We all have different personalities. That is what makes the world interesting and annoying at the same time. Some personalities mix together nicely, others clash like vinegar and water. When we interact with people, especially for the first time, we may not realize how we come across to that person. Pushing ones personality on others doesn’t always work. Sometimes dealing with people for the first time requires a more tactful approach. Here are some thoughts when meeting someone for the first time to properly introduce one another’s personality.

1. Listen more than you talk. By listening you can pick up things about the other person that will give you insight into their personality.

2. Focus and try to understand the other person’s personality. Focus on what the other person is saying. How are they presenting their thoughts and ideas. What is their demeanor like?

3. Focus on what is important to the other person’s personality. What do they want to talk about? How do they like maintaining a dialogue.

4. Stay generic at first. You don’t need to delve into your beliefs or positions on issues. Stick with basic topics: the weather, your ride in, the place you’re at right now.

5. When you meet someone for the first time be yourself but be subtle. This may be more difficult than you think. This is all about turning down your personality volume. Don’t overwhelm the other person with your personality.

6. Be mainstream. Don’t jump into complex topics that may turn others off. Stick with mainstream topics that most people relate to and find easy to discuss.

7. Don’t play all your cards. You don’t need to tell them everything about you. Leave them wanting to get a fuller picture of you so they want to meet again.

8. Don’t be overly dominant. Don’t be too overwhelming in your approach. Be cordial, but don’t dominate the conversation with details about yourself. Don’t push them into committing to something they don’t want to.

9. Don’t be under assertive either. Show the other person there is some substance to your personality, that you can think for yourself and that you have some unique ideas.

10. Don’t overstay your welcome. Know when to wrap up your meeting or encounter. It’s better to cut it off early rather than drag it on too long.

Dealing with someone for the first time is all about assessing one another’s personality. It’s about trying to answer the question: Is this a person I want to interact with again? The best approach is to present yourself as someone with middle of the road personality traits, but leave the other person with some unanswered questions about yourself. As Will Rogers said, “I never met a man (or woman) I didn’t like.” But, just make sure the other person also likes your personality enough to want to meet up with you again.