You don’t need to shower people with expensive gifts to show that you care about them. If it’s genuine, even a small act of kindness can go a long way. Like texting a friend just to see how they are doing. Or holding the elevator doors open for your neighbor. It can be that simple.
To learn more ways to make people smile, Redditor u/Self_World_Future asked others: “What is an underrated thoughtful gesture?” And they got plenty of answers. As of today, their post has 1,200 comments. Here are the most upvoted ones.
#1
Asking someone to finish their story if they get cut off in a group. Nothing feels worse than feeling like nobody cares what you have to say, and nothing feels better than someone sticking up for you.
Image source: plant10000, Priscilla Du Preez
#2
If you are driving someone home. At night, wait for them to get to the door, unlock and enter before you leave.
Image source: 2cats2hats, Davyd Markovskyi
#3
Saying “Hi” to the security guard.
Image source: chenzo17, Collin Armstrong
#4
If you’re in a group walking and someone’s falling behind (carrying something, have to tie their shoe, just a slower walker/has shorter legs etc.), at least one person waiting for them to catch up. Doesn’t have to be everyone, but just one person, maybe two, waiting for them to finish what they’re doing or to catch up a bit. Both my best friend and my S/O have done this for me at varying points in our relationships, and every time they do it it makes me want to cry bc it shows they care and don’t want me to feel left out even though I’ve got these short little fuckin corgi legs and they’re all walking at the speed of sound.
Image source: zachariesalads, Eliott Reyna
#5
Pedestrians who give a little nod or a wave to front cars that stopped for them.
Image source: twiistedtwilight, mike krzeszak
#6
Really listening when people speak and not just waiting for your turn to talk.
Image source: reddit, Mimi Thian
#7
Remembering little things. The other day I was talking to a friend and told him I just found out my sister is pregnant and he said “oh, the one who’s married to Brad?”. It was just nice that he makes a point to remember details that don’t necessarily mean anything to him.
Image source: 01kaj10, Donovan Grabowski
#8
Visiting someone with alzheimers. You will leave with a broken heart and in 20 minutes they won’t remember that you were there. But during your visit they will hopefully feel loved or at least know someone cares.
Image source: RussO1313, Tim Doerfler
#9
Every time there’s a new person at work, I recall what it was like being the new guy and go out my way to make them feel comfortable and let them know that I’ll answer any questions judgement free.
Image source: RalfHorris, Lagos Techie
#10
Letting someone with minimal items cut in front of you at the grocery checkout.
Image source: reddit, Marjan Blan
#11
When a car stops to let me cross the street, thereby forcing the other oncoming car to also recognize that I need to cross.
There is a busy road I have to cross daily and I’m so grateful every single time that the cars stop for me to cross. It’s just a simple gesture of feeling recognized.
Image source: PrinceofCanino, Juan Ordonez
#12
Telling someone they got a booger just hanging for its dear life or their fly is open. Embarrassing but better than walking around with it like it’s in vogue.
Image source: Wiknetti, eyesogreen
#13
Idk if this really counts but when you accidentally make eye contact with a stranger and both of y’all smile at each other.
Image source: TrashFireTM, Yingchou Han
#14
When someone you’re hanging out with throws away your trash or takes your dishes when you’re done eating. Not that I expect that all the time, but I find it sweet when it happens. Like if you’re sitting down at a fast food restaurant and your friend grabs your trash and throws it away with theirs.
Image source: friendsareshit, Catt Liu
#15
Saying “please” and “thank you.”
Image source: fredjin, Christina
#16
Texting a friend just to see how they are doing. It’s always nice to have someone reach out vs feeling like you are the person reaching out all the time.
Image source: kkkilla, Daria Nepriakhina
#17
Getting my oil changed yesterday and sitting in the waiting room and girl 30 years younger than me is getting a soda from the machine next to me… She looks over and asks me if I’d like a soda as well… I was a little surprised but politely said no and thank you… I thought it was an exceptionally kind gesture…
Image source: azbartender, Markus Winkler
#18
Trying to understand, not to debate.
