sure, know I do! But, lately, I have realized that most of the compliments people receive focus on their appearance. What if I told you that there are many compliments that have nothing to do with appearance or physical look?
I see I have you wondering already. Most times, we give out compliments based on looks because this is the first impression we have of people.
According to a study, people tend to judge you immediately through your looks and decide if they are willing to give you more of their time.
So, looks tend to be the part of us that gets all of the compliments. However, there are compliments that have nothing to do with appearance. They are somehow similar to how to say I love you without saying it.
Here are 25 non-appearance compliments you can use today!
1. You are so understanding
We tend to overlook the importance of having someone who is empathic enough to understand us as a person as what we are going through. Next time you have a listening ear that gets you, dish out this compliment to that person.
2. You are reliable
Have you been disappointed by people before? Argh! It can be the worse feeling ever. So, learn to compliment people who pull up for you when they say they would, and this is one of the nicest compliments that have nothing to do with appearance out there.
3. You smell really nice
I believe, for the sake of humanity, that everyone owes everyone the courtesy of smelling nice. I love it when people smell so nice and I’m like, “come over here and give me a hug because you smell so good”.
4. You are so friendly
For an introvert like me, hearing this compliment just boosts my self-esteem in public.
5. That was very helpful of you
Always learn to use compliments that have nothing to do with appearance. You can use this if you don’t want to say thank you.
6. You are so smart
People are more than just looks. We also have our brains that need to be complimented too!
7. You have great taste in music
My top-tier compliments! I love it when people have such great taste in music and you can just hear it from their speech.
8. You have a great sense of humor
People with a good sense of humor deserve an ice cream every day. Humour is one of the things that will make someone like you. If you understand sarcasm too, this is one of the compliments that have nothing to do with appearance from me to you.
9. You are so talented
There are amazing people around who do amazing things easily. Acknowledge their talent with this compliment and watch them do more.
10. I like your laughter
We all have that one friend who laughs very weirdly. I think a lot of boys use this line when trying to woo a girl. It’s still a nice compliment though.
11. I respect you
Respect is reciprocal. Giving respect to people speaks of you as a well-trained individual. And this respect should not only be reserved for those above you.
12. That’s thoughtful of you
When people go out of their way to do things for you, courtesy demands that you appreciate them. Like when I go out to grab lunch and I bring a pack for you…
13. I admire your work ethic
This is a professional compliment you say when people exhibit standards when doing their tasks or duties. I once went to a bank and the customer care service refused to pick up a personal call until she was done attending to me.
Trust me to compliment her and she was blushing.
14. You really have an eye for details
People with a keen eye for detail are very observant. They take out time to notice how matching the red line of your gown is to the stitching of your blouse.
Appreciate that they notice the few details you overlook.
15. You mean a lot to me
Another way of appreciating someone dear to you is by telling them just how much they mean to you. Or you could show them instead by dishing out compliments that have nothing to do with appearance.
16. You are an excellent leader
Being a leader is such a heavy task. Having people take notice of how good you are as a leader can push you to do more. Appreciate a leader today.
17. Your smile is contagious
I know someone with such a beautiful smile. Her name is Bambi. If you are seeing this, I love your smile and it’s one of the best things that make my day.
18. You have such a big heart
Kind people have big hearts. Generous people have big hearts. People who think of others have big hearts.
19. I’m proud of you
Years ago, when my dad saw my JAMB score, he hugged me and said “I’m proud of you son”. To date, those words still ring in my ears like the breaktime bell in secondary school.
If someone makes you proud, let them know. Now! It is one of the greatest compliments that have nothing to do with appearance.
20. You speak very fluently
Probably one of the most intellectual compliments, acknowledging a person’s good command of such a nice gesture, especially if you’re complimenting me.
21. You are so generous
You do not have to be rich to be generous. You can be generous with a lot of things, including your time. When people help you out, use this compliment with a thank you note by the side.
22. Your vibe is contagious
All I see are friends who are the life of the party, energetic, and always bringing good vibes. We all have that friend that lights up the room just with their presence. I am not that friend; in case you’re wondering.
23. You are a source of encouragement
Some people seem to have our back when things get tough or we can’t seem to find our way around life. This is a great way to show them you appreciate their efforts.
