Download Article
Download Article
Many people wonder how to change the world for the better. The answer? One random act of kindness at a time. If you want to be respected, or just want to be nice, follow this step by step article!
Steps
-
Hold open doors for people. It may seem small, but it doesn't take a lot of time or effort, and someone holding open a door with a smile can make someone's day. Helping or just being courteous to other people can make you feel good about yourself.
- If you're in an elevator and see someone approaching, wait for them to enter before hitting "door close." [1]
X
Expert Source
Tami Claytor
Etiquette Coach Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.
- If you're in an elevator and see someone approaching, wait for them to enter before hitting "door close." [1]
X
Expert Source
Tami Claytor
-
In traffic, just keep reminding yourself that the person who just cut you off was probably having a bad day. Let others in front of you when there is a back up. Move up a little so the soccer mom ten cars back can get into the proper lane to make her turn and get the kids to soccer practice on time for a change.Advertisement
-
Be kind to the elderly. Give up your seat on the train or bus or any other transport. Of course, if you are eight months pregnant and need to sit, keep the seat. But if you think someone else needs it more than you, let them have the seat. You will feel good about it and you will make the person who you were generous to feel happy. [2] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- If you see an elderly person having difficulty crossing the street, offer them your hand and walk with them. As you cross the street, walk on the side of traffic. [3]
X
Expert Source
Tami Claytor
Etiquette Coach Expert Interview. 29 September 2020. - Be patient when you're standing behind an elderly person in line. Sometimes, people get agitated and frustrated when an elderly person takes a while to get organized, and that's not appropriate. [4]
X
Expert Source
Tami Claytor
Etiquette Coach Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.
- If you see an elderly person having difficulty crossing the street, offer them your hand and walk with them. As you cross the street, walk on the side of traffic. [3]
X
Expert Source
Tami Claytor
-
Be generous. If someone is missing a few cents for their purchase in a store, give it to them.
-
Give money to homeless people, but not directly, as this could cause problems for you and more importantly, for them. Give generously to organizations which feed the homeless.
-
Offer to be friends to people you have known for even a short time or who you know are going through a tough time. They need to know you care (especially if you are the only one who does).
-
Kindness begins at home. Obey your parents if you are a kid, and do your chores and homework. If you are all grown up, call your parents once in a while.
-
Remember you have a responsibility to society as well. Apart from our own needs and satisfaction, one needs to offer a helping hand to the immediate society as well. This can be done in small ways, yet in significant ways. Offering a neighbor to switch on the lights, or to feed their pet when they are away are examples of gestures that reciprocate kindness.
-
Show kindness and responsible behavior to the environment. Attempt to protect the planet by contributing to the upkeep of public parks, gardens that fall outside the realms of your property etc. By helping an elderly or sick person to tend their gardens or even plant a tree shows goodwill and selflessness.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
- The world gets changed a step at a time. People, after they have been affected by the courtesy of strangers, will begin to do the same for others. Eventually politeness will become more common in the world.Thanks
- Be nice always even with those that are not really nice with you, it will help a lot. First try to help them with their problems.Thanks
- Smile often. It improves your appearance and you will feel good.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Warnings
- Being kind does not mean being a doormat. Don't let people take advantage of you.Thanks
- Men: Be careful, because it is possible that women will mistake kindness for creepiness or think you are hitting on them, even if you are doing nothing of the sort.Thanks
Advertisement
References
- ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10376957/
- ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.
- ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 174,280 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "It showed me how simple it is to be courteous and that it can change lives, one act of kindness at a time!"
Advertisement