24 Reasons + Ways to Develop a Bubbly Personality (+ Benefits)

Last Updated on August 15, 2023 by Angela Vaz

I used to always think that being bubbly meant being childish and immature.

The media always goes to extremes when portraying strong personalities.

And I felt conflicted.

But with time, I’ve come to realize that there is a huge difference between being childlike and childish.

Being bubbly doesn’t mean toxic positivity or being over-the-top happy.

Being bubbly means radiating a light so pure and so positive, that it draws other people towards you.

It means being confident, happy, loving yourself and not being afraid to express who you are.

It’s like a breath of fresh air.

I’ve been a bubbly person most of my life. I picked it up from my mom who was the epitome of love and joy.

But during my late 20s, a lot happened.

I found out my ex was cheating on me. My mom passed away from cancer.

And my light dimmed.

I became quite pessimistic and withdrawn.

I needed to heal.

It took me some time to rediscover that bubbly nature I possessed.

And my life changed so much after that.

I found peace and I was able to build so many beautiful relationships with people around me.

I was able to touch other lives with my experiences and by looking at those experiences in a positive light, I was able to grow from them.

I’ve often been told that my experiences have helped people find the courage to face their hurdles too.

And in this post, I want to talk about the benefits of being bubbly and how you can develop a more bubbly personality.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

But before that really quick, get my free guide on how to really reset your life.

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What does it mean to have a bubbly personality?

It means being very lively, enthusiastic, and cheerful despite what’s happening. It is a way of being that exudes positive energy and happiness.

Having a bubbly personality is like having a constant ray of sunshine around you.

You feel uplifted and motivated to do more with your life.

If you are thinking of someone who fits the bill, then you’ve already identified someone with a bubbly personality.

These people who radiate this happy, positive light will always be the center of the crowd. They will make even the most mundane tasks enjoyable and their enthusiasm is contagious.

It’s very difficult not to feel happy when you’re around someone with a bubbly personality.

Having a bubbly personality doesn’t mean being happy 24/7.

Please note that even bubbly people go through hardships. They cry they get upset, and they’re human.

But being bubbly means they face it all with courage. And they are determined to not let it get the best of them.

How can I make my personality bubbly? 24 ways to develop a bubbly personality

1. Smile often

Sounds extremely simple and cliche, right?

But hear me out.

I never understood the value of a smile when I was young.

I always thought smiling was silly. But as I grew up, I realized that a smile is one of the most powerful things in the world.

You can instantly brighten someone’s day with a smile.

It’s the epitome of kindness. It’s acknowledging another person’s existence. It’s a beautiful way to greet someone.

It can also diffuse a difficult and rocky situation.

My mom had a beautiful smile.

She could melt a heart of stone.

Smiling can uplight your mood and those around you.

And if you need a scientific reason, here you go:

When you smile, your brain releases feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins which can actually boost your mood and reduce stress.

Smiling also makes you appear more approachable and friendly to others.

Just a small side note: When you smile, do it from within so that your smile looks very genuine.

2. Laugh freely

You never have to control your laughter unless, of course, you are at a funeral or a very important meeting.

In that case, please do.

But otherwise, laughing is really good for you.

I have a donkey-braying laugh. But I don’t let that stop me from laughing.

Laughing reduces stress and promotes relaxation.

I’ve also found that it gives me rock-hard abs if I laugh way too much, but that might just be me.

Laughing with others will also help you build bonds and create a sense of camaraderie. It makes you more likable to others.

Laughing is also said to boost your immune system and improve your cardiovascular health.

Every single friend I have has a unique and loud laugh.

Sometimes one person’s laughter triggers others to laugh even more. Laughter is very contagious – so don’t be afraid to laugh.

3. Express gratitude

Being bubbly doesn’t just mean smiling and laughing for no reason.

It also means being appreciative of everything and acknowledging people and their random acts of kindness.

You don’t need to thank people only when they’re kind to you, you can also appreciate people just for being there.

Focusing on what you’re thankful for can help shift your mindset from negativity to positivity.

I remember how broken I felt when I was going through a divorce. My ex had run away with our married neighbor and I felt like I had lost everything.