Image source: Shawikka
#19
Letting people off the subway before you rush in.
Image source: somefuzzypants, Emir Eğricesu
#20
Giving a compliment (even something simple) to the food someone cooked for you. Odds are cooking is an extension of the person’s personality and it’ll mean a lot!
Image source: Dapperfix
#21
Take candid pictures of a mother with her children.
Or frankly ANYONE with their children..or grandchildren..or friends.. doing something other than posing in front of a fireplace at Christmas. You really have no idea how much I treasure the rare glimpses of me interacting with my kids when smiles aren’t forced. Take them, send them, they want them. You don’t have to ask..just.. do it. (So long as you, ya know.. know them and what not).
Image source: jillaaa, krakenimages
#22
When someone holds the elevator doors open when you’re just a few seconds away.
Image source: locheness4, Pelin Kahraman
#23
I’m really glad you asked because earlier one of my friends who I hadn’t talked to in a while expressed that they felt really comfortable with me, and came out as possibly trans (they are still figuring out exactly what their identity is, and had only told one person besides me) and told me how much they valued me as a friend. I actually came very close to crying because I was so moved by it. Tell your friends what they mean to you, it is incredibly powerful.
Image source: RexIsAMiiCostume, Sam Balye
#24
Just a thank you wave or flash from a driver who you let go in front of you or before you. Just a small thing that makes me feel good.
Image source: gaijin5
#25
Asking if a person got home okay.
Carrying groceries, bags or heavy items for an older person or family member.
Image source: reddit, Priscilla Du Preez
#26
I try to have water bottles or soda every time I have workmen over to my house or furniture/appliance delivery guys. They work hard and I’m usually pretty late into their delivery day so I figure a little treat is appreciated (on top of a tip . . . I’m not a monster)
Image source: Nobodyville
#27
I don’t know if this counts, but if I ever see a car parked at an expired meter, and if I have a spare coin, I throw it in.
Image source: Kooriki
#28
Holding the door open for someone.
Image source: sarahsunshine521, Kristina Paparo
#29
Someone deliberately taking their time to get on a bus you’re running for.
Image source: JamesPMBerry
#30
Saying “Wait, I don’t get what you mean. Can you repeat that?”
It does NOT signify to the other person that you weren’t listening. In fact, it actually signifies that you care enough about understanding that you’ll listen twice.
Image source: reddit
#31
Non expensive flowers for occasions. I’m talking 10$ daisy arrangement for your coworkers last day, or just because to a friend, I always bring wine and flowers as a host/hostess gift. There are so many cool flowers (not just roses!!)
And it can be for a male or female. The kings in your life deserve flowers as much as grandma. Tell him those sunflowers reminded you of his smile, tell bertha from accounting you appreciate the prompt Thursday afternoon checks. Tell Gamgam she’s your favorite and leave a little sunshine in your wake.
Image source: Kantotheotter, Free-Photos
#32
Remembering someone’s name goes a long way.
Image source: reddit, Jon Tyson
#33
When someone lets you into a lane. Thanks for not being a jerk!!
Image source: pigstuffy
#34
Engaged listening without interrupting.
Image source: Cosmohumanist, Anna Vander Stel
#35
Sending a meme to a friend that you know they’d enjoy.
Image source: Elijah_MorningWood, Priscilla Du Preez
#36
Taking your bag of the seat on the bus/train if others are looking for a place to sit.
Image source: darybrain
#37
Buy someone their favorite food item. My mom will specifically buy me new pears. It’s awesome because you see they like something, you remember they like something, and you put effort into getting them that something. For two-three bucks you can make a very thoughtful gesture.
Image source: Stormdanc3
#38
Remembering sweet little things like how someone likes their coffee.
Image source: Bluebandana1
#39
After I hang out with my girlfriend, she’ll often text me something like “Thanks for having me over today :)” and it’ll make me feel really good because it’s a reminder that we’re doing this because we like being together and not just because it’s convenient or routine or whatever.
Image source: reddit
#40
Giving a compliment. E.g. you look nice today.
Image source: The-goose–, LinkedIn Sales Solutions
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