These people were instantly liked by everyone?
When we opened up the feedback data, we discovered 8 surprising common traits
At WKND CLUB, people from all walks of life join weekend brunch — not just for dating, but to meet new friends or explore opportunities.
In 7 months, over 7,000 have joined, leaving stories like: ‘Someone really surprised me today…’ or ‘I still remember what he said at our first meeting.’
When we checked the names mentioned again and again, we found they were instantly liked from day one, thanks to small, simple habits anyone can practice
1. They have a habit of using vulnerability to bring ease to the whole table
It’s not about telling long stories, but simply being honest about emotions. For example:
‘Honestly, I felt a bit nervous walking in… but once I saw everyone, I realized I didn’t have to act cool, haha.’
Comments like this often show up in the top-rated participants’ stories. When someone takes the lead in lowering their guard, others gradually follow and take off their armor too
2. Instead of rushing to showcase themselves, they truly listen to others
Many people jump into introductions with ‘Here’s what I’ve done’ or ‘I’m special because…’. But the ones who get praised are different — when someone finishes speaking, they pause for half a second, smile, and say something like:
‘I can actually tell that must have been really tough for you.’
That kind of detailed response instantly makes the other person feel: ‘Wow, I was really seen.’
In the feedback, these participants are often described as: ‘Talking with them feels like time slows down’
3. They genuinely hold onto other people’s stories, and they’re great at asking questions
Instead of just saying, ‘Wow, that’s cool,’ they follow up with something like:
‘What was the biggest change that experience brought you?’
These questions aren’t just to keep the conversation going — they give the other person a chance to open up more. Real connection is born in those moments of truly being understood.
4. They never rush to shift the topic — instead, they help the other person finish their story.
Many people cut in halfway with, ‘Hey, that happened to me too!’ and then switch to their own experience. But highly praised participants gently steer the focus back:
‘You didn’t finish your story, right? What happened after that?’
This simple line often shows up directly in feedback: ’He made me want to share the whole experience.’
5. In their introductions, they leave a little ‘tail’ others can pick up on.
For example: ‘I work in brand marketing, and lately I’ve been wondering if I should leave town for a while.’
This kind of intro — with some blank space + openness — naturally sparks curiosity and follow-up questions. We’ve found that whenever someone includes an element of uncertainty or transition in their opening, the overall quality of the table’s conversation is noticeably higher.
6. They’re not afraid to throw out a perspective that’s real and imperfect.
If the topic is ‘work,’ they might say:
‘Honestly, I don’t feel passionate about my job right now, but I’m trying to find small things that bring the feeling back.’
It’s more than just a sentence, it’s a signal: ‘It’s safe to be honest at this table.’ And suddenly, the conversation shifts from exchanging information to exchanging states of mind.”
7. They notice who hasn’t spoken yet — and gently pass the ball to them
It’s not a forced cue, but something soft like:
‘We’ve all been sharing our own examples…
I’m curious, what would you do?’
In many feedback notes, this shows up as:
‘He gave me the chance to speak, he felt really warm and I was grateful for that.’
8. Before leaving, they share what was good about the experience
For example: ‘Today felt really special. It’s been a long time since I’ve had such an honest conversation, thank you all.’
This isn’t just politeness, it’s an emotional summary. When someone says it, the rest silently nod inside, and later, many write in their feedback: ‘It’s been so long since I felt this understood.’
When you meet strangers for the first time, no one is really expecting you to be super witty, funny, or unique. What most people truly long for is:
👉 Someone willing to slow down and really listen.
👉 Someone brave enough to admit their own imperfections first.
👉 Someone who makes them feel,
‘I belong at this table.’
If you’re open to it, try keeping these 8 habits in mind the next time you sit at a new table. You may realize that being liked isn’t about what you say — it’s about how you make others finally feel safe enough to speak.
Want to hear other people’s stories? Share your own perspectives? Maybe even change the course of your life, or someone else’s?
If you’re free this weekend, come give it a try! The Weekend Club Where interesting people meet interesting people
