The problems and everyday issues of the world can really get our spirits down. An ancient proverb says, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”
The good news is that it doesn’t take grand gestures to make another person smile; sometimes it’s the small things that can turn a day around.
In his book The Five Love Languages, Gary Chapman describes five main ways you can make people feel most loved. Although these may not be an exhaustive list, he lumps them into the following:
- Words of affirmation
- Acts of service
- Touch
- Gifts
- Quality Time
Once you know a person’s love language, it will be easier to identify ways to make them feel appreciated and loved, which can help trigger a smile more easily.
But even if you don’t know their specific love language, just knowing about these categories can inspire you with different ideas for making someone smile.
How to Make Someone Smile
Simply saying “Thank you,” or “I appreciate your help” goes a long way in making what may be a long day a little more cheerful, especially for people whose job involves serving others.
In another example of how little gestures can go a long way, baristas at coffee shop chains like Starbucks is that the baristas are trained to remember customers by name, which creates a feeling of community whenever the customer returns.
When you do set out to make someone smile, keep in mind that whether or not they choose to smile back is beyond your control. What matters is that your efforts were sincere and genuine. And even if they don’t smile, it doesn’t mean you didn’t brighten their day; they might be shy, surprised, or simply not used to such kind gestures and therefore unsure of how to respond.
10 Ways to Make a Stranger Smile
You may not know what kinds of hardships a stranger is currently enduring, but there are simple ways to spread the cheer. Who knows—you may be the only bright spot in an otherwise difficult day.
Check out some of these ways to make a stranger smile:
- Verbally appreciate the service offered by waiters, waitresses, store clerks, and receptionists.
- Leave a generous tip to grocery baggers, food servers, and food delivery persons.
- Remember a store clerk or barista’s name.
- Welcome new neighbors with a care basket.
- Hold a door open for the person walking in behind you.
- Offer to help carry heavy bags or packages across the street.
- Assist an elderly person across the street or onto a bus.
- Give up your seat for the elderly or pregnant.
- Offer a genuine compliment.
- Smile! There’s a good chance they’ll reciprocate.
15 Ways to Make Casual Acquaintances Smile
Making casual acquaintances smile is a great way to break the ice and potentially build stronger friendships. Sometimes, you might work side by side with a person, but never really get to know them.
Here are some ways you can make someone whom you may not know too well smile:
- Crack a joke.
- Give a sincere compliment.
- Offer help.
- Follow up on something relating to your last conversation.
- Listen attentively.
- Take them out for a coffee.
- On a rainy day, share your umbrella with them.
- Send an appreciation e-mail or message.
- Appreciate them verbally in a team meeting.
- Share food.
- Ask a colleague to hang out after work.
- Give them a birthday or Christmas card.
- Ask them about things they are interested in.
- Ask their advice or help on things they are good at.
- Surprise them with a cup of coffee or tea.
20 Ways to Make Close Friends and Family Smile
When it comes to close friends and family, finding ways to make them smile will help you cultivate a deeper relationship.
These tips also incorporate the 5 Love Languages:
- Tag them on a social media post or send them a funny meme.
- Make a phone call just to tell them you miss them.
- Leave a note in their lunch bag, briefcase, or purse.
- Send flowers.
- Bake a cake or pie for them.
- Take them our for dinner.
- Plan a movie or game night.
- Make a homemade birthday or Christmas card.
- When friends and family are undergoing a difficult time, offer help running errands or doing chores.
- Tell your child you are proud of them.
- Visit them in the hospital.
- Send a joke or inspirational message through text or e-mail.
- Spend quality time with them doing an activity they enjoy.
- Give them a hug.
- Serve your partner breakfast in bed on a random day.
- Cook a special meal.
- Buy them little gifts.
- Ask advice from an older or more experienced family member.
- Give them a bottle of wine or their favorite beverage.
- Ask how they’re doing and listen attentively.
You can also try these tips for being a better friend to show your loved ones just how much you appreciate them.
Making Someone Smile
Encouraging someone through a difficult time is a great way to make a positive impact in their life.
An old proverb says that he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Try out some of these tips to add a little sunshine to someone’s day, and you will find yourself smiling, too!
Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- How to Make Friends: 11 Tips for Building Close Connections as an Adult
- 7 Unexpected Habits of Happy People
- 5 Steps to Dealing with Toxic and Negative People so You Can Be Happy and Do Good Work
- How to Be Persuasive: Expert Tips for Getting What You Want
Yen Cabag is the Blog Writer of TCK Publishing. She is also a homeschooling mom, family coach, and speaker for the Charlotte Mason method, an educational philosophy that places great emphasis on classic literature and the masterpieces in art and music. She has also written several books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her passion is to see the next generation of children become lovers of reading and learning in the midst of short attention spans.