24. I like how honest you are
In today’s world, honesty is such a rare commodity. If you have honest and trustworthy people around you, dish out this compliment to them like the food at an owambe.
25. You are such a good friend
Finally, a good friend is a gift from earth to you. If you have friends that have been good to you, like Northpad editors, learn to compliment them.
Conclusion
Not all compliments have to be about how you look. There are various compliments that have nothing to do with appearance that you can use to express your admiration of a person.
Learn how to compliment people when they do things that you admire. Are there other compliments I missed? Let me know in the comment section.
FAQs
What is a compliment?
A compliment is an expression of admiration, praise, or approval of a person’s actions. Usually, it is used as a courtesy to express how pleasant an action is.
Are compliments good?
Yes, complimenting someone or a group of people is good. It builds a person’s self-esteem and confidence in public. It also helps them to do more.
Is it Good to Compliment a Girl’s Look?
Yes, girls love it when you compliment their looks. Although, you’d have to be polite so it does not sound like you are harassing her.
How do you compliment someone without their appearance?
You can complement a person without their appearance. Some of the things to compliment include their behavior, thoughts, and how they talk. You can say, “I like your speech, it was nice” or, “Your composure on stage was brilliant”.
What is a non-physical compliment?
A non-physical compliment is a compliment that does not have to do with how a person appears. “Your creativity is amazing” is an example of a non-physical compliment.
How do you compliment someone on their appearance?
Be positive when complimenting someone’s appearance. Words like “You look great” or “This color suits you perfectly” are a few ways to compliment someone.
by Precious Alex-Toji | May 29, 2022 | Family & Parenting
One of the children’s favorite activities is watching TV. With thousands of TV programs airing today, it is important to pick educational TV shows for kids that will educate and influence them, positively.
As a child, I remember wanting to rush home from school because my favorite cartoon aired at 3. If my parents were a tad bit late, I’d throw a tantrum.
Today, it is no different. In fact, I could say it is worse. I can’t remember trying to swing webs like spiderman.
Just last week, I saw a video of a child expertly climbing two walls and I began to question my childhood. I could tell he was raised by Nigerian parents.
As a parent, you’d not want to deprive your child of this free-time activity. However, you can ensure that they watch educational TV shows for kids that help them enjoy learning.
Just to give you a feeling of nostalgia, do you remember Sesame Street? Did your face just light up in a smile?
Well, to put a smile on your kids’ faces too, here are some educational TV shows for kids.
1. Wild Kratts
Wild Kratts is a live-action/animated series that teaches children about our environment, animals, and the ecosystem. It was created by the Kratt brothers, hence the name.
Each episode starts with details on a particular animal, explaining its features and what it can do. Sometimes, the Kratt brothers go into the field to see these animals live in their habitat.
Wild Kratts is to kids as Nat Geo Wild is to adults.
It is aired on PBS kids and has 6 seasons with 152 episodes.
It has an IMDb rating of 7.8/10.
2. Odd Squad
Odd Squad is a live educational TV show for kids that is centered around using mathematics to solve problems.
Each episode features a child (who is employed by the Odd Squad) who solves strange things happening in their town using basic math and reasoning.
It is aired on Discovery Kids and has 3 seasons with 103 episodes.
It has an IMDb rating of 7.2/10
3. Sesame Streets
“Lalala lalala, It’s Elmo’s world”
“Lalal lalala, it’s Elmo’s world”
I grew up waiting for Saturday morning because of Sesame Streets. The streets would never forget this gem.
Sesame Street is an animated children’s series that teaches children about culture, human behavior, and humor.
To make it relatable, the producers make use of puppets, and children in teaching lessons.
Fun fact- Sesame Street was first produced in 1969 and it is produced around children’s curriculum!
It currently airs on HBO Max and has 52 seasons with 4,591 episodes.
It has an IMDb rating of 8.2/10.
4. The Who Was? Show
The Who Was? show is based on the ‘Who was?’ books published by Penguin books. It is a series of non-fiction books that gives insight into historical people of the past.
The TV adaptation, the ‘Who Was?’ show is a sketch comedy series that teaches children a bit of history.
The main character, Ron, enters into conversation with teenagers mixed with an illustration of historical events.
