1.) Leave someone an inspirational Post-It noteWhether it’s on a library carrel, a Middle Path Bench, or a Wiggin’s Street Café booth, unexpected words of kindness can go a long way for someone who may have been having a rough day and could use a little pick me up.
2.) Let your P.O. Box buddy know they’ve got some mailEven if you have never spoken to them, shoot them an email and let them know they have a yellow package slip or a new issue of TIME. Receiving mail is an inexplicable joy!
3.) Let someone else have the last Peirce cookieI know this one won’t be easy, but if you and another person are both gunning it towards the dessert section and there is one only one beloved M&M cookie left, maybe let them have it and grab some cereal or cinnamon toast instead. I guarantee you won’t regret the thanks you receive in return.
4.) Give someone a complimentNot a half-hearted one; a true, sincere compliment about something they said in class or about their outfit. Commendation and praise for even the littlest thing can go a long way.
5.) Treat someone to a coffee at WiggleGet to know someone you haven’t really talked to that much. Warm drinks and good conversation are as good a start to a new friendship as anything. They will certainly appreciate you reaching out.
6.) Offer to help a friend study for that big testWe all know how stressful studying for Orgo exam or a Classical Quest written test can be. But, if you have a friend to help dissipate the tension and anxiety, the whole process will run a little more smoothly and probably have you better prepared!
7.) Call Mom and Dad to say hiThey’ve always been there for you, made your PB&J sandwiches, and given you endless hugs. Call them up and tell them how much you appreciate everything they’ve done for you. Just be prepared for when they get a little choked up.
8.) Hand write a birthday cardGrab a piece of colored or nice construction paper and a good pen, and write out a genuine birthday card for that upcoming birthday in your friend group. There’s nothing quite like receiving a card that you know someone took his or her time to create.
9.) Say please and thank youWhenever someone grabs you an extra napkin or holds the door for you, thank them for their patience and kindness. Whenever you would like someone to do the same, say please. These little words hold a lot of meaning, and it will not go unappreciated.
10.) SmileNever underestimate the power of smiling. Smiling means you’re happy, and happiness has the effect as a ripple in water—it spreads. Spread your enthusiasm so each person you encounter, and soon you’ll have people smiling back.