About a year ago, before the state of the country’s political climate really got as heated as we know it is now, I made a decision that started with a simple gesture: I gave a random stranger a compliment. Nothing crazy—I just liked her outfit and decided to tell her. And when she thanked me, she smiled, and that smile stuck on her face as she turned to walk away. With minimal effort, I had visibly made someone’s day better, and it made me feel good knowing that I had that effect on someone, even if I may never see her again.
After seeing her reaction, I decided that any time I noticed something about a stranger, no matter how insignificant it might seem—a cute top, a good shade of lipstick—I would tell them. We are too afraid of coming off as weird or creepy when the fact of the matter is that nothing bad can happen from giving a stranger a compliment -- it’s a win/win situation. Worst-case scenario, they say thanks and move on. Best-case scenario, you make their day and you feel good too.
I mean realistically, who doesn’t love a compliment? Especially when it’s coming from someone you don’t know, who isn’t getting anything in return.
No matter how small—from a simple “I like your bag,” to a “Your whole outfit is just amazing and I love it,” a compliment can brighten even the worst days, however briefly. In a time like this when it seems that no one can get along, a little goes a long way.
I’ll admit, it felt weird at first, and I didn’t do it every time right off the bat. But after consciously making the effort for around a year, it’s become second nature, something I just do—becausewhy not?
In a time like this, with a country so divided and hatred coming from both sides, it’s important to remember that we need to be kind. The smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest differences, and you don’t have to spend money, energy, or shout your political beliefs from the rooftops to have an impact.
And lots of times, that small act of kindness won’t stop with the person receiving it; someone in a good mood is more likely to brighten someone else’s day. Plus, I'd much rather interact with someone in a good mood than someone in a bad mood. You're affecting more than just that one person. It’s a chain—so be the one to start it.
There’s enough hate in this world without our country being an additional source. So rather than working on “Making America Great Again,” maybe we should focus on Making America Kind Again. If we are kind above all else, the rest will follow.