How to Accidentally Manipulate Hearts
You might be surprised to learn that the way you treat a waiter or the specific color of your shirt can change how people perceive your entire personality. These subtle traits tap into deep-seated psychological triggers that make others want to be around you more often. With that in mind, here are 20 unexpected quirks that actually make you more desirable.
1. Wearing the Color Red
Wearing something red, like a bright red shirt or red dress, will make you appear more attractive. This vibrant color is scientifically linked to feelings of passion and status, which naturally draws the eyes of everyone in the vicinity. Even a hint of red will make you come across as more charismatic.
2. Having a Great Sense of Humor
We are naturally attracted to people who can make us laugh without even trying. If you can make a sarcastic joke or laugh at yourself after slipping on a rock, you will instantly come across as friendly and smart. You don’t have to be a professional comedian, but let people know that you don’t take life too seriously.
3. Displaying Genuine Kindness
When someone holds open the door for you or compliments your shoes, you feel good about yourself. If you are that person who goes out of their way to be kind to others, you’ll automatically attract others to your side. Nobody can argue with someone nice to others.
4. Keeping Your Chin Up
Your posture says a lot about your internal confidence levels before you even open your mouth to speak. Walking with your shoulders back and your head held high makes you appear taller and more sure of your surroundings. People tend to gravitate toward individuals who look like they’re comfortable in their own skin.
5. Playing With a Pet
Playing with a dog or a cat communicates to others that you have a soft heart and a playful personality. When others see you smiling while playing with a puppy, they will feel safe around you. Animals can sense when someone may mean them harm, so if you are kind to animals, others will want to be around you.
6. Tilting Your Head
Next time you’re talking to someone, lean your head toward them a little. By doing this small gesture, you’ll appear to care more about what they have to say than if you were standing rigid like a statue. Other people will feel more comfortable around you when you give them your full attention.
7. Being Part of a Group
Studies have shown that being around your friends will make you appear more attractive. This is also known as the cheerleader effect. When you have friends around, people assume that you care about others and that you know how to keep social connections strong.
8. Showing Off Your Scars
While you might try to hide a physical mark from a childhood accident, many people actually find small scars quite intriguing. They serve as a visual history of your life experiences and can often be a great conversation starter. Scars make you look worldly and like you have a story to tell.
Rafaella Mendes Diniz on Unsplash
9. Speaking in a Lower Register
Studies have shown that men and women are both more attracted to lower tones of voice. You don’t want to sound like a monster, but when you talk lower from your chest and stay calm, you’ll appear more powerful. A low voice tells others that you have your emotions under control.
10. Owning Your Quirks
If you love rock climbing or wear weird socks, own it. Embracing the things that make you weird will allow your true self to shine through. You’ll come across as unique, and people are attracted to that.
11. Practicing Mindfulness
Your true self comes through when you’re present and not worried or distracted. You seem more grounded and confident when you’re not texting or looking over someone’s shoulder. Plus, being present means you make the other person feel like they’re the only one in the room.
12. Having Musical Talent
Even if you can only play a couple of chords on the guitar or sing a tune flawlessly, people will be impressed. Playing an instrument implies creativity and also the dedication it takes to learn and practice for years. If you’re musically inclined, share that part of your life with others.
13. Demonstrating Intelligence
Engaging in a deep conversation about a complex topic shows that you have an active and curious mind. Most people find a sharp intellect to be extremely attractive. After all, who wants to sit down with a pretty face and nothing going on upstairs?
14. Showing Vulnerability
It can be very powerful when you admit you are wrong or confess to a weakness. By no longer trying to appear perfect, you open yourself up and become vulnerable. This authentic reaction humanizes you and makes others feel comfortable, instantly trusting you.
15. Maintaining a Healthy Glow
You don't need a heavy tan, but looking like you spend a little time outdoors and eat your vegetables can boost your appeal. When you have clear skin, it shows that you’ve spent some time outdoors and take care of yourself. We are wired to look for healthy partners, so showcasing your fitness and zest for life helps reinforce that impression.
16. Using Expressive Hand Gestures
If you’re someone who loves to talk with your hands, you will seem more open and fuller of passion. Expressive hand gestures help you get your point across and can make you seem more interesting. As you tell your story, your hands can paint a picture for the listener.
17. Wearing Minimal Makeup
Research suggests that most people are more attracted to a woman with minimal makeup as opposed to a full face of foundation. Showing your natural features tells the world that you accept who you are and love yourself. There is something truly magical about being unafraid to show your "flaws."
18. Hanging Out in a Coffee Shop
Bookstores and coffee shops attract smart and cool people, so simply hanging out in one makes you seem more interesting. Picture this: you and your friend walking down the street, and your friend spots you sitting at your local coffee shop with a latte and a book. Your friend will think you’re trendy and indie.
19. Having a Signature Scent
Leaving someone with a great fragrance that they can remember you by is sure to make you stand out. Our sense of smell is deeply connected to memories, so find a scent that you like and that makes you feel confident. After all, no one wants to be around someone who smells bad.
20. Flashing a Duchenne Smile
Have you ever noticed that when people smile fakely you can’t see their eyes smile back? A genuine smile is also known as a Duchenne smile. When you showcase your bright whites and let that smile spread across your face, you’ll never fail to make a wonderful impression.
