6 Ways to Brighten a Stranger's Day

[Luci92]

1. Smile

They’re beautiful, free and they’ll never run out! They’re one of the best things you can give. And guess what, do you know what happens when you smile? People generally smile back, so everyone wins and walks away feeling that little bit happier.

And if you wanna get scientific, check out this TED talk:

https://www.ted.com/talks/ron_gutman_the_hidden_power_of_smiling?language=en

2. Compliment people

If there’s one thing I like more than receiving compliments, it’s giving them. I don’t necessarily mean your friends or people close to you (although definitely do it to them too!) but when I give an honest, heartfelt compliment to a stranger, I feel warm and fuzzy inside knowing that I can improve someone’s day whether it be in the smallest or largest way.

3. Be thankful

This is such a little one, but one of my huge pet peeves! Say thank you! Whether someone holds open a door, lets you pass them in a corridor, or does something that’s even slightly out of their way, say thank you warmly with a smile on your face, to acknowledge and to encourage them to keep doing what they’re doing.

4. Have Manners and be Chivalrous

I think this is continuing along with the same theme as the one above, but the power of a simple please and thank you should not be underestimated. Even if it’s not verbal manners, hold a door open or offer that person on the bus your seat. If you want to be shown kindness, all the more reason to show it to others. Chivalry is not dead!

5. Post-it Notes

I work in an office (yes, a 16 year old with an office job), and because I'm part-time, I desk share with another part-timer, so I leave him a nice comment on a post-it note every so often. The first one was me introducing myself (as we've never met and likely never will) and asking him how he's finding it at work because he was new. I also have a jar of tea bags on my desk, so another note said ‘feel free to help yourself to a cup of tea’. I’ve also stuck some printer memes up in the printer room, which the adults find absolutely hilarious when they go to get their printing.

6. Here on GaG

Maybe don’t write the angry comment you’re thinking of writing. I saw a quote today on a church board and it said ‘unspoken anger is never regretted’. I hope you can keep that in mind, and if you can’t say anything nice or at least say it in a civilized manner, maybe reconsider saying it.

So if you’ve finally made it to the end of the article, I’m sending you a big smile and a hug and encouraging you to be kind!

[vekin]

Awesome mytake!

Simple but very important things!

[Luci92]

Thank you! Means a lot coming from an editor! :)

[vekin]

I am maybe editor here but that doesn't mean much