The 10 Laws of Likeability

Bob, it is interesting as I think through families I know fairly well including my own that the youngest child is often liked the most. We'd all like to think that everyone is "liked" equally but even in families this isn't true. It would be interesting to research that one??? Maybe a poll on the home page?

Have you had any on the fringes you thought should almost make it in that list? I will think (and write) out loud on all 10 below. More for me and personal curiosity with how I "feel" about each of them and on the flip side it adds to content.

1. We like people who like us (it validates us)
2. We like people who are like us (we better if not what does that mean about us)
3. We like people who stimulate us (you better clarify)
4. We like people who we see frequently (we begin to build stories that aren't necessarily true about others when they're not around)
5. We like beautiful people (as defined by our culture)
6. We like people who we associate with good feelings (happy is our favorite thing)
7. We like people who we help (grand design)
8. We like genuine people (survival)
9. We like people who can laugh at themselves (it feels trustworthy)
10. We like people who are relevant in our lives (it makes it all work)

I had fun - I will share this with my psychoanalyst friend - I love his spin on this stuff... Thanks - I loved the post.

Hey Bob,
I got this in my INBOX today and since you're the Likeabikity Expert I thought you'd appreciate this (from John Maxwell)
Charismatic Leadership
by Dr. John C. Maxwell

William Gladstone and Benjamin Disraeli were two of the fiercest political rivals of the 19th century. Their epic battles for control of the British Empire were marked by intense animosity that spilled over from the public arena into their personal lives. Ambitious, powerful, and politically astute, both men were spirited competitors and masterful politicians.
Though each man achieved impressive accomplishments for Britain, the quality that separated them as leaders was their approach to people. The difference is best illustrated by the account of a young woman who dined with the men on consecutive nights. When asked about her impression of the rival statesmen, she said, "When I left the dining room after sitting next to Mr. Gladstone, I thought he was the cleverest man in England. But after sitting next to Mr. Disraeli, I thought I was the cleverest woman in England."
What distinguished Disraeli from Gladstone was charisma. Disraeli possessed a personal charm sorely lacking in the leadership style of his rival. His personal appeal attracted friends and created favorable impressions among acquaintances. Throughout his career, Disraeli's charisma gave him an edge over Gladstone.

I believe you'd translate "charisma" to "likeability."