HOW TO BE POPULAR.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 41, 8 October 1892, Page 1003

HOW TO BE POPULAR.

To be popular one must be agreeable. When with others, therefore, always talk of the subject which you find most entertaining—yourself. Make your accomplishments, your hopes, your achievements, a constant theme. In order to preserve that amiability which renders you a desirable companion, consult your own convenience in everything. It is no matter who is inconvenienced, if you are only satisfied. Do not put yourself out to consider other people s feelings. You cannot be expected to know what pleases them or what does not. If yon want to say anything say it, no matter whom it hits. If Miss Jones is inclined to be plump, tell her that you adore slender women. When Freddy Brown, who has an impediment in his speech is in your vicinity, relate that exquisitely funny story of the two stammerers who after a brief interview simultaneously exclaimed, ‘S sir, you are m-m-mocking in me’.' Jestswhichdependupon apersonal blemish or peculiarity for their point invariably produce an effect, and should always be told in general com pany. It is not your rault when the cap fits. Talk continually. Fill all the pauses. It is wicked to suffer valuable time to run to waste. Interrupt always when you think best. It teaches people to avoid prosiness. Why should they persist in talking of their stupid selves when you want to ctiat about the most interesting person in the world ? If a man is telling au entertaining story, smile knowingly all through, and just as he has reached the di'inni „i>-, it, exclaim : • Oh, 1 beard that years ago !’ It will prevent the narrator from feeling too important, and it is your duty to always cultivate a spirit of numility m—your neighbours. If anyone narrates anything particularly striking, tell a better story, if you happen to remember one. You can not afford to be outdone. Always contradict an assertion and talk loudly in support of your own belief. No matter if you are proved to be wrong, such a discussion cannot fail to amuse and instruct all who hear it. Toss over the books on the shelves and tables and laugh at your host's favourite authors : the remai k that you seldom read trash is particularly soothing to bis feelings. Never talk gossip : but when any individual whom yon do not quite like is mentioned—heave a sigh, ami smile faintly. Sighs in such a case speak volumes ! We would rather anybody should preach our degeneracy from the house tops than to sigh over us. When people begin to sigh over you, you are pretty nearly undone ! Follow faithfully these few simple suggestions, and if you fail of being popular, one of two things is certain—you were either born too eaily or too late, and the world is not in a condition to appreciate the charms of your mind and character. It is impossible that, the blame should rest with you.