But with time, I was able to see how beautiful that was.

This person was never right for me and by leaving, he made room for something better – peace and love.

I found so much self-love and peace after that moment. And I took the time to appreciate it every day.

Showing gratitude helped me maintain a positive outlook toward life.

And the moment he left, so many wonderful people walked into my life.

I was always surrounded by laughter, love, and pure unbridled joy.

With time, I found love again in my current partner.

None of that would have happened had I not expressed gratitude.

4. Show enthusiasm for things you enjoy

Things needn’t be life-changing in order to show enthusiasm.

For instance, I’m really passionate about my work.

And I am drawn to people who are the same.

I love it when people talk about what they’re passionate about or what they love doing on the weekends.

You become very interesting to others when you are passionate about something.

It can be your goals, it can be your work, it can be a hobby you do on the side.

But talk about it with joy.

Have something you are genuinely passionate about.

It will make you feel more fulfilled and happy.

5. Be curious about others

Having a bubbly personality means being able to be a good and interested listener.

It means giving people space to talk and showing that you are curious about what they have to say.

Most people connect with people who are good listeners because they feel heard.

So, when you show an interest in others, it can help you build stronger relationships and learn new things.

Ask open-ended questions and listen intently.

Practice active listening. It does take practice for people who are used to talking more than listening – but trust me, it’s doable.

This will make people feel valued and appreciated.

6. Practice good posture

Standing up straight and making eye contact can make you appear more confident and approachable.

As a person who struggled with eye contact for a long time due to my extreme social anxiety, it was something I had to work on.

I maintain consistent eye contact but with teeny breaks in between if it becomes too overwhelming.

But I did notice this: When I maintain strong eye contact and listen intently, I’m able to build better relationships with people.

People subconsciously like it when you look them in the eye and listen to them. It helps build strong bonds and they’ll genuinely like you and respect you.

It’s one of those tiny life hacks that makes a huge difference.

7. Dress in bright colors

Wearing bright colors or adding a pop of bright color to your overall outfit actually helps you stand out and look more confident.

Bright colors can also create a very positive and upbeat mode.

You don’t have to wear a pink top with lime green pants. Just a pop of color in your overall style is enough.

I was always known for wearing bright colors in university.

At one time, I tried to blend in by wearing more olive greens and browns but it just didn’t suit me.

With time, I discovered my zeal and style and I own it now.

I love wearing pinks, greens, and purples.

I also wear matching eyeshadows and eyeliners to translate that mood to my face.

I’ve found that I’m generally more positive and happy when I wear bright colors.

Wearing bright colors also reflects your personality and mood. It shows you’re outgoing, confident, and fun-loving.

I’ve found that even if I wear a black top and grey sweatpants, I can wear a bright green backpack or lavender shoes and be able to pull them off!

8. Speak in an upbeat tone

Whenever you are speaking, speak with feeling.

Be animated when you talk. This is something I learned when I was public speaking.

It means speaking thoughtfully and putting a lot of feeling into your words.

It will make you sound more approachable and energetic.

People will listen to what you have to say.

This is something that came somewhat naturally to me since my mom and I would talk a lot and she worked in an office where communication was very essential.

But I really had to practice speaking in public because I had stage fright.

9. Find joy in small things

You can’t have life-changing events every day.

It’s just not practical or feasible.

It’s important to have ups and downs – that’s how life is, and that’s how we learn to appreciate the little things.

Something as small as your morning cup of coffee is enough.

But find joy in it.

Really become mindful of what your life is about and take pride and joy in the little things.

I feel intense warmth and joy when my younger pup climbs me and licks my face in the morning. That’s her way of saying, “Mummy, I love you.”

And I love sitting between my dogs on the couch while I work – it gives me comfort.

So, take some time to identify what moments in your day make you happy or make your heart sing and truly immerse yourself in it.

It could be:

• Your morning workout
• The birds singing outside your window
• Your colleagues wishing you a good morning
• Your morning bagel and coffee
• Sitting down to work on your side hustle
• Calling your parent to hear their voice
• Meditating on your balcony

Everyone’s list is different of course! And that’s okay. Really pay attention to the little things that make your day shine!

