In a fast-paced world of abbreviations and cutting corners, 30 seconds of brain power (and putting down Tindr) is all it takes to spread smiles like you're Buddy the elf.
1. Be A Little Thoughtful
If your roommate is going through a rough time and has been down in the dumps, grab them a little pick-me-up. If you know they love M&M’s, put a bag on their bed and say “These are for you, now quit whining.” Or watch their favorite movie with them—I guarantee they’d appreciate it.
2, Do Little Things
An estimated 97 percent of the people who are walking behind you are just as stressed, disheveled, and in a rush as you. Take the extra five seconds to hold the door open for this person. Or be really friendly to the person serving you at a restaurant. You have no idea what the person you’re interacting with has been through—treat them the way you would want to be treated.
3. Throw Out A Compliment
If you’re having a casual conversation with someone and dig the shirt they have on, tell them! You’d be amazed by how excited people get if you throw even a small compliment at them—especially if they aren’t expecting you to.
4. Put In A Little Effort
It’s as easy as cracking a joke to the person who sits next to you when you don’t normally talk to them, or asking, “How have you been doing this semester?” to someone in your class, that can make someone smile. Humans love when other human’s show an interest in their wellbeing. It’s just a scientific fact, I suppose.
5. Call your Parent/Guardian
If you’re anything like me and have a very crazy, very wild, very New York Jewish mom, this rule especially applies to you. Your parent or guardian has probably spent 94.6 percent (not an estimate) of their life making sure that you’re well fed and alive. If you give this person a call (not to ask them for money) and say “Hi, just wanted to see how you’re doing and that I love you,” you may very well get best son/daughter of the year award. This is especially essential during the holiday season.
6. Reach Out
If you have old buddies you haven’t talked to in a while, or a friend you’ve lost touch with for some time, text/call/email/carrier pigeon a message to them. I bet that person has been interested in talking with you too, but just hasn’t yet. It is a really good feeling knowing that someone wants to reconnect with you.
7. Do The Unexpected
If you’re known as the lazy or sloppy guy, if you cleaned the dishes for your roommates one day I can assure you that they would probably shed a tear of happiness. Or if you’re the homebody of the bunch, muster up some energy to go out with your friends—they would really appreciate you spending some extra time with them.
8. Food
Pretty self-explanatory here. You could roll up on your arch nemesis with a slice of pizza to share and they would drop the feud like it's nothing. Just in case you didn’t know that, I have a background in science, yet—it’s been scientifically proven that people have better days when they’re given food. Just sayin’.
Advanced Day Making
If you have taken all these steps and still don’t feel satisfied with your ability to brighten the world, try these out. You’ll be the next Mother/Father Teresa.
9. Pay For Someone’s Coffee
Yes, I am aware that Starbucks costs $49.50 per latte, but if the person in front of you is digging around for change, just step in and pay for them. You will undoubtedly make their day. You might even get a date out of it, you little devil, you.
10. Give Back
Take some time to volunteer for an organization you care about or to give back to your community in some way. The people you come into contact with (or don’t) that were affected by what you did will be thanking you and appreciating your existence. Knowing that you did something for the greater good is just good for the soul, man.
11. End Your "RBF"
For some reason, it has become an acceptable part of the world to walk around like you are about to deck everyone you see across the face. This is known as "resting bitch face." Now sure, some of you boys and girls just might be a little angry walking to class, but if you just crack a smile for half a second after making eye contact with that shy person walking by you, it could really make his or her day. Smiling at people is an easy-ass way to show the world you have soul and to make others smile, too (and I bet you didn't wear braces for three years for nothin'). Plus, people are five times more likely to be attracted to someone with a smile on their face—do your part to keep the world looking good.
Creating World Peace One List At A Time,
Max Rutcofsky
