An Approachable Person: 5 Best Ways to Identify Them

Let’s talk about who an approachable person is. First off, have you ever been around someone, and gotten a vibe from them about whether or not you should talk to them or not?  Their words say one thing and yet you are not sure if you should ask them a question or not.   You start thinking ‘Should I even be around them though’.

If you have had these thoughts before, you are not the only one.  I’ve had those thoughts myself during periods of my life.  Some people are cautious about who they talk to and who they invest their time and energy with. 

I’ll be explaining ways you can identify who these people are, and what traits and values they possess.  I’ll also explain how you can be someone that people feel comfortable being around.

The Ways to Become an Approachable Person

Shyness, unwanted stress, and anxiety, letting insecurities run your life, not knowing how to introduce yourself to others, and fear, in general, can be factors of why someone will keep to themselves and not talk to someone.  These factors can cause someone to think other people are not approachable.   If you are confused and/or don’t understand something, you don’t ask a question or for help and you just keep it to yourself.  However, that’s not always the case.

Being an approachable person is an important characteristic to have, as it allows others to feel comfortable and open to engaging with you. There are several ways to become someone people feel comfortable being around. Firstly, it is important to have open body language. 

Secondly, it is crucial to be a good listener. Additionally, being empathetic and understanding is an essential aspect of being approachable.  Furthermore, to look approachable also means being non-judgmental toward people. Lastly, being approachable requires practicing good communication skills. 

Let’s look into these 5 different ways to become more approachable in more detail:

Have Open Body Language

You want to make eye contact, have a relaxed posture, and smile genuinely.  Having open body language can make you appear more approachable and friendly. Being able to maintain eye contact shows that you’re open to communication and interested in what others have to say.

This makes you look more trustworthy and reliable, and you are inviting people to engage with you and create a positive impression. It is an essential skill to have in both personal and professional settings for effective communication.  By doing this, you are signaling to others that you are receptive and friendly.

Be a Good Listener 

People appreciate when others take the time to truly listen and understand them.  Being a good listener means paying attention to the person speaking as if you’re truly interested in what they have to say. It’s about creating an environment where people feel like you’re genuinely present and engaged in the conversation.

By actively listening, you not only understand the speaker’s perspective but also put people at ease, making them feel valued and heard. Being a good listener can make you seem empathetic, understanding, and trustworthy.  By actively listening, you are showing that you value their thoughts and opinions.

Be Empathetic and Understanding

Being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and show care and compassion can greatly enhance your approachability.  To be empathetic and understanding, you want to approach others with an open mind and a genuine desire to understand their perspectives and experiences. One way to signal that you’re empathetic is by actively listening and showing a willingness to learn and grow from their stories.

By doing so, you can make people feel valued and heard.  This fosters a deeper connection and a more positive attitude toward others. We all like having positivity in our lives, right?

Be Non-Judgmental 

People are more likely to approach someone who does not judge them or make them feel embarrassed or inadequate.  By being open to interaction and avoiding preconceived notions, we create a safe space where the person feels more comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences. This non-judgmental attitude helps us be more empathetic and understanding towards the person, allowing them to feel at ease and build trust.

When we appear friendly and non-judgmental, we encourage open and honest communication, fostering healthy relationships and connections. This helps in building relationships with those you may want to make a deeper connection with.  No one likes walking on eggshells around people especially those they care a lot about.

Good Communication Skills

This includes speaking in a friendly and warm tone, asking open-ended questions, and giving others the space and time to express themselves.  It is not just about what we say, but also how we say it. Facial expressions play a major role in conveying our emotions and intentions.

They can show people whether we are happy, sad, interested, or bored. Additionally, our tone of voice can greatly influence how others perceive us. If we want to appear confident and approachable, we must speak with a clear and friendly tone.

Also, the ability to strike up a conversation and actively listen to what the other person is saying is essential for effective communication. With good communication skills, once again we can build strong relationships and avoid misunderstandings.  Overall, by incorporating these steps into your interactions with others, you can become more approachable and foster meaningful connections.

What Else Makes Someone More Comfortable to Be Around

People give off vibes about their personalities. This can be from the way they talk and the way they act around friends, family, and strangers. Some people say things to invite others into their lives like, “If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask”, or “You can call or text me anytime”. Words say one thing, the behavior of the person can say another.

How Can Being an Approachable Person Benefit You?

If you’re trying to become someone who invites others to come to them, there are several steps you can take. First and foremost, it’s important to be friendly and approachable in your demeanor. Smile often and maintain an open posture that shows you are ready to engage with others. 

Also actively show interest in others by engaging in conversations and asking thoughtful questions. When you make eye contact with someone and show a friendly smile, it can help to put people at ease. Making a positive first impression is crucial, so dress appropriately and maintain good personal hygiene.

When in social situations, try to be inclusive and make everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Lastly, focus on developing your listening skills and being genuinely interested in others’ stories and experiences. By following these steps, you will draw people towards you and create an inviting atmosphere that encourages meaningful connections and friendships. 

Wrap Up

Anyone can be approachable; only you can decide if that’s you.  Confidence doesn’t come easy for some people and to be open and approachable requires a good heart and not to push people away.  It can take time, but that’s ok.  

Just be patient and keep working on it. If you have trouble looking someone in the eye, try looking at just one of their eyes or in between their eyes until it gets easier.  You may fidget talking to someone, but making the effort to talk is a step in the right direction.  

People who say ‘You can come to me and ask me questions’ do mean it.   That goes for the same to those people who say, ‘We’re always here for you’. Take care, stay safe, and remember you are not alone, and you have worth in this world.