Kind people are my favorite kind of people--the people who go out of their way to brighten up a stranger or friend's day expecting nothing in return. I believe in the act of paying it forward; when someone does an act of kindness for you, it is your responsibility to do an act of kindness for someone else.
1. Smile
Too many people use the excuse of having a permanent "resting bitch face" as to why they look perpetually angry. However, the easiest cure for this is to just smile. Nothing brightens a person's day more than receiving a smile from a stranger. As an added bonus, studies show that smiling lifts our mood and helps us appear more attractive to others.
2. Hold the door open
Especially if someone's hands are full. It won't even take a minute extra of your time.
3. Compliment others
You don't need to be friends with someone to tell a total stranger you like their outfit or hairstyle. For the rest of the day, they'll feel satisfied knowing that at least one person acknowledged their effort.
4. Strike up a conversation with an employee
As someone who used to work the mindless job of a cashier, I can confirm that workers appreciate any attempt at a small talk from customers--even if it's as trivial as a comment about the weather.
5. Use your manners
If a person puts in the extra effort to help you, it's always necessary to say please and thank you.
6. Bite your tongue
Next time you're surrounded by people bad-mouthing others you may or may not know, doesn't feel compelled to join in. It's easy to slip in your own opinion or even nod your head in agreement, but when you consider how you would feel if someone were to say
7. Tip generously
If you received excellent service at a restaurant, show your gratitude.
8. Check in with your loved ones
Sometimes I get so preoccupied with my own life that I'll go weeks without speaking to my friends and family. Text the people in your life frequently to see how they're doing, along with just demonstrating that you care.
9. Show up on time
Often, we show up late because we don't want to be the first one there, or we want to be "fashionably late." However, no one considers the feelings of the person hosting the gathering. Whether it's to a party, date, or even a class, people feel insignificant and insulted when they are kept waiting.
10. Be kind to someone you dislike
Chances are when you dislike someone, they know it. It used to be that if I was not a fan of someone I would either disregard them entirely or just give them curt responses. I've recently decided to put these feelings of ill will behind me no matter who I speak to, as I realized how childish it is.
In the process, I've realized that the reasons I thought I had to dislike people were often invalid and petty.
Once you make a habit to be a kinder person, it becomes second nature and you no longer have to need to think twice about it. If everyone implements these simple suggestions, we will have a kinder, more compassionate society overall.