It is aired on Netflix and has one season with 13 episodes. It has an IMDb rating of 6.8/10.
5. Kids Say the Darndest Things
Based on the American reality TV show, Kids Say the Darndest Things is a children’s program that allows kids to express themselves on social issues and life in general.
It was one of my favorite children’s shows growing up. You get to hear the perspective of children on different questions. It is unscripted and natural.
Most times, the replies of these kids can surprise you and leave you like “What! Lok at how smart they are”.
6. Turtle Taido
“Can you tell where the Zuma rock is in Nigeria?”
“Abuja, yaaay!”. I still hear these words in my head to date.
Adventures of Turtle Taido is an educational TV show for kids that is produced and created by Muyiwa Kayode.
It is a Nigerian-themed animation that takes kids through the adventures of a lively turtle called Taido. The show exposes kids to the different cultures in Nigeria and their history.
It also shows children how to make friends and live peacefully with one another.
It currently airs on the NTA network and Silverbird TV.
7. Ask the StoryBots
If you’ve been around little ones, you’d agree with me they ask a lot of questions.
“Uncle Alex, why are my teeth white?” Sometimes it can get tiring, which is why I love this animation.
Ask the StoryBots is an animated child show that gives answers to children’s darndest questions. The StoryBots are as curious as children and try to get answers to their curiosity and replay them to the kids.
It currently airs on Netflix for 3 seasons and 22 episodes. It has an IMDb rating of 8.4/10.
8. Blue’s Clues and You
Blue’s clues and You ranks among one of my favorite educational TV shows for kids. I started watching it as an early teenager and it was awesome.
It is a live-action/animated children’s series that features Blue, who lives in an animated world using clues to find answers to problems.
It currently airs on Nickelodeon for 3 seasons and 49 episodes. Also, it has an IMDb rating of 6.5/10.
9. Brainchild
If your child is expressing love for science, this TV show is highly recommended.
Brainchild is an educational TV show where scientific experiments are conducted to answer questions on different topics such as gravity, and emotions.
It is produced by Pharrell Williams and is available on Netflix. It has an IMDb rating of 8.1/10.
10. Peg + Cat
Peg + Cat is an animated TV series for kids where children between ages 3 and 5 are exposed to math and are taught basic skills to solve everyday life problems.
It has 2 seasons with 63 episodes that run for approximately 30 minutes each. It has an IMDb rating of 7.9/10.
11. Team Umizoomi
Another favorite cartoon of mine, Team Umizoomi is an animated children’s series that teaches math concepts to solve problems.
The team consists of two siblings and a robot named Geo who travels around to help characters solve problems. Multiplication, sequences, and shapes are some of the tools they use when solving problems.
It is currently aired on Nick Jr and has 4 seasons with 80 episodes. It has an IMDb rating of 6.1/10.
12. Annedroids
Annedroids is a live-action educational series where children are exposed to science and technology concepts.
Anne, an 11-year-old science genius, and her three amazing androids explain all about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) from the perspective of a child.
It currently airs on Amazon Prime and has 4 seasons with 52 episodes. It has an IMDb rating of 6.2/10.
Conclusion
Exposing your children to educational TV shows for kids holds a lot of advantages. They get to learn a lot about new things while having fun in the process. It is a great way to encourage learning in a fun way.
I grew up watching Sesame street, team Umizoomi, blue’s clues, and turtle Taido. Which is/was your favorite and why? Let me know in the comment section.
FAQs
Are there educational TV shows for babies?
Yes, there are. These include Sesame streets, Super simple songs (YouTube), and Word Party (Netflix).
Any educational TV shows for 10-year old?
The Baby-Sitters Club (Netflix), Gravity Falls (Disney+), and Diary of a Future President (Disney+) are a few TV shows to educate your adorable 10-year-old.
Are there educational TV shows for tweens?
Oh, sure there are. These include Brain Games (Amazon), Space: New Frontier (Amazon), Plastic Ocean (Netflix), and The Last Man on The Moon (Netflix).
What educational TV shows are there for adults?
