Did you know there is a large contingent of people out there that are desperately trying to be liked by others? I think most normal people want others to like them, at least I do!

I am the youngest child of six, which to social experts means that I am a person who likes to have fun and wants others to have fun with me. I have learned how to get my older siblings to laugh and like me; I guess you can say I grew up being a “people pleaser.” I have also been in the ministry for the last 22 years which also requires me to rub shoulders with every type of person imaginable and learned how to move them. So I guess you can say, I have picked up some tricks on how to “Win friends and influence people.” 

Do you want to be liked? I have got it down to a science, and I think you will find that my teachings are even more effective than Dale Carnegie’s; with 2014 cultural relevance to boot. So here are the four main principles of being “liked”; follow them closely and everyone will love you:

C – “calm down.” If you want to be liked, don’t take life so serious; especially serious things. People do not like having the “bucket of cold water” always upsetting their fun. Debbie Downer is an unwanted party guest. What is the number one character quality a person is looking for in a mate? “Someone who makes me laugh.” A serious person won’t cut it, so CALM DOWN, have fun, and let the good times roll. As they say, “People may be going to hell in a bucket, but at least they are enjoying the ride.” So to do this, just follow Israel’s example in Jeremiah 6:14 and say “Peace, peace,” even if there is no peace. People will love you for it! When talking have nothing to do with religion, politics, or morality. Just have fun.

O – “Offer your opinion on things that don’t matter.” To make up for your lack of depth on serious issues, be deep in trivial things. What is your favorite movie? You better know it and be able to express it, because that shows that at least you care about something. (Do you really want to seem smart, be intelligent when it comes to European films, you know the ones that win at the Sundance Festival?). Be serious about music: the more obscure the genre the better and cooler you will seem. Be serious about sports, be serious about the color of paint on your living room wall, be serious about the brand of beer you drink. People will be impressed. Be serious about the new make of car coming out, be serious about your golf clubs, or even be serious about your favorite TV shows, & make sure you have one that is risky and is featured on HBO. People like people who have something to talk about without feeling like they have to change their lives in any way. 

O – “Open your mind to all things.“ Your friend likes to go to comic-con dressed as a character from Dr. Who even though they are 48 years old and never talk to their kids….cool. You work next to someone that likes experimenting with mind-altering drugs, narcotics, and any other kind of intoxicant…great, more power too them. You have an acquaintance that thinks Gandalf is real and has set up a shrine in his house to worship him – wonderful. Do you want to be liked? Then like everything…that is except for one thing, certain truth. Truth forms convictions and convictions are what causes arguments and disagreements. So stay away from truth and truth tellers, they will spoil your night.

L – “Look the part.” Image is everything, everything! The better you look the more people will like you. Buy the best, be up to date in fashion, hairstyle and fragrance. Worship your body, chisel it, sculpt it, photo-shop it, it is the only way others will worship you. Scripture is right, “Man looks at the outward appearance….(I think there is more to that verse, but I am not sure what it is, eh, oh well?)”

So if you take all four points, sum them all up, it comes out C-O-O-L! Be cool, be sexy, image, image, image. That is all that matters anymore, are you an attractive piece of meat?

If you are, you win!