Being kind hearted towards others helps bring meaning to our lives and those of others. When you are kind to someone, you open up channels for better communication and compassion, and become a positive force in their life. Research shows that being kind to others gets you into a loop of kindness and happiness whereby the more people you are kind to, the better you feel about yourself. You’ll also have a better outlook towards life. Below are some tips on how to be kind to others.
Tips On Being Kind to Others
-
1. Pay Compliments
You should make a habit of complimenting people in a genuine way. It’s a simple way of lifting up someone else as you go about your day. It won’t cost you anything and can help pick you up after a difficult day. You need to be careful with this as too many compliments given to the same person might come off as superficial and needy. Make sure the compliment is genuine and well deserved.
-
2. Buy Someone Coffee
Buying a friend coffee over the weekend is a great way to catch up and be kind to them. They will fell very special especially if it is totally unexpected.
-
3. Talk
Take time to talk to someone you’d normally not talk to. For example, you can reach out to the homeless man you pass by on your way to work. Engage them in conversation and shake their hand. Such a simple act can help restore a sense of dignity in their life.
-
4. Donate Money and Time
Donate to a charity or a worthy cause that needs help. If you can’t donate money, you can always give your time by doing something for others that might make an impact beyond your sphere of influence. This is how to be kind to people you might never meet.
-
5. Listen
Sometimes we understate the important of giving an ear to someone’s problem. Whether or not you have a solution does not matter. Being there for them and listening without judgement to what they have to say can mean a world of difference for them.
-
6. Give Up Your Seat
Try giving up or sharing your seat in the bus or in church next time someone comes late and they can’t find a seat. They’ll be taken aback by your unexpected show of kindness, but it will definitely lift up their spirits. Go ahead, give it a try.
-
7. Allow Someone to Cut You in Line
This is an act that‘s unimaginable for most people. Why would you want to let someone go before you? The fact that it’s so unusual make it one of the most powerful ways to show kindness. And you can see if someone is really in a hurry.
-
8. Smile More
If you are always too serious, it’s hard for people to consider you a kind person. So smiling in itself is a form of kindness. A smile is infectious and is one of the quickest ways to light up someone’s day.
-
9. Clean Up After Someone
Wondering how to be kind to your significant other? Why not take time to clean up after them? Though this might normally be a source of conflict most, change tact and clean up the dirty dishes they left in the kitchen. This won’t go unnoticed and they will feel very special.
-
10. Stop Complaining
Complaining is a bad habit that robs every one of their job. It can spoil the mood at home or at work in an instant. Try going 2 or 3 days without complaining and see how rewarding it will be.
-
11. Say Thank You
Being thankful even for the little things shows humility and appreciation for the efforts of others. When someone does something for you, always make a point of saying thank you. They will feel appreciated and respected.
-
12. Praise
Praise someone for a job well done in the workplace whenever the occasion arises. While it doesn’t seem like much, they will feel like they’re on top of the world especially if you do it in front of other workers.
-
13. Send a Card or Flowers
Know someone who is going through a difficult time? Why not send them a card or flowers? This little act of kindness will not only cheer them up but will show that you care.
-
14. Help the Disabled
When was the last time you helped a blind person cross the road, or even helped someone on a wheelchair reach for something? These little acts of kindness go a long way in making someone feel loved and appreciated.
-
15. Show Etiquette On the Road
Wondering how to be kind when driving to work? Why not wave a pedestrian across the stress, or stop to let someone else park?
-
16. Call an Old Friend
Giving someone you haven’t talked to in years a call is a great way to show that you have been thinking about them. The unexpected call might trigger some good memories and make their day.
-
17. Invite A Friend to Dinner
You can invite one of your co-workers or even a neighbor who you feel might be lonely over for dinner.
-
18. Babysit
Offer to babysit a friend’s child when they have something important to do.
-
19. Donate Some of Your Stuff
You can give some of your belongings to someone who is in need. You can give out clothes, household items, books and other things that are still in good condition. Instead of storing up things that you hardly use, you might as well give them to someone who needs them. You can also donate them to a charity of your choice. This is how to be kind to others.
-
20. Forgive
Make a habit of forgiving people who have wronged you. It can be difficult especially if the person hurt you, but forgiveness is the ultimate form of kindness to others and to yourself. Forgiving can have a transformative effect on your life and the person you have forgiven.