How To Make Friends & Influence People

Have any of you read the book "How To Make Friends & Influence People"?! Well I haven't, but my friend Timmy has and he wrote some good notes on it. I read said notes and feel like I already live my life this way. The key points were something along the lines of:

• Always Smile
• Treat People With Respect
• Don't Argue
• Make People Feel Important

Now let's break this down; I'm ALWAYS smiling. There are very few times in my life where you'll see me unhappy. I believe that positive energy directly transfers from one person to the next. Respect; I try to treat everyone, even people I do not know, with the utmost respect. I am a firm believer in Karma & though I've faltered in the past, I always seem to find my way back to my morals. Arguments are negative energy in it's purest form. There is nothing wrong with debates, as long as you reference back to my last point. Far too often arguments turn into direct disrespect to both parties. Often times if you avoid the argument and treat the person with respect, they will end up taking your side, or at least validating your point.  Now to my last point; making people feel important is probably the easiest way to gain their friendship, trust, and respect. Speak their name when talking, and look into their eyes when listening. Now I know I am 100% guilty of picking up my phone while "listening" to people, but I'm working on it. I treat all of my friends equally and hold none of them higher than the rest. I actually had to set one straight who did not practice these points & we are no longer speaking. Not only do I treat all my friends alike, I expect them to do so too. They call me the social hub & I do not take this position lightly.

In closing, remember to treat everyone with respect, make them feel important, avoid arguments, and most importantly... SMILE!!