10. Be kind to yourself

Have you ever been around people who constantly put themselves down?

For example, they’ll say things like,

• “Oh, I can never get anything right.”
• “I never get my way. My life sucks.”
• “No matter how hard I try, I always fail.”

And being around them can be super emotionally draining. They’re what’s called energy vampires.

It’s very hard to like people or engage with people who are constantly unkind to themselves.

So, if you can take 1 thing away from this post, it’s to be kind to yourself.

Now, how do you do that? It could mean:

• Practicing self-care: Take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally. Get enough sleep, eat well, exercise regularly, and engage in activities that make you feel good.
• Avoid negative self-talk: This is why so many people fell in love with Taylor Swift’s song – Antihero. We are our world’s biggest critics. Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations. Encourage and support yourself the way you would a friend or loved one.
• Set realistic goals: Set personal goals that are achievable and realistic. Celebrate your progress and accomplishments, no matter how small they are.

And most importantly, allow yourself to be human.

I have a whole guide here on how to love yourself unconditionally.

Remember that no one is perfect and mistakes are a natural part of the learning process.

Instead of beating yourself up, use your mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow.

11. Be kind to others

Being kind to others doesn’t necessarily mean doing everyone favors.

It needn’t be as big as that. Being kind can mean doing random acts of kindness that don’t require much effort or much time.

It’s easy to be kind:

• Say a simple hi: Just acknowledging someone or wishing them a good day is a small act of kindness anyone can practice.
• Practice empathy: Try to understand and appreciate people. Sometimes, it can go beyond asking how someone is and just listening without judging or responding
• Offer help: You can hold the door for someone in the elevator or offer to carry someone’s bags.
• Be considerate: By being non-judgmental, you are already going well and beyond to be kind. Being kind can also mean being very aware of how our actions may impact others.
• Show respect: Treat everyone around you with the same respect and kindness you would someone you love. It doesn’t matter what their opinion is or what background they have.

All in all, being kind to others is one of the most wonderful traits of a bubbly person.

Here’s a post on how you can be a nicer person.

12. Engage in activities that bring you joy

In order to actually be bubbly and happy, you need to have something called fulfillment.

Fulfillment in life comes from doing things we actually enjoy.

This means if you have a full-time job you don’t like (but are forced to keep to pay bills), find some time to do something you love.

This could be anything but if you don’t already know what you like doing, experiment.

Focus on doing a different activity every week till something calls out to you.

I never knew I loved reading till I actually went through books of different genres to find out what I really liked reading.

Likewise, do things that call to you and when you see that time is flying without you having realized it – you’ve found something you love.

Doing this will elevate the quality of your life immensely!

Make a list of activities that you enjoy and try to prioritize time for them.

It could be daily, weekly, or monthly. Keep it simple and do not judge yourself – just enjoy the moment.

It can be a shared interest with someone you love like cycling, or it could be a hobby you love doing on your own like playing the guitar or writing poetry. Or it could be a social activity like hiking or meeting other people at a coffee shop and talking.

13. Surround yourself with positive people

It’s very easy to have a bubbly personality when you’re with the right people.

Do yourself a favor and rid yourself of energy vampires.

Energy vampires are people who drain you. Can you think of a few people off the top of your head while reading this?

Those are the peeps you need to eliminate from your life.

If you feel emotionally drained, tired, and unsupported by people after talking to them, you are simply wasting your energy on people who aren’t right for you.

Sometimes, it’s okay to let friends go.

14. Be confident in yourself

Confidence is a very attractive quality.

And most people who have bubbly personalities are very confident.

Being confident means replacing negative self-talk with positive self-talk and affirmations.

Confident people fail more than others because they do more things and constantly look for opportunities for growth.

They embrace failure and actively look for the lesson so that they can improve and grow.

This means to become more confident you need to put yourself out there.

See failure as an opportunity for growth and learning, rather than as a reflection of your worth.

Identify your strengths and focus on them. Recognize where you shine and use those pros to your advantage.

Take risks.

Be willing to try new things. Even if you fail, taking risks can help build confidence by proving to yourself that you are capable of stepping outside your comfort zone.

