What They Oughta Teach in Charm School

Charm Lesson 6: Make Niceness Your Default

Regularly treating people with respect makes them more willing to go out of their way to help you; it's a lot easier to work your magic on someone with whom you have a good rapport. Practice kindness everywhere: Take the time to chat regularly with your dry cleaner about her daughter's upcoming ballet recital rather than waiting until you need a rush job, or don't wait until you have a burst pipe before introducing yourself to your super. This shows you're able to put the happiness of others ahead of your own agenda.

It also gets great results from your nearest and dearest. When you show concern about your guy's job, friends, or his weekend do-it-yourself projects, he'll see you as dynamic and curious. Asking specific questions ("How did your big presentation go over with your new clients?" or "What kind of engine did you say you were installing in your old Chevy?") will help you gain a better understanding of what really makes him tick.