There are loads of educational shows for adults. Some of these include Explained, 100 humans, Salt Fat Acid Heat, and Night on Earth, all of which are available on Netflix.
by Precious Alex-Toji | May 28, 2022 | Relationships & Weddings
There are subtle signs on how to know when someone is flirting with you, even if they do not want to show it and try so hard to hide it. Most of these signs can be noticed through their body language. But some like these women’s body language are mostly misread.
You’ve probably been there before. When you think they are flirting and it’s all just normal friends’ behavior. And then you shoot your shot that goes right down the drain.
Or when you are being given the signs but you can’t tell if they are flirting or not because you don’t seem to know when someone is flirting with you.
Oops! I have been there, so, trust me when I say I can relate.
Here are 12 signs on how to know when someone is flirting with you.
Continuous eye contact is a sign on how to know when someone is flirting with you. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, they say.
When you like something, you’d automatically admire it. The same thing goes for someone who is flirting.
Now, this doesn’t mean everyone who stares at you is trying to flirt with you. No! Someone who is flirting with you will stare with a smile.
And there’s always something about that smile that leaves you thinking. And if you’re into that person, your heart would do gbim gbim.
Don’t ask me how I know.
2. They Constantly Remind You They are Single
I mean, if I am trying to have something with you, I’d have to let you know I am available.
That the coast is clear. That you shouldn’t be deceived by my fine face.
If someone keeps talking about how single they are, that’s a pretty good sign on how to know when someone is flirting with you.
I mean, think about it. How would you let someone you are interested in know that there is no one in your life, and that you sleep alone every night with no “good morning (inserts love emoji)” text to wake up to?
3. They Behave Different Around You
One time, I was with my friends in class and you know, normal boys’ argument. We were banting on Barcelona’s loss of form at the top of our voice when one of our coursemates walked in. A girl!
Lo and behold, Umar that was blowing pidgin at the top of his lungs quickly switched to one of the most advanced use of English I have ever seen in two seconds. All because Chu walked in.
When you notice a person’s behavior changes around you, when they make you feel special around them, that’s a sign they are flirting with you.
The easiest way to know is, to notice how they act around others and compare it with how they behave around you.
4. They Always Find an Excuse to Talk to You
Someone who is trying to flirt with you would always want to talk to you, every time there’s an opportunity to.
And each opportunity is a means to have a conversation with you!
“Hi, Fatima, are you by any chance going to the market today. I could walk you through” Ah! Brother Fatai, inside Keke, you still want to escort Fatima to the market.
It is okay if people find you easy to talk to. But when someone keeps coming to you for something they can easily get elsewhere or do not really need, that should send signals to you.
5. They Act Clingy Around You
I mean, aside from eye contact, this sign right here is a very obvious one.
A good sign on how to know when someone is flirting with you is how touchy they get around you. Are they constantly trying to hold your hands?
Or putting hands over your shoulders?
Or always reaching out for hugs?
Or trying to get your legs touching each other when you sit?
These subtle signs are inevitable when someone’s flirting with you.
A warm handshake or hug from your friends would mean no harm. However, a handshake that lingers for too long…
6. Their Body Language
People are very good at reading body language until it’s the person that likes them and then they turn blind.
Aunty, I don’t like to sit at the back, it’s because of you o!
Pay attention to the body language of the person you think is flirting with you. When they sit, are they constantly tilting towards you?
Is their arm constantly moving towards you, trying to catch your attention?
The goal of every flirt is to catch your attention and though, they may try to hide it, their body language always gives them away.
7. They Casually Compliment You
Ah! This right here is the ace card of every flirt. In fact, there are some compliments you’d casually throw around that would come off as you flirting.
The good thing about compliments is they help you “stir the waters”. In other words, compliments are a great way to build conversations.
I mean, if I am trying to get your attention, I’d start with a compliment preferably one that has nothing to do with appearance.
“Not to come off as corny, I hope I’d fit you as this dress looks on you”.
8. They would want to be The First to React to Your Social Posts
Ever heard of digital flirting? It occurs when someone flirts with you over the internet. And yes, it is a predominant feature of the 21st century.
In other words, distance does not matter when it comes to being a flirt.
A person who is flirting with you would always want to be the first to like or comment on your social media posts.
I remember when I just joined Twitter and turned on post notifications for her. So anytime she posts, I’d get notified immediately. Those were pretty dark times.
It is a good thing I forgot the password to that account.