This is not easy, but with practice, you will become more confident as time goes by!

15. Express yourself creatively

Have a small space in your home that is dedicated to your creative activities. If you can’t dedicate a whole room, at least dedicate a small corner of your room.

Make time to engage in something that you love like reading, drawing, writing, or playing an instrument.

Do it with an open heart.

Allow yourself to really explore your thoughts and feelings when you do this. You don’t have to replicate what you see on the internet – push your mind to work on something new, something that hasn’t been created before.

This will help you think outside the box.

You can also collaborate with others who share the same interest through a workshop or class – this is such a wonderful way to make new friends!

16. Connect with nature

Ah, this is something I’ve struggled with for years.

Connecting with nature did not come naturally to me (pun intended).

I went on my first trek last year and I cannot even begin to describe the feelings I felt – peace, serenity, and quiet.

It’s so beautiful. Connecting with nature is a brilliant way to reduce stress, increase mindfulness, and just promote overall well-being.

Here are some ways you can do that:

• Spend some time outdoors: Just step out. Spend time outdoors in natural settings like parks, forests, beaches, or any other natural environment.
• Use your senses: Seriously, switch off your phone. You can listen to music anytime. Just focus on the sights, sounds, smells, textures, and even tastes of the world around you. Listen to the birds, the water, and the wind bustling through the leaves.
• Disconnect from technology: Switch off your phone and don’t even hang on to your AirPods. You aren’t going to get the full benefit unless you give your 100% to nature.

It does make a difference. We spend so much time indoors surrounded by our laptops, TVs, and phones, we’ve forgotten what the real world looks like.

17. Practice mindfulness

Being mindful basically means focusing on the present moment.

Take each moment as it comes. Don’t think about the past or the future too much.

When you’re eating, do just that – eat.

When you’re taking a walk, do just that – walk.

Don’t try to multi-task always.

Give your brain a break.

Being mindful doesn’t mean not having distractions, distractions will always be present.

When your mind starts to wander, acknowledge the distraction and gently bring your attention back to the present.

You can also practice yoga or meditation and this actually helps connect your body and mind. It also helps you become more mindful, calm, and logical.

You learn to focus on what matters.

Mindfulness goes hand in hand with self-compassion.

By giving yourself this time and focusing on the present, you are being kind to yourself. You aren’t trying to do 100 things at once.

You’re taking each moment as it comes.

And I can honestly say that meditation (even 10 minutes a day) has transformed my life for the best.

18. Take breaks when you need to

I absolutely love my productivity on most days, but I also feel incredibly burned out sometimes because I feel a day is a total waste if I haven’t accomplished all the things I need to.

Learn from my mistakes.

We are humans, not machines.

It is impossible to work 24/7 and be productive every single day.

We need rest days, we need breaks.

Part of developing a bubbly personality is knowing when to take a break and say, “I’m going to rest today.”

It means taking some time for yourself and not saying “yes!” to every single thing.

19. Be very open-minded

This was something I had to work on because I always felt I knew best.

Being open-minded means being receptive to new ideas, experiences, and perspectives.

So, how do you become more open-minded?

1. Practice empathy: Try to understand and appreciate other people’s perspectives and experiences. This will help you become more open to different ideas and ways of thinking.
2. Keep an open attitude: Do not judge people or dismiss their ideas without considering them first.
3. Challenge your own assumptions: Question your beliefs, your values, and your goals. This is how you grow. Be willing to challenge your own ideas and philosophies so that you can consider alternative viewpoints.
4. Seek out diverse perspectives: Isn’t it so easy to surround ourselves with social media accounts and people that emanate our own beliefs? This puts us in a bubble. So, expose yourself to different viewpoints through books, conversations with others, or traveling to new places.
5. Listen actively: I’ve already highlighted this point before, but I’ll say it again. Listen more. Listen to others without interrupting or dismissing their opinions. Try to understand their perspective before responding.

Being open-minded requires a lot of willingness from within.

It means challenging our own beliefs and biases and actively opening our minds to other people’s opinions and thoughts.

