10 (New) Ways to Instantly Become More Attractive

Friday Fave Five... Times Two

Last spring, Simple Mom published an article with an enticing title. “10 Ways to Instantly Become More Attractive” immediately got my attention. Apparently, it got your attention too!

This week, I took up the challenge to create an additional ten-point list to celebrate the waning days of summer—and the sad end of swimsuit season.

First, the condensed version:

1. Part your lips and smile broadly!
2. Stop talking, and ask people questions about their lives.
3. Look for the humor in every embarrassing circumstance.
4. Offer to assist strangers with simple tasks in public places.
5. Take the long view of your life.
6. Take care of your health.
7. Refuse to gossip.
8. Use the word “You” twice as much as you use the word “I.”
9. Act like Pollyanna.
10. Buy a pair of great sunglasses.

1. Part your lips and smile broadly!

It’s true—we attract more flies with honey. How often do your check your rear view mirror when you’re driving? Probably quite a lot. Me too. This week, I got up close enough to the mirror to study my face. When I forced myself to smile, immediately I felt better. After a few minutes of forced smiling I actually did feel happy.

2. Stop talking, and ask people questions about their lives.

Then listen with interest. If the topic is a tad boring, steer it to something you’re genuinely excited about. The Queen of England is considered a fabulous conversationalist at state dinners. Why? She’s learned the art of asking questions.

3. Look for the humor in every embarrassing circumstance.

Last winter, one of our lawn sprinkler pipes burst. For half an hour, we enjoyed an impromptu landscape “water feature” that shot up fifteen feet into the sky. Just like a house on fire, all our neighbors came running up the street to see what was going on. I was completely mortified. However, like a skilled improv artist, e-Dad kept the crowd laughing until the shut-off valve was found. Needless to say, now our neighbors think he’s wonderful!

4. Offer to assist strangers with simple tasks in public places.

Another embarrassment. One afternoon this week, I was pushing my grocery cart through the parking lot a little too quickly. Suddenly, I hit a speed bump. The bags in my cart were violently jostled around, but all my eggs survived unbroken. However, my 24-roll package of bathroom tissue bounced off the cart's bottom shelf and landed smack on the pavement. A sweet lady appeared out of nowhere, helped me gain my composure, and kindly rescued my lost load. I will remember that woman's random act of kindness forever!

5. Take the long view of your life.

I try to keep Rom 8:28 in mind at all times: “All things work together for good…” Most of us know a myriad of hurts, losses, and disappointments. But God promises that he will create something beautiful out of the compost of our lives. He’s the Master of Redemption, not only of his creation marred by sin, but in our personal lives as well. The knowledge that “the good guys win” keeps me encouraged when the going gets tough. People are attracted to others who consistently display a positive attitude of hope.

6. Take care of your health.

As Moms, we know that martyrdom and over-giving to our families can quickly lead to burn-out. Ask for help if you’re not getting adequate rest and personal time. A low carb diet, regular exercise, vitamin supplements, daily social interaction, plus attitudes of gratitude and forgiveness all contribute to robust good health. I thoroughly enjoy my evening waterfront walks with e-Dad. A healthy body equals a healthy mind, and also makes us attractive toward others.

7. Refuse to gossip.

Talking in a negative way about friends and family undermines the confidence of the people we’re sharing our frustrations with. They wonder if we talk disparagingly about them behind their backs too. Cutting off negative conversation can be especially difficult when we are angry or hurting. However, when we uphold the reputations of all of our friends to one another, we are perceived as attractive and trustworthy.

8. Use the word “You” twice as much as you use the word “I.”

As someone said, “God gave us two ears for a reason. We should listen twice as much as we speak!” We should try to keep our focus outward rather than inward—most of the time. We can learn a lot from successful salespeople. Intent on service, they keep the customer’s question, "WIIFM?" uppermost in their mind. (What’s in it for me?) The most attractive marketing professionals focus on the customers’ needs and how to solve their problems. Trying to impress a client with how many years they’ve been in business or how many awards they’ve won is usually fruitless.

9. Act like Pollyanna.

Life putting you through the ringer? Downplay it in conversation. Sucking on lemons? Learn to make lemonade. Try to tease out the silver lining and put a positive spin on your situation. I love e-Dad because he is always quick to view the glass as half-full instead of half-empty. This week I spent time meditating on Phil 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." If you do the same, you'll be a magnet for others.

10. Buy a pair of great sunglasses.

A nice pair of sunglasses and some fresh lipstick on a warm smile are very appealing, aren’t they? Hollywood stars know that dark glasses arouse our curiosity by creating an air of mystery. (I bought a pair of sunglasses that mimic the shape of my face and I wear them early and often.) A few wardrobe separates that fit your body well—whatever your body type—also communicate a message of self-respect and say, “Let’s get acquainted.”

Join Susanne’s popular Friday Fave Five meme at Living to Tell the Story. It's a wonderful way to reflect on the positive things going on in our lives. (Oops, looks like I really overshot my limit of five points today. I hope you’ll forgive me this time, FFF sisters!) This week, Susanne bent the rules a little too. And in honor of her 100th post, she's offering a Starbucks giftcard to one random linker who joins the party.

"Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without discretion." (Prov 11:22 ESV)

Top & Bottom Photos: HamedSaber & tanakawho (Flickr) Middle Photo: e-Mom



Up Next—Random Blessing: 15 Sunshine Award Honorees

Now it's your turn. What would you add to this list?