Random Acts of Kindness: How To Make the World a Friendlier Place

We've all noticed it: common courtesy and kindness in the world today seem less important to people than they did in years past. As our speed of life increases by leaps and bounds, our patience becomes less and the little things in life seem less important. Many of us would like to see a change, but just aren't sure how to do it.

There really is only one way you can bring kindness and compassion back into our world: living by example.

So, you want to live by example and become a kinder, friendlier, more compassionate person, but you aren't quite sure how to do it. Here are a few simple things you can do every day to contribute to a happier, more courteous society:

Say Please and Thank You

These words have lost their importance in our culture. In other languages, such as Japanese, these phrases are almost built into the grammatical structure. In English we need to consciously think, "I should thank this person." Don't forget to thank people and be liberal in giving thanks. Saying please before or after a request also shows courtesy and respect.

Give a Compliment

Many times when I've been having a rough day, a few words of kindness from a stranger have really cheered me up. A compliment can bring a person out of the doldrums and boost their confidence. Saying something nice about somebody's outfit, their car, their hair, or their smile can bring a little brightness to even the darkest of days.

Hold the Door

If you're entering a store and there's somebody behind you, hold the door open for them. Sure, this is a very small gesture, but it's a random act of kindness you don't always see anymore.

Volunteer

Volunteering your time and efforts towards a cause you care about shows that you not only want to better that cause but you want to better the world the best way you know how. Mentoring a child, cleaning up a river, or working for a neighborhood service center are just a few examples of the many great ways you can touch others' lives.

Put Your Cell Phone Away!

I see it all the time at my job as a parking attendant for my university: people coming to my window, talking away on their cell phones and barely acknowledging me when I ask, "How are you today?" It's not only annoying, it's flat out rude. Don't try to multi-task. Tell the person on the phone that you will call them back, finish your transaction at the grocery store/parking lot/drive through window, and call them back as soon as you're done.

Send a Card

Randomly sending a card to a friend, for no particular reason, is another great way to brighten somebody's day. It need not be anything fancy, plus it could be a fun activity for you if you make it yourself.

There are lots of different ways of showing people courtesy and kindness. Get creative! But most importantly, don't forget these magic words: please, thank you, and get off your cell phone!