Check Out the Ways You Can Make a Complete Stranger Smile

All of us could use a smile from a stranger these days.

In fact, according to SCL Health:

When you smile, your brain releases tiny molecules called neuropeptides to help fight off stress. Then other neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins come into play too. The endorphins act as a mild pain reliever, whereas the serotonin is an antidepressant. One study even suggests that smiling can help us recover faster from stress and reduce our heart rate.

With that in mind, going out of your way to help someone smile seems like quite an act of community service.

But how do you bring a smile to someone’s face? That’s where random acts of kindness come in.

Here are 9 ways you can make someone smile–and make yourself feel good in the process!

1. Literally just say hello

As funny as the Progressive commercial is where the seminar instructor says, “The waiter doesn’t need to know your name,” sometimes it’s nice to make that personal connection.

They probably don’t care about your name, but I’ve seen servers who seem touched and genuinely surprised when I ask how they are.

Sometimes, just waving at someone or saying hello is enough to remind them that they’re not alone, they’re not here just to serve you, they’re not here just to get yelled at by the guy who wanted something they couldn’t give.

So make that personal connection, and you just might make someone’s day.

Image credit: Mayank Baranwal via Unsplash

2. Be the office snack fairy

It’s no secret that the office-shtick can get pretty dull.

Same old work, same old breaks, same old snacks in the vending machine.

You will immediately have more friends if you surprise your coworkers with a treat for National Donut Day.

And it doesn’t have to be sweet treats. People love free food. (Maybe not spinach.)

Just make sure that if you’re bringing them nice treats you’re not a total goblin the rest of the time, or they might not trust the snacks you suddenly bestow!

Image credit: Devon Divine via Unsplash

3. Think of the children

It honestly doesn’t take much to make kids happy.

Couple crayons, a pad of paper or a coloring sheet–restaurants figured it out years ago.

Reader’s Digest points out that such items can be donated to local police stations.

When the police are called to a home where there are children, one officer can engage the kids while the other handles the situation. This is a great way to calm and distract children during what can be a very frightening experience.

I never would have thought of this, but it seems like a great way to help a kid in need.

Image credit: Lucas Alexander via Unsplash

4. Help out a selfie-taker

It’s one thing when you’re a tourist yourself.

You and a stranger are standing there taking the same picture of the same thing.

You offer to take their picture for them, they offer to take yours next.

But you can also make someone’s day by being the friendly local.

When you see a tourist trying to take a selfie, if you have the time to stop and offer to take their picture for them, it can really make a difference in their experience of your city.

Image credit: Erik McLean via Unsplash

5. Buy a lottery ticket – and give it away!

Half the fun of a lottery ticket is the game, right?

Whether it’s a scratch off or a big prize, the fun is in the possibility and what it might represent.

They’re not expensive, but everyone loves to talk about what they would do if they won, even if they never play.

Why not buy one and just *poof* – give it away?

Maybe your good karma will return to you in unexpected ways.

Image credit: Emiliano Vittoriosi via Unsplash

6. Check on the elderly

Maybe it’s a friend, a neighbor, or a family member.

Maybe they’re shut in most of the time with no one to talk to, or they just need a hand around the house.

Whatever the reason, the elderly are often forgotten as we get busy and go about our lives.

Time speeds up for us, because we have 1001 things to do: work, kids, walk the dog, make the dinner, prep for the meeting, fold the laundry, wash the dishes, rinse, repeat.

But sometimes after retirement, especially if you’re on your own, time can start to slow down and feel endless, even as the days blur together.

So give them a call. Write them a letter. Drop by with treats.

Just let them know they’re not forgotten.

Image credit: Nick Karvounis via Unsplash

7. Help a friend who needs self-care

It’s hard to remember to slow down and unwind.

Sometimes, if you can even find the time, it’s hard to give yourself permission.

But it’s EASY to remind other people and give other people permission.

When you can see what a friend needs, remind them that it’s okay.

Whether that’s helping them remember to take a deep breath and feel their feelings when they’re stressing out, suggesting a book to read, inviting them on a walk, or even offering to take their kids off their hands for long enough for them to do their errands in peace…

People generally know what they need, but they’re hesitant to ask for it–or allow themselves to have it.