Someone reacting to your post is a friendly gesture. Someone bomb reacting to all of your posts is definitely trying to get your attention.
9. They Keep Showering You with a Lot of Attention
The reason a person will flirt with you is for your attention. Naturally, to get your attention, they’d need to give you theirs.
Do you have anyone, among your friends who seem to give you more attention than normal?
Someone flirting with you would give a lot of attention. Not even a notification from their phone or an event happening across the room can beat that attention.
They’d want to focus on you and you alone!
10. They Let You Notice Them Staring at You
A noticeable sign of how to know when someone is flirting with you is how frequently you catch them looking at you because they want you to see that.
There’s this spider-tingle you get when someone has been looking at you for a while. And when you do turn around to see who, boom! They have your attention.
And a person who is flirting with you would realize you’ve caught them and instead of shying away, a cute smile would well upon their face.
11. They Try to Know More About You
Imagine you are at a friend’s wedding and just opposite your table, you’ve noticed this guy throwing quick glances at you.
When you excuse yourself to get a drink, he gets up to grab a drink too and he goes, “Hey hello, so just to be clear, I was wondering what was shining so bright and it dawned on me, it was you in the pretty red dress”.
After exchanging contacts, you both get talking and he begins to ask personal questions, like what you do for a living, if you have a boyfriend or not, and the likes.
This is just a way to show he is interested in you and is measuring how well you fit in his lifestyle. And the same thing goes for the ladies.
12. They Seem to Be Everywhere
Flirts would strategically position themselves in places they know you would be. And this happens especially among friends.
Being everywhere you make them visible to you. In other words, it makes you notice them. And the more you notice, the easier it is to catch your attention.
Conclusion
There is a thin line between being friendly and flirting. These 12 signs can help you know when someone is flirting with you, even if they are just a “friend”.
The goal of every flirt is to get your attention. Once they have your attention, it is easier to make their moves, and depending on how tactical they are, you would find yourself in love.
Be careful though. Not every flirt is your friend.
What flirting experience have you had before? Drop some gist for me in the comment section.
FAQs
What are the signs someone is flirting with you over a text?
When someone is flirting with you over a text, they tend to reply quickly, double text, hint at hanging out, and may not want the conversation to stop.
What are the signs a guy is flirting with you?
A guy who is flirting with you will always make effort to get your attention, compliment you frequently, shoot you glances and act differently around you.
What are the signs of flirting from a woman?
A woman who is flirting with you will try to touch you casually, maintains eye contact with you, and would want to walk with you regularly.
What are some workplace flirting signs?
Someone who is flirting with you at work would always take lunch breaks with you, text you frequently outside working hours, and give you attention in group meetings.
by Precious Alex-Toji | May 16, 2022 | Personal Growth
There are various ways how to get people to like you, especially if you are not the outspoken or people-person type.
The truth is, that people are naturally drawn to others with likable characters or characters they wish to emulate.
Fun game, make a list of your friends and compare it to the list of traits I am about to show you. I bet you’d find one or more of these traits in them.
Let’s dive right in and find out 10 ways how to get people to like you.
10 Ways to Get People to Like You
1. Grow a Good Sense of Humour
I am deliberating putting this at the top of the list.
One tip on how to get people to like you is to have a good sense of humour. Now, I’m not saying you have to be a comedian or a circus clown to be likable. No!
It is in spotting the fun about a statement or an action that makes it funny. Be cool enough to spot the joke in something and laugh. Laughter is contagious.
You can be the reason people laugh because of a simple wordplay or trick. The goal is to make people find amusement by being with you.
A good laugh brightens up people’s moods. Life’s hard. Don’t be a source of boredom.
Pro tip- One of the traits a girl likes in a man is his sense of humor.
2. Be a Valuable Person
A person who has value to offer would generally be in everyone’s good books.
The big question here is, what value do you offer?
I had a tete-a-tete with a group of friends discussing what value means to them and someone gave an example. He said,
“If you want to cut your hair, you go to the barber. If you want to fix your car, you go to the mechanic. Everyone has a unique value they offer that is not necessarily tied to money”. And I felt that.
You could be a good listener or a very knowledgeable person and this could be the reason people want to be around you.
Find what value you have and cultivate it.
