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1. Being present -

It’s always more calming to be around someone who is fully living in the present moment. If someone is looking around distracted, fidgeting, or glancing at their phone frequently, it creates a nervous energy and a sense that they’re not interested in you. Naturally, this isn’t very pleasant or relaxing.

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1. Being present -

One of the main ways we show we’re present with someone is by making eye contact. It’s so simple, but it’s something a lot of people struggle with. If you make eye contact with someone while they’re speaking and listen carefully and openly, it’s more likely to put them at ease.

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2. Respecting personal space - We each have our own boundaries in regards to personal space, which are highly instinctive and personal. If you’re someone who pays attention to this and makes sure to respect the personal space of your companions, they’ll definitely feel more comfortable around you, even if they don’t know why.

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3. Being trustworthy -

It’s far more relaxing to speak to someone you know you can trust, rather than someone who might go and share your private conversation with others. Some people have a tendency towards gossip even if they’re generally kind and well-intentioned. If you think about the most calming people in your life, they probably never gossip.

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4. Being a good listener -

A calming person knows the difference between quietly waiting for their turn to speak and truly listening. A good listener won’t interrupt you or try to relate everything you say back to their own experiences. This makes us feel fully seen and heard and creates a much more peaceful flow to the conversation.

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5. Being inclusive -

Have you ever noticed that it’s often the same person who will jump up to make room at the table, make sure everyone is invited to the party, and listens to the quietest person in the room? These obvious efforts to include people show that they care and make them a joy to be around.

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6. Having a neutral tone - It’s not just our actions that have a calming effect, it’s also our tone of voice. Relationship experts have noted that the pitch and inflection someone uses can often signify a sense of inferiority or superiority, along with a range of other things. A neutral tone puts us more at ease.

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7. Knowing how to self-soothe -

Someone who is calming to be around is usually calm themselves. This means they know how to relax. This is achieved in different ways for each person, but it might mean they do things like yoga, walking, journaling, sleeping well, and whatever else makes them feel peaceful and balanced.

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7. Knowing how to self-soothe -

We’re usually drawn to people who seem calm and grounded, probably because we need more of that in our own lives.

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8. Practice mindfulness -

People who are calming and grounded often include mindfulness practices like meditation in their lives. A tendency toward calmness suggests an awareness of their emotional state and an ability to deal with anxiety and distressing thoughts. Mindfulness is one excellent way of learning to do this.

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9. Practicing self-care -

Those who practice genuine self-care are more likely to know how to calm themselves, and, as a result, are calming to others. For some, this may mean prioritizing exercise, sleep, therapy, alone time, reading, or a nourishing diet.

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9. Practicing self-care -

Someone who is on a journey with their mental health and personal development is often nice to be around. That’s a journey that never really ends, but it means they’re more engaged with themselves and more likely to be engaged with those around them.

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10. Compromise -

Those who understand the value of compromise know when to pick their battles. It’s not that they don’t have opinions or don’t stand up for themselves—they simply know how to agree to disagree. They’re more likely to find a middle ground rather than insisting on shutting down those who think differently to them.

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11. No need to rush -

Some people could be described as bubbly, vivacious, animated, and excitable. These are all wonderful attributes and incredibly fun to be around. Some with a more relaxing presence, however, seem to exist within a bubble of calm. They move at a slower pace, and it rubs off on those around them.

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11. No need to rush -

They tend to sit back and listen while others are debating or loudly telling stories and jokes. They think carefully before they speak. Their body language is open and they speak in a gentle and non-confrontational manner.

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11. No need to rush -

You’re also less likely to find this kind of person rushing in the literal sense. They like to move at their own pace so they give themselves enough time to get where they need to go. You won’t see them sprinting through the airport as the loudspeaker issues the final boarding call!

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12. Generosity -

A genuine openness and desire to share your time and skills creates a lovely caring relationship with those who recognize it. We need to be vulnerable in order to be open and to share with others. It’s a relief to be around someone who does that with ease.

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13. Problem-solving -

People who are problem-solvers make those around them feel safe and taken care of. Jumping in to help without needing to be cajoled shows a genuine desire to help.

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13. Problem-solving -

While others might be panicking or yelling, this type of person goes straight to the solution and creates a sense of calm and security.

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14. Lightening the mood -

So far, it might seem that a person with a calming presence is also a little bland or boring, but that’s not so! One of the best ways to help others relax is through humor and laughter. A perfectly-timed joke can break the ice, create connections, and defuse tension.

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15. Going with the flow -

While a calming person should still know their own needs and boundaries, they’re generally happy to go with the flow. There’s no point in getting hung up on the small things. Sometimes it’s easier just to laugh it off and move on.

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16. Being warm and friendly -

If you think about the most calming person you know, it’s likely that they have a warm and friendly energy. When this is immediately evident in a person, it puts everyone around them at ease. This might be expressed through smiles, eye contact, good listening skills, and a positive style of communication.

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17. Empathy -

True empathy is an ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and feel their experience deeply. When you open up to an empathetic person, you’ll feel like they’re really listening and really understand you. These people are the best shoulder to cry on and genuinely want to help.

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18. Positive language -

We all complain sometimes and tend to view things in a negative light when we’re in a bad mood. A calming person is more likely to look on the bright side and try to be uplifting when they speak.

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18. Positive language -

Sometimes when we’re spinning out, a more neutral outside perspective can defuse the situation. Speaking to a calming person who offers reassurance and can help reframe your perspective is awesome!

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19. Staying tuned in -

Staying tuned in to the needs of those around you shows that you value and care about them. Some people know us so well that they seem to intuitively anticipate our needs. It’s a wonderful feeling.

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20. Realistic expectations - Having realistic expectations helps us avoid getting stressed or angry when things go wrong. If you’re hosting a dinner party or planning a vacation for multiple people, the odds are that something is going to go wrong at some point! If you accept and anticipate this, your reaction isn’t as strong.

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20. Realistic expectations -

A calming person is less likely to be concerned with perfection. They value things like compassion, resilience, and emotional intelligence over meticulous planning and execution.

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21. Gratitude - Gratitude is at the root of all of these traits and behaviors. If we are able to focus on the good things in life and feel grateful on a daily basis, it’s so much easier to remain in a positive mindset.

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21. Gratitude -

Gratefulness tends to negate things like jealousy, comparison to others, and the need to be right. It helps us move through the world more easily and calmly.

Sources: (Bustle) (Lifehack)

See also: The best steps towards ultimate self-care

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