How to Make Someone's Day

It doesn't take much to brighten someone's day. In fact, it's the little things that make a big difference. Whether you're offering support to a loved one or providing a kindness to a stranger, it only takes a few minutes out of your day to boost someone's spirits.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Doing Nice Things for Your Family

If it's your sister's job to vacuum, do it for her before she gets home. If your husband usually mows the lawn, offer to do it while he goes out with his friends. Giving someone a break every now and then will make him or her smile.
Cook a nice meal, and set up the table with candles and tablecloths. Make the evening extra special, even if it's just a regular Tuesday night.
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Go out and start the car for a family member so that he or she has a cozy morning.^{[1]XResearch source}.
Whether you pick some flowers from the backyard or buy a small bunch from the grocery store, flowers will brighten your family's day.^{[2]XResearch source}
Give hugs and kisses. Pat your kid on the back. Give your spouse a back rub. This type of affection will show your loved ones you care without you having to say a word.^{[3]XResearch source}
Whether it's being there for someone who needs to talk or just being around to spend time with your family, your presence is one of the best things you can give.^{[4]XResearch source}
7
Encourage their dreams. Everybody has things they wish they could do. Be the one to offer encouragement instead of throwing roadblocks in the way.^{[5]XResearch source}
- For instance, if you know your mom wants to learn to play the violin, find one for her to play instead of saying things such as "Why would you want to do that? That's dumb."
If you see something you know a family member will love, surprise him or her with it.^{[6]XResearch source}
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Telling Someone How You Feel About Them

You can leave specific ones if you know who will find them, but you can also just write little messages such as "I love you" or "You brighten my day!"^{[7]XResearch source}
2
Buy a card. Even if it's not a special occasion, give someone a card. Tell that person why you're glad he or she is in your life.
- For instance, you could write something simple such as "Dear Grace, I just wanted to write you a note to say how much you mean to me. I'm so glad I met you, and we get to be friends! You brighten up my days! Love, Lisa."
It's easy to do if you're packing it, but you can also slip it in later. Just say something nice to give that person a boost. You can even write it on a napkin.^{[8]XResearch source}
Leave a note for loved ones by writing on the mirror or the shower wall. They'll find it the next time they hop in the shower.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Showing Kindness to Friends and Colleagues

You could also bring donuts, breakfast burritos, or muffins, just something to give everyone a morning pick-me-up.^{[9]XResearch source}
If you notice items being printed that aren't yours, go ahead and deliver them if you know who they belong to.^{[10]XResearch source}
Whether that person is a new mom, someone who started a new job, or someone who's just having a rough time, the gift of dinner can be a lifesaver.^{[11]XResearch source}
With bills filling up most people's mailboxes these days, someone you know would love to get a letter from you.^{[12]XResearch source}
While compliments work in any situation, it's sometimes easier to forget them at work. If a co-worker is doing a great job on a project, let her know.^{[13]XResearch source}
If you see someone's lawn is becoming overgrown, take some extra time and mow it, as well. Your neighbor will appreciate the kind gesture.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Paying It Forward

Help out a homeless shelter. Read to kids at the library. Serve food at a soup kitchen. Whatever you do, you're sure to make a difference and give someone's day a boost.
Most coffee places will let you buy coffee for the next person in line. This little gesture is sure to brighten someone's day.^{[14]XResearch source}
Not only will it brighten their day, smiling will make you happier, too.^{[15]XResearch source}
4
Be polite. Politeness goes a long way, especially for people in retail. Remember to say "please" and "thank you" and to be kind.
- Learn people's names. If you regularly have the same cashier at the grocery store, greet her by name. People in retail can feel invisible, but you can show that you do realize there's a person in front of you.^{[16]XResearch source}
- Similarly, do things like ask for separate checks at the beginning of a meal to make it easier on your waiter.^{[17]XResearch source}
5
Let people ahead of you in line. Whether you're waiting at the bank or the grocery store, you can let someone ahead of you. Everyone can use a little less waiting time in the day, so people will appreciate the gesture.^{[18]XResearch source}
- Always be patient while you wait. For instance, instead of complaining about a slow-moving elderly customer, let them take their time at the check-out line.^{[19]XExpert SourceTami Claytor
  Etiquette CoachExpert Interview. 29 September 2020.}
For instance, offer a bottle of water to the delivery person or the person who mows your lawn.^{[20]XResearch source}
Not only will you be helping someone who may be in a hurry to get on her way, you'll also be helping out the store employee who would need to corral that cart if you don't.^{[21]XResearch source}
8
Hold a door open. Little gestures can mean a great deal to someone, even something as simple as holding a door open.^{[22]XResearch source}
- Hold the elevator door open for people, too!^{[23]XExpert SourceTami Claytor
  Etiquette CoachExpert Interview. 29 September 2020.}
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Tips

Don't be afraid to talk to or wave at total strangers. At one point in time, all of the people you know now were strangers, too. Maybe the person you wave at today will be a new friend tomorrow.
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