If you want to learn how to get a girl to like you, you’ve got to start by understanding a few things about them.

For starters, despite what you may have heard to the contrary, women are not aliens, monsters, another species, or speaking another language. They’re human beings just like you with the same basic wants and needs.

They may think differently than men do. They may perceive things differently. And they may operate somewhat differently. But these are not things any man with ample motivation cannot learn.

So what are those things? The basic and essential rules for how to get a girl to like are as follows:

1. Be yourself – don’t try to put on some sort of act. Women can see right through that sort of thing, and they hate it. Let them see who as you really are. That way, if it turns out you’ve successfully figured out how to get a particular girl like you, then you’ll know that its you she likes, and not some character you’re pretending to be.

2. Be real – And while you’re being yourself, be honest, truthful, genuine, authentic, and down to earth. The distinction between this rule and rule number one is that you must not only be honest about who you are, but you must be honest about what you say, think, and do, in all other areas too. Women hate liars, and when they find one, when they discover that they’ve been hoodwinked, they are not quick to forgive. Better then to just tell the truth from the outset, whatever it is.

3. Use humor – Women love a man with a sense of humor. So show her you’ve got one. You can even prepare a few of your favorite jokes or riddles to roll out at the right moment (if the right moment comes). Better yet, though, is to just be present with her and let your natural wit shine. Comment humorously on your current environment, situation, surroundings, and she’ll be laughing with you all the way to another date.

4. Monitor your body language – A lot of how to get a girl to like has nothing to do with the words you say, but with the things you say nonverbally, such as how you hold yourself, your posture, what you do with your hands, etc.

5. Listen attentively – A whole series of articles, a whole book really, could be written on this subject alone, but the bottom line is to really listen to what she’s saying, respond appropriately, and show her that she’s got your full undivided attention. Ironically, that’s really how get a girl to like you – by listening to her.