Do You Feel like Everyone Hates You? How to Get People to like You - Instantly!

Has this ever happened to you? You walk up to a counter at the post office, or start a conversation with someone at a conference, or you are simply mingling at a party and the overall response to you is less than favorable? You're baffled because you've barely spoken three words, and it seems strangers are already judging you in a negative way.

You attribute it to the other person having a bad day, or maybe they're just plain miserable, but you begin to wonder as it starts happening more and more often if you're doing something to offend others before you even open your mouth. The truth is, people do rely on first impressions when sizing up the people they meet. Even though a first impression may not be 100% accurate, it does paint a vivid picture of your demeanor and personality, all in the first five seconds.

So, what is the key to starting off on the right foot with strangers? It's easier than you think - the secret is to raise the corners of your mouth and show your pearly whites. That's right, a smile will get you everywhere.

Often people who are in a rush, are nervous, or are just having a busy day are neglectful of the message that their face is sending to others. Non-verbal communication, including eye contact, posture, and facial expression constitutes a whopping 55% of the message, hence the expression, "actions speak louder than words."

A simple alteration of facial expression, whether you're approaching a stranger, or someone you already know can dramatically alter the path of a conversation, and even more importantly, it will affect the lasting impression they will carry of you.

So remember the next time you meet someone, take a deep breath, relax and show some genuine cheerfulness with a smile. A smile is contagious, practice it more often and you'll soon be seeing smiles mirroring back at you.