I like to write little poems for people and leave them lying around. It's just a small thing I like to do to brighten the days of my friends and other people I care about. Another friend I know likes to bring people flowers from time to time. He's done it for me more than once and it's always made me smile!
After Redditor omegagirljr1997 asked the online community, "What is your favorite small way to spread positivity?" people told us about some of their own tactics.
"A quick..."
Complimenting people. A quick, "I like your shirt" or "Your plant on your desk looks so nice!" is so easy to do, and it makes people smile.
"If your cashier..."
If your cashier or waiter/waitress has nail polish on, compliment it! They put clear effort into that part of their appearance, possibly even paid money for it, a short friendly comment on it is easy and typically welcome.
Otherwise, a good rule is to compliment a choice a stranger made about their appearance, not something they can't (easily) change. Her sick winged eyeliner, not her pretty brown eyes. His hair style, not his red hair.
"If I'm approaching a traffic light..."
If I'm approaching a traffic light, and see empty lanes, I switch over to the one in the middle, so the cars behind me can turn right on red and are not held up because of me. I hope that makes their day a bit quicker and gives them a feeling that they were able to make that light without stopping!
"Whenever I call some customer service..."
Whenever I call some customer service or whatever I try to remember the name of the person on the other end. When the call is over I thank them by using their name and say they were very helpful. You can tell that people usually forget their names.
"Whenever the opportunity presents itself..."
Be everyone's "hype man."
If someone tells a story or just shares an experience I try to always acknowledge them clearly, especially if it seems like few or no one else heard, assuming we're in a group setting.
If someone puts on an act for a joke that doesn't catch on, I try and back them up with antics that compliment theirs.
If someone is casually picked on in that "it's all in good fun but it's also kind of true so still possibly hurtful" kind of way, and they can't seem to retaliate with wit, I try to follow up with a positive spin or a counter burn if possible.
Whenever the opportunity presents itself, I try to acknowledge and encourage other people in subtle ways. I always hated the social spotlight because of poor self esteem, but I find that the kind of attention i get from this is just wonderful. Also it has the added benefit of making everyone love you.
"Thanking people..."
Thanking people for small tasks that usually go unnoticed days later.
"Oh quick question, did you restock that shelf the other day? Thanks, that really helped."
"I forgot to tell you, thanks for putting more paper in the copier."
"Did you rewrite the tasks on the dry erase board? Thanks, I can finally read it."
"Waving at each car..."
Waving at each car that passes as I walk along my country road. Today I was 9 for 9 on returned waves!
"I make sure..."
I make sure to tell every retail or customer service worker how much I appreciate them.
"I always do..."
When I'm talking with someone and they tell me to say hello, pass on well wishes etc. to another person, I always do, it always brings a smile to that persons face. And then they'll respond in kind, and I'll pass that message on back. Smiling faces are beautiful.
"That started..."
My parting words to everyone I interact with (usually when getting food) are "take care of yourself." That started during the pandemic and it's not going away after it's over.
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