Two friends at a restaurant laughing together.

10 Simple Ways to Pay It Forward With Kindness

The truth is, we never know what another person is going through and a little bit of kindness can go a long way to brighten their day. They might be struggling with social anxiety, stress from unemployment, or a healthcare bill that poses financial strain. They might also just be having a bad day, which is equally valid.

Any person can make a difference, no matter how little. Here are a few ways we can make the world a kinder place.

Compliment a Stranger

Romance everywhere. Young charming woman talking to attractive stranger at the cafe.
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When done thoughtfully, a little compliment while you’re in the coffee shop queue or at a festival is a fun way to make someone feel better about themselves and maybe even make new friends.

 

Hug Your Loved Ones

Sympathetic woman hugging friend.
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Hugs are a wonderful way to show your love to a family member, spouse, or friend. Hugs can convey what a thousand words can’t.

 

Good Manners

Old woman walking down the street with walking stick and a little girl goes with her. View from the back.
Photo credit: Depositphotos

Practicing good manners goes a long way. Giving a pregnant lady your seat, helping the elderly cross the street, or opening the door for someone whose hands are filled with bags is not just good manners, it also helps lighten the load, shows thoughtfulness, and provides care for those in need.

 

Express Gratitude

Friends at work give fist bump.
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Everyone likes feeling appreciated. When you tell a friend how you appreciate them and all the ways you’re grateful for them, you immediately brighten their day and even inspire them to return the positivity.

 

Help Out a Friend

Couple Moving Boxes From Removal Truck
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Offer to help a friend move from one apartment to another or volunteer to accompany them to the doctor’s appointment they’re anxious about. Showing support is a great way to be kind, and it’s also the recipe for a fulfilling friendship.

 

Listen Empathically

Couple facing each other, looking each other in the eye, to have a serious discussion.
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

When people are going through something, sometimes they need solutions. But other times, they just need someone to listen empathically and make them feel heard and seen. Listening empathically means offering them space to offload without judgment and not focusing on what we want to say next. It’s all about making your loved one feel heard so they don’t feel alone.

 

Take Over the Load

Handsome man repairing faucet of kitchen sink
Photo credit: Depositphotos

Some people feel most loved when someone is making their lives easier by handling various tasks. This can be fixing a leaky faucet, taking the car to the car wash, or taking the kids to the zoo so your overwhelmed partner can enjoy a self-care day. Whatever it is, think of what would take the weight off the shoulders of a loved one.

 

Cook Food for a Loved One

woman checking the flavor of food as she cooks in the kitchen.
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

An easy way to show appreciation is by making a delicious meal for your family, friend, or partner. After all, nothing compares to a home-cooked meal made with love! Plus, there are endless recipes to experiment with depending on preferences and dietary requirements.

 

Be Friendly With Workers

Cashier woman on workspace in supermarket shop
Photo credit: Depositphotos

Whether you’re buying some groceries or calling customer support about faulty internet service, it’s always a good idea to be friendly and well-mannered.

 

Paying for a Stranger’s Meal

Close up of a cashiers hand
Photo credit: Depositphotos

If you want to pleasantly surprise a stranger, you can always pay for the coffee or meal of the next person in line. Who knows, you might just be the blessing they were praying for that day or the inspiration for a new practice in that coffee shop or restaurant.

 

S.K. Lumen
S.K. Lumen is a writer, artist and blogger who is passionate about helping women become their best selves. Her writing is educational, empowering and uplifting, and includes topics like personal development, self-care, self-love, mental health, wellness and spirituality. Both her art and fantasy books reflect the magical world of her imaginarium, featuring surreal, dreamy visuals and storylines. With a BA in English Language and Literatureand a Master’s in Irish Studies, Lumen has always had an appreciation for art, books, psychology, cats, twilight skies, and ancient Celtic cultures.