And by smiling we influence others to smile. People judge things more positively while smiling, so our own smile can set off a chain reaction causing more positive encounters.

Research shows people are more likely to comply with your requests if you remember their name.

Encourage others to talk about themselves.

Self-disclosure is extra rewarding, neuroscience research shows. People are even willing to forgo money in order to talk about themselves.

Obviously, we’re all interested in talking about what interests us — and this engagement promotes liking. 

For example, when women were more engaged in a conversation on a first date, they were much more likely to report being attracted to the guy.

People like to feel important and powerful. Feeling like we’re in control reduces stress.

Money doesn’t increase happiness much, but feeling powerful does. Most people would rather be the big fish in a small pond making $50,000 a year than the small fish in a big pond earning $100,000.