A month ago we decided to go on a road trip – our first in the 10 years that we’ve been together as a couple. We don’t own a car, and a road trip wouldn’t be one without a car!

I thought about asking my friend who had a small car to lend it to us; assuming it would probably give a better mileage, save us some gas money, etc. I talked with the other friend of mine if the above friend would be OK to lend the car to us, him being recently out of work and all. So this friend #2 was visibly disappointed that we never thought of asking him his car! Imagine our glee.

Well, it wasn’t just a better car; it was a bigger car, which meant we could get couple of other family members on board for the road trip!

That wasn’t the act of kindness I’ve wanted to share yet. Well, we went to pick up the car, lo and behold! My friend #2 had the tank full (up to the brim) for us! I mean, he obviously didn’t have to do that.

We were prepared to fill gas on the way and fill it up while we return it anyway. But he, doing this for us, at least saved us that one trip to the gas station. This is how we started our epic road trip – with an act of kindness that just warmed our hearts and kept the spirit going throughout the holidays.

There are so many other subtle ways even you could do something today, just to make someone else’s day – make them smile and warm their hearts. I’m sure my friend was pleased as a peach when he did this for us intentionally. Here are ways you can feel that pleasure, too:

Become Happier with These Random Acts of Kindness Today

1. Smile and greet people wherever you go.

You never know who you’d meet and we learn something new every day. Perhaps that person needed your smile and warm vibes to start or end their horrible day. Who knows?

2. Greeting cards.

The multiple emojis and saying something on the digital world of social media don’t cut it anymore. Go out of the way and write a personal greeting card for your loved one – whether it’s a birthday, a promotion or if they had a baby. Make it personal.

3. Simple ways to show appreciation.

There will be times when you can’t really leave a big tip; you could personalize the bill by writing down ‘you did great!’ on the bill or give a really good review for the waiter on the feedback form.

Everyone loves to be complimented and appreciated.

4. Take a photo for someone.

When you see someone struggling to take a selfie, offer to take a good photo of them. I’m pretty sure they would want that great outfit to shine through in a photo that covers their whole body and not just the face.

5. Pay attention to the person in front of you.

It’s rude to constantly glance over your phone when someone is trying to make conversation with you. Take a break from your device and look the person in the eye when you converse. It would be the nicest thing you’d do for them, all day probably.

6. Accompany your friend on a grocery shopping trip.

It’s the little things that matter, remember? So a little bit of singing in the car, some pumpkin latte would make the grocery shopping an adventure!

7. Cook a meal for someone.

Even if it means only Choco chip cookies or some other gooey baked item. With awesome food, anything goes and you can get anyone beaming instantly!

8. Ask deeper questions.

Don’t just be ‘how are you, I’m good’ – get on to a routine and ask specific questions that make the conversation more intimate and the speaker feeling better immediately.

9. Listen actively.

Don’t just wait to respond or give advice, but actually take moments in the conversation and reply with questions that are related to what the person is sharing. This is being mindful and being present in the conversation. It’s also being really kind.

10. Accept compliments and give even more.

It’s gracious to accept compliments, without excuses, it makes the other person feel good about what they did. And give others honest compliments too! If you see something you like – let them know! It would definitely make any one’s day.

All these simple things can easily make another person happier, and it works in both ways. Even small act of kindness will bring you back twice as much positive emotions and happiness.

So what can you do today to become happier by making someone’s day?

About The Author

This is a guest post by Nicole Stansley – a writer and a digital marketing strategist. She is passionate about self-development, mindful living and healthy lifestyle, sharing her passion and experience in her writing.