3. Be a Good Listener
Another tip on how to get people to like you is to be someone who listens.
I know we all love people who can spark up a room with their presence. There never seems to be a boring moment with them. Sometimes, though, all we need is someone who can sit and listen.
This is pretty true when you need someone to talk to, someone who would listen when you speak.
To be a good listener, you need to pay attention to who is talking, make facial expressions to show you are listening, and ask questions. These are simple traits you can build over time.
4. Compliment People
I believe that it’s just courtesy to see someone drip hard and compliment them, even if you don’t know them.
Someone once referred me to a gig all because I complimented their handwriting.
Complimenting people doesn’t just have to be about appearance. You can compliment them based on a noticeable feature you like about them.
“Hello, that was a nice speech you gave there. I totally love it”. Simple and short. And you are on your way to making a good relationship.
5. Keep a Smile on Your Face
” Have you seen the most beautiful of faces? It holds a smile in it” – Anonymous
If you are familiar with the Nigerian Twitter space, you’d know about an influencer called Onion Cider. Her face card never declines because she keeps a smiling face.
And that is one thing that endears people to her.
A smiling face is contagious, even if you are having a bad day. Keeping a smile on your face makes it easy for people to approach you.
6. Spend Time With People
A good way to get people to like you is by spending time with them. When you read this line, which of your friends came to your mind?
When you spend time with people, they get to see characters they like within you and vice versa. It also helps you build memories with them.
And we all love memories. It’s the reason why you take pictures, look back at them, and smile.
7. Be a Person of Positive Emotions
Another tip on how to get people to like you is to display positive emotions that people can relate to. If you can learn to see the good side of things, people would naturally want to be with you.
To constantly be positive, you need to learn how to control your emotions. You cannot always be happy or have a smile on your face.
But it is what you do when your emotions are tested that matters most!
I had finished writing an exam and the last question was after my life. After the papers, my circle gathered and it turned out, the last question was actually after all of our lives. In fact, it turned out, the last question was after the life of the whole class.
For the first time in my life, I feared carryover. I would have gone home gloomy if not for my circle. On the day when I couldn’t be the glue of the group, they all made me see the positive side.
As I write this, I am grinning because I am glad for my circle.
8. Have an Open Mind to Learn
Accept it, you do not know everything. It was Socrates that said, “I am the wisest man on earth because I know nothing”.
Keeping an open mind helps you learn new things daily. You do not act like you know everything, even if you do. And you do not let your thoughts stop you from seeing the perspective of others.
Be open to learning from anyone, even little children. This is why conversations that end up with both parties leaving bitter do not sit right with me.
Being able to learn from others is a trait that makes people always want to be around you.
9. Show People That You Truly Care
Think of it. Would you keep being friends with someone who has constantly shown they do not care about you? I doubt it.
Showing people you genuinely care about them makes them like you. A genuine show of care can be as little as checking up on them to know how they are doing.
Sometimes, it’s the little things that matter.
10. Talk to Them Often
I like my personal space a lot! I can spend the whole day indoors and not talk to anybody, online or offline. Just me, my laptop, and my phone. I learned the hard way, that is not the right way to live.
For people to even know you, you have to interact with them. And how the conversation goes would determine if they like you or not.
Keep in contact with your friends, and family often. Have a conversation with your professional network. These actions are pretty simple in this age of social media.
Conclusion
It is easy to be in everyone’s good book. If you practice these 10 tips on how to get people to like you, you are one step close to being a people person.
I’d also recommend Dale Carnegie’s book, “How to win friends and influence people”. I got most of my tips there.
Do you have any tips you’d like to work on or add? Drop your opinions in the comment section. I’d definitely be reading through.
FAQs
How do I get people to respect you?
Setting boundaries, expressing confident body language, and standing up for your beliefs are some ways to get respect from people.
How do I get someone to like me over a text?
Some of the ways to get someone like you over a text includes complimenting them, playfully teasing them, and keeping your text simple, casual, and consistent.
How do I get someone to like me back?
If you like someone and you want them to like you back, you have to constantly be in contact with them, spend time with them, find out what they like, and get it for them.
How do I get people to talk to me?
To get people to talk to you, you have to keep an approachable personality and smile, and learn to keep a conversation going.