Reminding someone that it’s okay to take time for themselves can be exactly what they need.

Image credit: Toa Heftiba via Unsplash

8. MAKE your friend practice self-care

We’ve all been feeling the distance lately.

It’s hard when the ones you love are far away.

Never forgotten, but not always front of mind–sometimes we need to step back and think about them, and find a way to make sure that they know that we are.

You could send them a gift card for coffee, or mail them a nice letter.

Did you know that you can actually have SOUP delivered these days?

There are lots of ways to show someone you care.

Image credit: Natural Chef Carolyn Nicholas via Unsplash

9. Leave some coins behind

Ever been at the laundromat and realized you were short on quarters?

Or the vending machine ate your last dollar and you have a major case of the afternoon hangries?

Or how about that person who blows out their tire at midnight coming home from the airport, and they need quarters for the air pump for the spare? (Yes, I’ve been that person.)

Leaving a roll of quarters, or even just a dollar’s worth of change, with a note that they’re free could really help a person out of a jam.

Image credit: Matthew Lancaster via Unsplash

Well I’m sold. Those are all great ways to make someone smile, and feel like you’re making the world a little better.

What’s your favorite random act of kindness? Drop it in the comments.

The post Check Out the Ways You Can Make a Complete Stranger Smile appeared first on UberFacts.

May 17, 2021

What Random Act of Kindness Stuck With You? Here’s How People Responded.

Kindness makes the world go ’round, amigos.

And sometimes, when you’re really down and out and you think there is nothing good left in the world, a complete stranger does something nice for you and it totally changes your perspective.

What random act of kindness in your life has stuck with you?

People on AskReddit shared their stories.

1. Hold on.

“When I was maybe 19 I was flying back home to see family. I had a layover in Atlanta, it was short. I had to absolutely haul *ss to make my flight.

I managed to get to one of the trains that take you to the next terminal. I had never been on one before and had my ear buds in so I didn’t hear the automated voice telling me to “hold on”.

The train lurched forward and before I could fall on my *ss, a guy next to me grabbed my arm and stopped me from falling. I thanked him and he just nodded.

That was a decade ago and I am still appreciative.”

2. That’s awesome.

“A few years ago, living in South Korea.

Just gotten back from a trip, and was trying to get a taxi from a highway rest stop at like 2am (aka, very difficult). Finally managed to book a taxi, but I couldn’t find the driver when he got there. He was calling me and getting frustrated, and I was getting overwhelmed.

I don’t know if you’ve ever had to exist in a language that’s not your native language, but there usually comes a point where you’re so tired, you just can’t anymore, and even if you know you understand, it’s just not making sense. I had reached that point, so I sat down and resigned myself to losing the taxi and having to camp at the rest stop for the night.

Some random old Korean man saw me crying and saying “I don’t speak Korean well. I’m sorry. I don’t understand.” and grabbed the phone, got me to the taxi, and his wife (I assume) handed me some candy and patted my arm and told me I’d be okay. And then the taxi driver was super sweet and was all like “It’s okay. You’ll be home soon.”

All of them could have very easily ignored me, but were just like “Here’s a person who obviously needs help, so I’m gonna help.””

3. A ride home.

“In 7th grade, I wasn’t allowed to board a bus for one reason or the other, I forget.

So I’m standing outside in the dark at 7 in the morning quietly crying when this kind old lady who just dropped off her grandchildren offered to take me home.

I’d seen her around before so I knew she was safe. We talked for a bit and she let me off at my house. Never forgetting that.”

4. A real saint.

“Ran out of gas on a large interstate in the midwest in the middle of the day.

I was headed home (3+ hour drive) for the weekend with my fiance for wedding planning stuff. Got out and hoofed it with a makeshift container in hand to haul gas back to the car and asked my fiance to stay seated with the only cell phone between us.

As I walked up and got gas a mile down at a major interchange, a skeezy looking dude rolled up in a Thunderbird. He says, “Hey man, can I take you back up to your car?” I must have given him a look, he’s dismissive, waves off my concerns and and says I can trust him.

