Author Archives: leil

When someone says “Thank-you” to you for, say, buying something at a store, for coming to an event, or for ANYTHING, here’s a nice response. Whenever it’s appropriate, say “No, thank-YOU” (highlighting the YOU of course.)

In America, we think foreign accents are cool. But often people are embarrassed about theirs. Or perhaps they think they speak English so well that no one could tell they are from another country. Either way, it’s best to avoid asking, as so many people do, “Where are you from?” Instead, ask “Where did you get that lovely pronunciation?” That can delight, rather than depress, them.

When asked a question, people who are insecure, insincere, or too anxious to please jump in with a quick answer. But if you pause a second before answering, you come across as more self-assured. It also shows respect and gives your answer more credibility. Why? Because it demonstrates you’ve given their question consideration.

I know, I know, this sounds like a strange one. Most people know how to read basic body language. Like someone crossing his arms means he’s rejecting your idea. And cocking her head means she’s interested in what you’re saying.

But here’s a seldom recognized one to be on the lookout for (and avoid doing it yourself!) If someone touches his ear while you are talking, it is evocative of putting his hands over his ears to block out the sound. Subtle, but proven. To be safe, just keep your hands away from your ears when someone is talking to you!

Send a message TODAY to a few special people in your life, and tell them what they mean to you. It means all the more to those who celebrate Easter because that's the time to be with (in reality or in your heart) those friends you truly love.

You hear dozens of phrases that are so prevalent they don’t mean anything anymore. You know, like “Have a nice weekend” and (my personal pet peeve) “Have a nice day.” The sound goes in one ear and out the other—and you must mouth the knee-jerk reaction, “You too.” 

Holiday wishes aren't exempt from the "Hackneyed Phrase Syndrome." Easter is coming up this Sunday and you will hear “Happy Easter” so many times that almost becomes meaningless.

Take this wonderful holiday as an opportunity break out of the stale phrase pattern. Your friends will enjoy hearing something other than the trite almost obligatory “Happy Easter.” To make your wish more sincere and heartfelt try something like,“I hope you have a beautiful Easter” or “I hope you and your family enjoy a wonderful Easter.”

Isn’t the lovely holiday worth a whole sentence?

I know, I know, this one sounds devious. But dedicated and accomplished people usually love their work and find themselves thinking about long past 5pm..

So say you need to send your boss an update or some ideas on a project you're working on. Wait to send it until the evening from home–even close to midnight.  It demonstrates that you're an enthusiastic employee of the former type.

It's natural to assume people would feel friendlier if you use their nickname. But be careful! A lot of people prefer their more formal name. For instance, if someone you meet has a name which usually has a nickname (like Bob for Robert, Lou for Louis, Liz for Elizabeth, or Candy for Candace) DON’T use it until you’re sure THEY do. It distances you from the person and they can be offended.

Hmm, I’m not sure I believe this one, but a serious study at the University of Missouri found that tweeting and other social media use was linked to infidelity and divorce:  http://bit.ly/1srY2qf

They forgot to mention, of course, that almost a third of marriages today come from meeting online.

Whenever you are talking with anyone, he/she senses subliminal signals about how you feel–sentiments you yourself may not even know you have. When you’re angry or hostile, your hands instinctively close up almost as though you want to make a fist. But of course you don't because that would be antisocial. 

A few loose neurons escape however, and your hand (especially your right one if you are right handed) starts to curl. Consciously tell your hands to stay open while talking to hide your negative feelings.