10 'Small' Moments Of Kindness That Can Turn Someone's Day Around
This December, we’re championing kindness in all its forms through HuffPost UK’s Kindness Advent Calendar. Check back daily (until 24 December) for new stories focusing on how individuals and communities are going above and beyond to help others in their times of need.
There is a caretaker who stands outside my child’s school each day, greeting every person that passes him by with a smile, chirpy “good morning” and a fist bump, high five, or both.
His enthusiasm is infectious and there’s not a child (or parent, for that matter) who manages to pass him still frowning. The stress of the school rush melts away.
These moments of kindness and connection can really make a difference, shifting a person’s mood and possibly even the trajectory of their day, as plenty of people noted after someone asked Redditors to share the “small things people do every day that quietly make the world better”.
In the spirit of inspiring kindness now and all year round, here’s what they said:
1. Smiling at others
“Smiling at people on my daily walks, most almost suddenly smile back.”
“Totally agree with you that’s such a powerful way to spread kindness. Smiling at people is so simple, but when they smile back, it’s like a mini chain reaction of positivity.”
“I smile at everyone I see! You never know what someone’s going through and maybe they need a smile to borrow. I also try to compliment people on their shoes, earrings, hats, etc.”
2. Road courtesy and patience
″[It] does not go unnoticed!”
“Let a car in when there’s a long line of cars to cross through.”
3. Holding the door for others
“When I was on crutches and people would hold the door open for me. That made my day so very much easier. Life on crutches sucks and just that one little act could make my day.”
4. Buying food for people who are homeless
“I buy homeless people Door Dash dinner every day I am down at my creative spot.”
5. Saying ‘thank you’ and valuing people’s efforts
“Saying, thank you so much. You did a great job. You’ve been a great help to me, I appreciate it!”
“Sometimes it’s just noticing and talking with the people who help you. My husband and I have had many wonderful conversations with servers, receptionists, etc., people who work hard and don’t often aren’t valued for their effort.”
6. Returning people’s trolleys at the supermarket
“I usually park far from the grocery store entrance (gotta get those steps in..) and if I pass someone who has just finished loading their car I will offer to take their cart back for them, saying ‘I’m headed in that direction!’
“The look of pure shock from people sometimes reminds me, small acts of kindness can just be a pleasant, unexpected surprise! Just something fun for me to do. Plus I like to feel useful, so it’s a win/win...”
7. Picking up litter
“Picking up trash while walking the dog.”
8. Putting neighbours’ bins back after bin day
“When on walks, I try to bring in peoples garbage cans if it’s been a day+ past pickup day. That way if they are gone, the bins don’t give it away.”
9. Being polite
“I think being polite when there is a mild inconvenience is gold. I’ve worked retail, and when I’m apologised to, the fact that I say it’s no problem usually results in a shocked face. It’s sad that retail workers expect verbal abuse from customers. Not this one though. Never from me.”
10. Compliment staff who go above and beyond
“Find a manager in the store and compliment a worker who has helped you. Filling out a survey online is good, but looking someone in the eyes and telling them how their workers are helpful goes a long way.”