I don’t want to walk but I figure it’s broad daylight, so we leave and he’s going off on a state highway in the literal opposite direction I need to go. I’m sweating my a** off and it is not hot out.

He asks about 5 minutes in where I’m coming from and where I’m going. I give as little info as possible and mention that my fiance has a phone in I don’t show up soon. I am absolutely shaking at this point.

The guy says, “Hey, man, you seem nervous….what music are you into?” I tell him I’m honestly open minded, which I’m sure doesnt mean a thing. He hits the power button on the cd player and, as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, the cd player plays the same d**n record on the exact same song that my wife and I were playing when the car ran out of gas.

This dude takes a few quick backroad turns and pops out on the interstate behind my car in no time. I ask him why he helped me, he says he’s a dishwasher at the Cracker Barrel next to the gas station. He was on smoke break and saw me coming a way off.

When he pulls up, he refuses any acknowledgement of his good deed and literally pulls off when I say “hold up, let me throw you a five for your troubles”. Probably sounds stupid but I just want to be as anonymously awesome as this dude was.

He saved me from suffering just to save me from suffering. I don’t know what saints are, but this felt saintly AF.”

5. Heatstroke.

“On a very hot summer day, I passed out on the sidewalk from dehydration/heat exhaustion.

Two older women picked me up off the ground, carried/dragged me into a nearby Chipotle, and sat with me while I drank water.

They were really nice about it.”

6. Ouch.

“When I broke my ankle, every single person looked at me on the ground bleeding and walked on. It was really strange to experience.

One guy saw me, brought his whole truck around and offered to take me to the hospital. There was already an ambulance coming so I declined, but he sat there and talked to me and told me it’s going to be okay.

He really sticks out. Almost 10 people walked by and minded their business while I was on the ground, my bone sticking out of my leg. He came up and helped. I really hope he’s doing okay.”

7. Grateful.

“My husband and I were in a car accident where a drunk guy ran onto the highway and we hit him (in the middle of the day, just bolted in front of the car).

We sat there in a smashed up car with a d**d body lying behind the car for 15 minutes before a car stopped and helped us. Neither of us could speak because of the shock. This lady saw us in the car and made her husband come back around so she could help. Hundreds of cars passed, she was the only one who stopped.

She called the police and ambulance, and waited until they arrived. Really grateful for her and her husband.”

8. Really nice.

“Working the register and a guy’s car battery was shot and his bank froze his card so he couldn’t pay.

This other guy sees what’s going on walks up and pays for the battery then walks out.”

9. An awesome day.

“I was backpacking in Central American and ended up on the island Flores in Guatemala. My travel buddy and I wanted to see ruins nearby.

We took a bus out there, got lost a little, but eventually found the trail to the town(ruins). So we’re walking for about 3 hours and realize once the we get to the gate of the ruins we may just have to turn right back around to catch the last bus back. We decide to move forward and try to hitch hike our way back since we really wanted to see these ruins.

Right when we finally reach the gate a truck pulls up and offers us a ride in, we decline saying we’ve already made it so we were good. The guy informs us it’s about another hour or so walk past the gate to even get to the town so we take him up on the offer. We find out he works for the government and he gave us an hours long in depth tour of this historical site.

This was especially awesome because it wasn’t a popular spot so there wasn’t a ton of informational placards around. Then at the end he asked us where we were staying and he told us he was also staying on Flores for a few days so he offered us a ride back. On the way back, him and his wife bought us dinner and then dropped us off and gave us their contact in case we got lost somewhere or needed suggestions on places to visit.

It really made me feel like there is always help out there for you, sometimes you have to search and sometimes it falls into your lap. It was an awesome day I’ll remember forever.”

10. Christmas Eve.

“I was working a seven hour drive away helping to open a new location of our business I got a flat hours from home.

I pulled into the shoulder and started limping my car to a nearby petrol station. I usually had chocks and a full tyre change kit but I had lent them to a friend only a few days earlier. It was about 11pm. It was raining. I had just worked a twelve hour shift and was desperate to just get home. It was Christmas Eve.

