You’re walking and the person in front of you holds the door open for you. The next guy shows his pearly whites and flashes his million-dollar smile. It’s pouring, and the girl next to you offers to share her umbrella.
If all of that were to happen in the same day, you’d probably think something was wrong because it seems like people who do random acts of kindness are almost non-existent now-a-days. It may be because people can be too consumed in their own lives to go out of their way to do something nice for others.
Think back to the last time someone randomly did something nice for you. How did it make you feel? Pretty good, right? With that being said, we officially declare next week Her Campus UFL Kindness Week. This means you can emerge from your shell and do things you may not have done before. If you encourage others to join you, then you’ll feel even more awesome about it; so, I urge you to do whatever it is you feel inspired to do. Just get out there, and make it happen. If you want to get even more creative, then document your Kindness Week. Up for the challenge?
Here’s a list of 10 great ideas to get you started:
1. Pay the tab for the person behind you.
If you’re at a coffee shop, ask the person behind you what they’re drinking and say it’s on you. If they insist, just say that it’s Random Acts of Kindness Week and ask that in return, they “pay it forward.” Here’s another idea: Spare an extra dollar and pay for the person behind you the next time you drive home and have to stop at a toll.
2. Give a genuine compliment.
A compliment goes a long way, and you never know if it is exactly what a person needs. Try it. It’s as easy as saying, “You look really nice today,” or “I love your shirt.” It’s completely up to you to say whatever you want, but just be sincere and compliment someone you don’t already know.
3. Leave your waiter a generous tip.
A great time to do this is when you’re at a restaurant with 27 other people and you ask to split the check individually. Next time you go out for dinner with the girls, tip a few extra dollars and include a couple scratch-offs for good luck. If you’d like, write, “Random Acts of Kindness — Pay it Forward” on the receipt. Your kindness may be contagious.
4. Handwrite a letter.
Write a letter and m ail it to someone who has made a difference in your life. Yes, that means buying paper, envelopes, and postage stamps. I understand that sending an email or text message is so much easier, but it shows the other person you’re being really thoughtful if you take time to get all the materials and handwrite the letter. Let the person you’re writing to know you care and appreciate him or her – even if they live right across the hall.
5. Put Sticky Notes anywhere and everywhere.
Be creative, and think of inspirational messages to put on bright Sticky Notes. You can post them on walls, lockers, cars, or windows; the possibilities are endless. If you don’t want to use Sticky Notes, you can write an uplifting message on a notecard and leave it under windshield wipers on parked cars.
6. Have flowers delivered to someone… anonymously.
Just think of how you would feel if beautiful flowers were delivered to you at work or school. This act is pretty easy; just pay attention to your surroundings. Are any of your friends down and out? What about a professor or co-worker? Look out for hints that will lead you to the perfect person. I know you may be thinking floral deliveries can be pretty pricey, but you can always ask a friend or colleague to deliver it for you!
7. Share your umbrella with someone you don’t know.
If you’re that girl who owns a huge umbrella that can probably accommodate a small village, I’m pretty sure you know what I’m talking about. It may take a few extra minutes out of your day, but I promise sharing an umbrella with someone you don’t know can be so rewarding. Plus, you can use this as an excuse to talk to a cute guy.
8. Eat lunch with a stranger.
If you’ve ever had lunch alone, you know how awkward it can be — clutching on to your fork with your right hand while you’re glued to your phone with your left and pretending to read the most important text message you’ve ever received in your life. Next time, put your phone away, scout out someone eating alone, and ask to join. You never know, this person may become a really good friend!
9. Give up your seat on a packed bus.
I cannot even begin to say how many times I’ve witnessed people completely ignore an older person or a pregnant woman who needs to sit down on a bus. No one, and I mean no one, even moves. I always think to myself, “Shame on all those guys who are just sitting there.” Since chivalry may be to its closest point of extinction, take matters into your own hands and offer to give up your seat.
10. Make care packages and give them to the homeless.
There are so many things we take for granted each day. You can buy large, storage Ziploc bags and a few essentials like juice boxes, fruit snacks, and ingredients to make PB&J. Pack these items, or any items of your choice, in the Ziploc bags, and pass them out to homeless people you see roaming the streets. It’s up to you to be as creative and generous as you’d like.
These acts of kindness are just suggestions. It’s ultimately up to you to decide what you’d like to do to make a difference. Whatever you feel in your heart, just do it. These are small, easy ways to brighten someone’s day. Make it contagious, collegiettes!