How Do You Get People to Like You? A 5-Year-Old Shares 3 Simple Things You Need to Do by Carrie Watts

Mindfulness
2 years ago

How Do You Get People to Like You? A 5-Year-Old Shares 3 Simple Things You Need to Do

Today I started my first new job in more than 10 years. To say I was nervous is an understatement. As an autistic woman, forging new work relationships has always been hard for me. Meeting new people, trying to remember all the things to do to “fit in,” all while my mind furiously processes a myriad of social, sensory and practical inputs flying at me – well, it’s exhausting and overwhelming.

To account for the oncoming assault, I stayed in bed for as long as possible this morning. My 5-year-old got in with me and asked me if I was OK. I told him what was up and he asked, “Do you think they will like you?” This itself was a miracle, as he was non-verbal until he was 3 1/2 years old, and his conversational language developed even later. But when I answered, “I hope so,” the real magic happened.

He said, “I know what you do to make them like you. It will be OK.” There. Just like that, he took in my feelings and used language to help me feel better. And here is what he said to do:

  • Be kind.
  • Smile happy, not angry.
  • Be very, very kind.

I can’t think of any better advice, can you?

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Cassiday
What a great story with a lesson from your smart son
Carrie Watts
Not gonna lie, I was pretty proud of him!
Elisa Schmitz
This melts my heart! From the mouths of babes, right Carrie Watts ? Good luck, you will be amazing! xoxo
Carrie Watts
Thanks, Elisa! And, yes, it’s amazing how simple it can be. Our kids get it. We just make it more difficult than it needs to be.
Fiona Watts
He is such a loving wee man❤️
Carrie Watts
He definitely has his moments. :-)
Terri Kendrick
That advice is right on the money! I hope it helped. :)
Carrie Watts
It did, Terri Jones! I kept it in mind all day. :-)
Debbie Howard
Love these tips - and wishing you well in your new job! BRAVO!
Ann Marie Patitucci
Carrie, this.is.everything. Congrats on your new position and congrats on raising such a wonderful human!
Carrie Watts
Thank you! And, yes, I am so proud of him. Even more so because, when I got home, he asked me, “Did you remember to be kind? Did they like you?”. He had been thinking of me all day. What more can you ask for, right? :-)
Sheri B Doyle
Carrie, this is so beautiful. What an amazing son you are raising. I hope you had a great first day!
Carrie Watts
Thank you, Sheri B Doyle! I definitely felt a swell of pride at his generosity of spirit. I survived my first day, and a lot of that was due to picturing my little boy’s face telling me it would be ok. 🙂
Julio Caro
Thanks for Sharing !

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