In an attempt to get a personality that might actually result in people remembering me for more than my ability to stare into their eyes without once blinking, I've resorted to reading books on how to make people like me. However, I'm a bit skeptical about the advice given in such books.
First, one is supposed to eliminate all those characteristics from one's personality that could possibly, somewhere, somehow, annoy another human being. Personalities are a hindrance in the social milieu. Instead, paste on a smile that doesn't look pasted on, mumble pleasantries, and get people to talk about themselves. That is really rule number one. Trick people into talking about themselves because supposedly they will find the fact that you find them so fascinating, fascinating in turn. Or, more simply, don't talk about yourself.
Apparently, I'm not the only one who has read these books or gotten this advice. In any large group, all the right sort of people are frenetically attempting to maneuver other people into talking about themselves. All smiles, two nicely dressed women will lock eyes and attempt to "break" the other person.
Well-brought-up woman number 1: "Tell me more about your children. I'd love to hear."
Educated woman number 2: "I already asked you to tell me more about your favorite sport and/or hobby. And God knows I'm not going to make the mistake of talking about myself. You are."
Lesson learned: Make public the fact that you will willingly talk about yourself. You are a rare jewel. Conscientious people need someone like you in order to fulfill their perceived social agenda.