Friendliness is more than just a wave and a smile when you pass someone you know.
A lot of people consider themselves to be friendly, but this quality requires an accessibility and openness that not everyone has. Before you describe yourself in this way, see how many of these things you do on a regular basis.
1. They make a conscious effort to remember people’s names and details.
Genuinely friendly people understand the power of personal recognition. They actually listen when they’re introduced to someone new, and make a point of using people’s names in conversation. Not only that, but they remember important details about people’s lives, showing genuine interest by following up on things they’ve talked about in the past.
2. They’re quick to offer help without expecting anything in return.
Friendly people are often the first to lend a hand, whether it’s helping a colleague with a project or helping a neighbour move furniture. Their willingness to help stems from a genuine desire to make people’s lives easier, not from a place of obligation or expectation of getting anything in return.
3. They’re great at making people feel at ease in social situations.
They possess the ability to make people feel more relaxed around them, especially in potentially awkward or uncomfortable social settings. They might make jokes, ask interesting questions, or even just exude a calm and welcoming presence that helps people feel more comfortable.
4. They’re active and empathetic listeners.
Friendly people don’t just hear words; they listen with intent and empathy. They give their full attention during conversations, ask thoughtful follow-up questions, and give genuinely supportive responses. Their level of engagement makes people feel truly heard and understood.
5. They’re genuinely chuffed when good things happen to other people.
A key trait of friendly people is their ability to celebrate other people’s achievements without a hint of jealousy or resentment. They offer sincere congratulations and show genuine enthusiasm for their friends’ and acquaintances’ successes, big or small.
6. They’re open to different perspectives and ideas.
They approach conversations with an open mind, and they’re always curious about other points of view, even when they’re different from their own. They keep conversations respectful, showing curiosity about other people’s experiences and opinions without becoming defensive or judgemental.
7. They have a positive outlook that’s contagious.
Source: Pexels While they don’t ignore the tough stuff in life, friendly people tend to maintain an optimistic perspective regardless. Their positive attitude is weirdly infectious, and it makes everyone around them feel a bit better about whatever they’re going through.
8. They’re comfortable with small talk but also love deeper conversations.
Truly friendly people are great at navigating various levels of conversation. They can do light-hearted chit-chat to break the ice, but they’re also capable of diving into more meaningful conversations when appropriate. They’re up for whatever!
9. They respect people’s boundaries and personal space.
Friendliness doesn’t mean overstepping boundaries. They’re attuned to other people’s comfort levels and respect personal space. They understand when to push a bit and when to give people room, and they’re always aware of how their behaviour comes off to the people around them.
10. They always apologise when they mess up and take responsibility for their actions.
Source: Unsplash When mistakes are made, friendly people don’t hesitate to own up to them. They apologise sincerely without making excuses, which shows their humility and a genuine concern for other people’s feelings. Their honesty and accountability strengthen their relationships and build trust.
11. They make an effort to include other people in group settings.
Source: Unsplash Friendly people are often the ones ensuring no one feels left out. They actively invite quieter members into conversations, introduce people with shared interests, and create an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and welcome.
12. They’re patient and understanding with people who might be struggling.
Source: Unsplash They’re patient and empathetic towards people who may be having a hard time, whether it’s a new colleague learning the ropes or a friend going through a tough time. They’re supportive but not judgemental, and they always give people the time and space they need to work through things.
13. They’re generous with compliments, but never fake.
Source: Unsplash Friendly people don’t hesitate to offer compliments when they notice something positive about someone. These compliments are specific and heartfelt, never generic or fake. They’re really good at pointing out qualities or achievements that other people overlook/don’t think are that important.
14. They’re reliable and follow through on their commitments.
Source: Unsplash A key aspect of friendliness is dependability. Friendly people keep their promises, show up when they say they will, and follow through on commitments. Their reliability builds trust and shows that they value their relationships and respect other people’s time and energy.
15. They keep their friendliness even in challenging situations.
Source: Unsplash Perhaps one of the most defining traits of genuinely friendly people is their ability to remain kind and composed even when faced with difficult circumstances or unfriendly behaviour from other people. They respond to negativity with patience and understanding, and that often breaks up tension before it gets any worse.