I struggled to try and get my tyre off with the limited tools I had. I tried re-inflating the tyre but that didn’t work either.

I asked in the shop of the petrol station if they sold tyre change kits and they didn’t. I rang my roadside assistance company and there was a three hour wait for a truck.

I went back to my car and cried. I was tired and drenched and just wanted to get home for Christmas.

Suddenly there was a knock on my window and a man waving at me. He held up a jack and a tyre iron.

He said he heard me asking for help in the shop. He helped me change my tyre in the pouring rain and had bought me a coffee. He gave me his number and insisted I text him when I was safely home.

When I asked if I could give him money for his time he just said ‘ My girl is about your age. I would hope someone would do the same for her if she were in your position.’

All I could do was hug him in thanks. He wanted to get home for Christmas too but stopped and helped me.

I did text him when I got home. A picture of my family with a sign saying thankyou. They were extremely grateful.

I learned a valuable lesson that day about lending out essential tools but also about kindness and the impact it can have.

Random man at the servo who helped a twenty odd year old girl sobbing in the rain get home for Christmas, your kindness has stuck with me for nearly twenty years and I think of you every time I go to walk by someone in need and choose to help instead.”

11. Almost stranded.

“I was almost stranded in a small town where I knew no one as an international student in Scotland.

I had just finished hiking when I discovered that all trains heading back to my city got cancelled. I was in a resort kind of town where they had no taxi services and it was already cold and dark. My phone was also d**d by this point.

The people waiting with me at a bus stop were very kind tho and started ringing different places until they finally found one with a vacant room (it was peak season). They were employees who had just finished their shift at the “Oak Tree Inn”.

Go there people! The least I could do is advertise them when they saved my life I could’ve slept in the forest that night.”

What’s a random act of kindness that’s stuck with you?

Please share your stories with us in the comments.

We’d really appreciate it!

The post What Random Act of Kindness Stuck With You? Here’s How People Responded. appeared first on UberFacts.

May 7, 2021

People Discuss Selfless Thing Folks Did For Them Without Realizing It

Sometimes in life, people will do things for you that really touch you in a special way and they don’t even realize it.

In fact, you’ve probably done things like this many times in your life and really made someone’s day and you never even knew.

What’s the most selfless thing someone did for you that they are unaware of?

Take a look at these stories from folks on AskReddit.

1. Car wreck.

“I was driving and hit another car.

He was stopped to turn and I simply wasn’t paying attention. I rear-ended his car at about 30 miles per hour. Set off my cars air bags. I managed to pull over to the side, he completed his turn. I was in shock and blundered right into the highway.

He ran out, pulled me to safety and as I’m sobbing and apologizing, he just gave me a big hug and kept telling it’s ok, we’re ok, cars can be fixed. He was so sweet and calm when I was a complete mess.

Found out from my co-worker a week later, the gentlemen I hit had lost his wife to cancer the week before.

Just….wow.”

2. There’s another way.

“When I was in grade 3 my teacher invited me to have dinner with her and her family. My family life was not good.

I never had a dad. My mom is an alcoholic (She has been sober now for 30 years). I did not know what a normal family was like until that dinner and night at her house. It was just so calm and stable.

I remembered that day like it was yesterday. It was almost 40 years ago. It made me realize that there was another way to exist.”

3. Compassion and understanding.

“My daughter has a progressive neurological issue that is slowly taking away her right side. A few years ago, when she was 12 and could still ride a bike, we were riding to a place to watch fireworks on the 4th of July.

She was struggling to ride and was somewhat unsteady and couldn’t make quick moves. We weren’t riding far. As she was riding by a new Mini Cooper, she was struggling to keep her bike straight and her handle bar hit the side view mirror of the guys Mini. He was in the car and and just smiled and waved us on saying everything was fine.

I think he had a sense that my daughter had to work extra hard to ride her bike. After we moved out of the way, I went to thank the guy but he drove off. I know she broke the glass on his mirror, I heard it. I’ll never forget the guys face and how compassionate and understanding he was.”