It’s a lovely concept – something I definitely had to work on in my late 20s.

20. Be spontaneous

Being spontaneous simply means taking more good risks and not leading an incredibly monotonous life.

If you feel like every single day is the same and there is no change or unpredictability, then something needs to change.

Let go of perfectionism.

Let go of the need to plan and control every single thing.

Instead, embrace imperfection and let things unfold naturally.

Being spontaneous means saying yes to new experiences and opportunities. It means embracing the unexpected.

Being spontaneous doesn’t mean being reckless or irresponsible.

It simply means stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things.

t can be as simple as trying a new restaurant or being adventurous and taking a spontaneous road trip with your friends or your dogs!

21. Practice forgiveness

I want you to remember that forgiveness is not for others.

It’s for others.

Carrying around hate/anger/envy is like carrying a huge sack of rotting potatoes.

It stinks and it’s heavy. It’s like drinking poison and expecting another person to die.

It just doesn’t work.

Forgive so you can be free.

The day I let go of all anger and hate towards my ex was the day I felt so free and light.

I hold nothing against anyone because I know my life is so much bigger than that.

At the same time, forgive yourself.

You are human and you’ve made mistakes.

But by forgiving yourself, you are giving yourself permission to move on and to become better.

22. Share your passion with others

Sharing your passion with others is a great way to connect with like-minded individuals and inspire others to pursue their own passions.

I started a Women’s Meet-Up Group on Meet-Up because I wanted to meet more women like me and I was so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and took that hard step.

I met so many wonderful women who wanted to talk and spread joy.

I learned so much because we are a group of diverse women who all excel in our own fields.

I am so inspired when I listen to everyone’s personal stories and I try to do the same.

It helps us connect with each other on a deeper level.

This helps me work with more enthusiasm and love on my projects – it gives me purpose.

If someone asks me a question, I never gate-keep. I really do love talking about my work and I try to be open about everything.

It’s important to show others how your passion has enriched your life and how it can enrich theirs too!

23. Celebrate the successes of others

We often make ourselves the hero of our stories.

That’s great because it’s important to focus on yourself.

But at the same time, you have to celebrate other people’s successes if you truly want to build everlasting relationships.

Being happy for other people is going to make you feel more connected and positive as well.

It helps foster a sense of community and connection and inspires us to work harder towards our own goals.

I always encourage other women when they start a business. It is not something I got when I started mine and I truly understand how important it is to be supported.

And while supporting others, I’ve received countless support and praise from others that has helped me flourish in my own business.

This is actually a growth mindset – and it helps shift our focus away from competition and towards collaboration instead.

24. Retreat when necessary

It is impossible to be bubbly 24/7.

Although I try to maintain a positive demeanor pretty much all the time, life happens.

I couldn’t be smiling 24/7 when my mom died. It really did hurt me and no amount of looking on the bright side made me feel better.

During times like this, it’s okay to retreat and take some time for yourself.

We are human and we need shelter.

It’s okay to talk to a therapist, to talk to friends, to talk to family, or just to be by yourself.

It’s okay to heal.

It’s okay to want to be alone for a while.

This is necessary in order to process your feelings and come to terms with what’s happened.

At the end of the day, having a bubbly personality is something you choose to do.

It is a part of who you are.

So, don’t shame yourself if you are taking some time off or you’re just going through a bad spell. Be kind to yourself and take all the time you need to grieve and heal.

That’s perfectly alright.

Here are a few more posts you may find helpful:

• How to trust the process let go
• How to focus on the present moment
• 13 genuine ways to make every day count
• How to let go of the past even though it’s painful
• How to make friends in your 30s (What I did + photos)
• 49 things to do at home when bored with friends
• 9 reasons why friends come and go
• 25 personal goal examples to inspire you to create your own
• 7 healthy habits to develop in your 30s (for women)
• 13 polite ways to handle unsolicited advice
• How to say no without feeling crappy
• 13 ways to feel loved when nobody loves you
• 23 ways to let loose and be yourself
• Finding peace: how to stop thinking about someone who hurt you
• 12 genuine reasons to let go of a friend and how to do it peacefully
• How to forgive yourself for hurting someone