The other day I was driving along in not the best of moods, mainly due to the traffic and the rain. I flicked on my indicator to change lanes but, given my mood, I expected to have a hard time getting across. But no, the car that was coming up on my left immediately slowed down and let me in. As I exchanged a smile with the driver, my mood immediately lifted.
What this simple act of kindness made me realize is that often it doesn’t take much to make someone else’s day. So your mission for today, should you choose to accept it, is to go out into the world and brighten someone else’s day. Here are a few ideas to get you rolling:
1. Remember a birthday
People always love it when you remember their birthday. Tip: go through Facebook and enter your friends’ birthdays in your diary so you don’t forget.
2. Stand up for someone
Do you know someone who is being harassed or picked on? Show them some support by standing up for them.
3. Ping
If time is an issue, consider “pinging” a friend by sending a quick email or text message. This is a great way to show someone you are thinking about them.
4. Listen
Sometimes people just need to vent. If you get the impression that a friend, family member, or co-worker has something on their mind, just listen. They will appreciate it.
5. Tell a joke
As E. E. Cummings once said, “the most wasted of all days is one without laughter.” So tell a joke, even if it is just to your cat.
6. Buy a friend lunch
If you haven’t seen a friend for awhile, taking them out to lunch is a great way to catch up.
7. Lend a good book
Friends and family seem to be forever lending me books that they have read. I know this makes my day :) .
8. Compliment
Everybody loves to receive a sincere compliment.
9. Buy a small gift
This shows that you have been thinking about the person you buy the gift for.
10. Babysit
Any parent will tell you how nice it is to receive an offer to watch the kids (even for just an hour!).
11. Give chocolate
I find that women, in particular, appreciate chocolate :) .
12. Believe in friend
Many people struggle with confidence. Show a friend that you believe in their big idea and you may just help it become a reality.
13. Show your love
Saying “I love you” to your partner is nice, but an even better idea is to show your love. You can’t go wrong by offering to give your partner a massage without being asked.
14. Smile
A smile can be infectious (as I learned in the story at the start of this article).
15. Share a happy memory
Did you just think of a funny event that happened to you and a friend? Or do you have some photos from a recent outing? If so, send a quick email to your friend so that they can relive the memory.
16. Compile a music CD
A great idea to brighten someone’s day is to burn a compilation of your favorite songs to CD for them.
17. Cook a meal
You may be noticing a pattern here with the food suggestions. I always was a fan of the expression “the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach”.
18. Commend excellent customer service
Making the boss aware you received great service or leaving a generous tip are two ways to commend excellent customer service.
19. Say thank you
Saying “thank you” is perhaps the easiest way to show someone you appreciate them.
20. Donate to a charity
You may not see the person you help, but that’s not really the point, is it?
21. Give someone a dizzy wizzy
This works better for young children than adults (see the photo at the start of the article) :) .
Great list of day-improving ideas Peter. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Alex. I enjoyed writing this list, so I’m glad you enjoyed it :) .
Actually, I would have to disagree that the way to a persons heart is through their stomach. The way to a persons heart is through their chest with an axe. :D
MacTipper
My Mac-Tipping Blog
MacTipper: thanks for the funny, yet kind of disturbing, comment :)
Be careful with that “burn your friend a cd” suggestion. As much as I agree, I’d watch out for the white RIAA van if I mentioned replicating and distributing music.. Just keep their motto in mind: “You burn music, we burn you.”
Brian: yes, there is some crazy stuff happening these days and the last thing I would want to do it attract “the white RIAA van” (for some reason I find it very amusing to think of this van with its RIAA squad members inside). Perhaps I should change it to “ask a friend to burn a cd for another friend” – would that get me off the hook?
THANKS for reminding me, its my best friends B-DAY! (not joking)
Excellent list. I’d like to add “Tip your server at a restaurant strongly.” It doesn’t take all that much more to stick out in the wait staffs mind, and it will definitely improve their day.
Awesome guys! Nice job.
The car to your left was simply following traffic etiquette. If two cars are approaching the same intersection at the same time, the car to the right (you) has the right of way. The car to your left had give way by letting the car to the right (you) cross the intersection first.
At least it’s good to know some people know and practice that.