4. A nice gesture.

“I have a genetic condition that makes me look rather awful. People are often uncomfortable around me. I get it, totally – but still, it hurts.

One night, I was a church activity, and they told everyone that they could go target shooting (I know….weird). That’s not my thing, and so I just stayed by the campfire. After everyone left, a girl stayed there with me and just talked.

As we were talking, a few bugs came and landed on my face, and she brushed them away – like it was the most normal thing in the world. People never touch me at all – or at least not without fear.

I know that is not really doing much – but I think that she must have gone through a lot in her life – in order to be around someone like me, and not be afraid.

It’s been years since that happened, and I still get that ache in the throat just thinking about it.”

5. Still think about it.

“I was severely depressed at that time and I was sitting outside in the veranda on a bench when my 4 year old cousin came and stood on the bench and just hugged me.

I asked her what are you doing and she replied, “maya korchi” which means “showing you love”.

I still think about it when I am feeling down.

6. Tea time.

“I’m a nurse in a public hospital and every day, no matter how s**t my shift is going, I look forward to my morning tea.

This consists of a banana and a very strong coffee. Simple, but a puts the spring in my step. Anyway one morning I LOST my banana. Could not find it. I was having a rough morning and really needed my banana. Anyway I just got on with it and went on with my day, albeit a little bit sulky haha.

About 20 minutes later an orderly comes up to me holding a banana he had gone all the way to another floors kitchen to get for me. He was like “I heard you lost your banana, I know you needed that. Go have a break, eat this and I’ll listen out for your call bells.”

This was over two years ago and probably seems so small, but I still think about this and it makes me so fuzzy to know the compassion and kindness of the people I work with. What a legend.”

7. Almost homeless.

“My ex’s mother took me in for a few months and refused to accept any money from me. My ex didn’t tell her how bad my situation was.

If she hadn’t taken me in I would literally have been homeless. I had already asked about emergency housing at the local council offices and had gone to the homeless shelter. Neither could help me.

All because my mother went back on her word and said I could move in with her if I couldn’t pay rent that month on the house she owned when I was temporarily unemployed.”

8. You can see again.

“An organ donor saved the sight in my left eye when I was 20. The law in Australia prevents me from ever knowing who the donor was but I hope their family knows how grateful I am and are proud of them.

When I talk to people about organ donation, a significant proportion of people tell me that they leave corneas unticked so they won’t be donated. I will always tell the story of my donor and how much it meant to me.

No it didn’t save my life, but as an artist in a visual medium, I owe my career and success to someone I never knew.”

9. Never saw them again.

“I was having a really bad depressive episode and this man and their dog were walking down the street. I was waiting for my food and considering just walking saying f**k it and walking down to one of the bridges on the river.

The mans dog was walking with her leash dragging on the floor, and she came up to me and sat down on my feet and looked up at me and refused to move for about 5 minutes.

I don’t know if the man realized I needed this or what, but he didn’t say or do anything as I stood there crying and petting his dog.

When the dog decided she was done, she got up and they walked off and I never saw them again.”

10. Thank you.

“When I was 20 I had to have major surgery and was facing a life with a chronic illness.

When I was home recovering a friend came by and put me in her car and took me on a random drive down to the beach and just all over. It was so relaxing and healing for my mind.

I’m a grandparent now and have had challenges but have been fine and I’ll never forget what she did. Thank you Marie.”

11. Lunch money.

“While I was in college, I couldn’t afford groceries most of the time so a few of my friends would buy me lunch with their dorm meal cards.

I’m not close with any of them anymore but I still think about what they did for me a lot.”

12. Doing your best.

“I was on welfare in my early 20s and one worker would take time out of her day to listen to me and do everything she could to help me out.

She was only supposed to have about 15 minutes with me but she’d regularly stay with me for like 45 minutes. She helped me so much just by believing me and treating me like a person who was trying their best.”

Have you ever had an experience like this?

If so, please tell us about it in the comments.

We’d love to hear from you!

The post People Discuss Selfless Thing Folks Did For Them Without Realizing It appeared first on UberFacts.