I've come up with a short list of things that anyone could do to help make the world a bit friendlier. Most of them are about interactions with other people, all of them take little effort. I'm saying anyone has to do anything, but I thought I'd put it out there. Also, feel free to add to the list.
Make eye contact with people and smile.
People respond well to smiles. It makes them feel better. When you smile at people, they are more likely to smile at the next person they see, which spreads the feeling of good will.
Tell people what’s good about them.
People are more likely to remember their mistakes than their successes. Everyone needs to be reminded about what he or she does well. Be honest. Your comments will mean more.
Thank people.
When someone holds a door for you, or does a favor for you, say thank you. It means a lot to know that one’s work is being appreciated.
See obstacles not as enemies, but as experiences.
It is easier to face problems when you are not overwhelmed by them. By stepping back to think a problem through, you can come up with better solutions than you would if you were stressed out.
Be more open to new experiences and new people.
It is easy to fall into routine and feel trapped. Keep looking out for new things to try to make your life more interesting. Be open to the people you will meet during new experiences, too. There are lots of nice people in the world whom you can meet by just being friendly.
Be tolerant.
No one agrees completely with anyone else. Respect other people’s opinions and beliefs. Don’t tolerate someone hurting you or another, but don’t be mean about it. Just do what it takes to remove yourself and whomever else is being hurt from the situation.
Learn all sides of political/religious beliefs.
This will enable you to make an informed decision about what you believe in and support. Even if you don’t agree with a particular view, you will have the understanding of why some people agree with it and it will be easier to relate to them.
Send people physical letters.
You don’t have to stop using email, but every once in a while it’s nice to send a physical letter. It’s always lovely to receive something in the mail that isn’t a bill. A physical letter shows that you have put the time and effort into writing the letter and bringing it to the post office to mail.
Be nice to the bullies.
Most bullies are victims of abuse. The only way they’ll change their actions is if we treat them nicely. Don’t tolerate abuse, but don’t be mean to the bully. Just do what it takes to get the situation under control.
Express powerful emotions in a productive way.
Use the energy your emotions provide you with to do something positive, such as drawing, making music, or starting a project. Hurting yourself or others does just that – it hurts.
Let those you care about know that they’re not alone.
Everyone needs to know that they’re cared about. Remind your loved ones that you love them and support them when they have problems.
Don’t let disappointment make you mean.
Not everything will go the way you want it to. Look at the big picture and figure out how to use the outcome to your advantage.
Ask people how their day was and really listen to the answer.
Show people that you care about their feelings and their lives. Discussing the day’s events will bring you closer to the person and will encourage him or her not to bottle up emotions.
Sing your own personal happy song.
Listen to whatever song cheers you up, and sing along. You’ll feel better.
Respect people’s rights to have their own opinions.
Don’t expect people to agree with you on everything and don’t get upset when people don’t. Different opinions make the conversation more interesting.
If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
There’s no need to be mean. If you need to let off steam, find a friend you can vent to.
Help people.
Everyone needs help sometimes. Even if it’s as simple as holding the door for somebody who has his hands full, it will be appreciated. Also, when you need help, others will be more open to helping you.
Make eye contact with people and smile.
People respond well to smiles. It makes them feel better. When you smile at people, they are more likely to smile at the next person they see, which spreads the feeling of good will.
Tell people what’s good about them.
People are more likely to remember their mistakes than their successes. Everyone needs to be reminded about what he or she does well. Be honest. Your comments will mean more.
Thank people.
When someone holds a door for you, or does a favor for you, say thank you. It means a lot to know that one’s work is being appreciated.
See obstacles not as enemies, but as experiences.
It is easier to face problems when you are not overwhelmed by them. By stepping back to think a problem through, you can come up with better solutions than you would if you were stressed out.
Be more open to new experiences and new people.
It is easy to fall into routine and feel trapped. Keep looking out for new things to try to make your life more interesting. Be open to the people you will meet during new experiences, too. There are lots of nice people in the world whom you can meet by just being friendly.
Be tolerant.
No one agrees completely with anyone else. Respect other people’s opinions and beliefs. Don’t tolerate someone hurting you or another, but don’t be mean about it. Just do what it takes to remove yourself and whomever else is being hurt from the situation.
Learn all sides of political/religious beliefs.
This will enable you to make an informed decision about what you believe in and support. Even if you don’t agree with a particular view, you will have the understanding of why some people agree with it and it will be easier to relate to them.
Send people physical letters.
You don’t have to stop using email, but every once in a while it’s nice to send a physical letter. It’s always lovely to receive something in the mail that isn’t a bill. A physical letter shows that you have put the time and effort into writing the letter and bringing it to the post office to mail.
Be nice to the bullies.
Most bullies are victims of abuse. The only way they’ll change their actions is if we treat them nicely. Don’t tolerate abuse, but don’t be mean to the bully. Just do what it takes to get the situation under control.
Express powerful emotions in a productive way.
Use the energy your emotions provide you with to do something positive, such as drawing, making music, or starting a project. Hurting yourself or others does just that – it hurts.
Let those you care about know that they’re not alone.
Everyone needs to know that they’re cared about. Remind your loved ones that you love them and support them when they have problems.
Don’t let disappointment make you mean.
Not everything will go the way you want it to. Look at the big picture and figure out how to use the outcome to your advantage.
Ask people how their day was and really listen to the answer.
Show people that you care about their feelings and their lives. Discussing the day’s events will bring you closer to the person and will encourage him or her not to bottle up emotions.
Sing your own personal happy song.
Listen to whatever song cheers you up, and sing along. You’ll feel better.
Respect people’s rights to have their own opinions.
Don’t expect people to agree with you on everything and don’t get upset when people don’t. Different opinions make the conversation more interesting.
If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
There’s no need to be mean. If you need to let off steam, find a friend you can vent to.
Help people.
Everyone needs help sometimes. Even if it’s as simple as holding the door for somebody who has his hands full, it will be appreciated. Also, when you need help, others will be more open to helping you.
