Another way to be emotionally supportive is to let your friends know when they’re being self-destructive. If they’re in a bad relationship, making poor life choices, or squandering their talents, find a gentle way to discuss it with them. Whether or not they listen is up to them, but at least you took the time to be honest.
Of course, being silly won’t make a person happier in every situation, but it’s worth a shot. Your friend will appreciate that you’re really willing to put in hard work to make him smile. If your friend is really sad, then sometimes the best way to cheer him up is just to be there for him, as a shoulder to cry on. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to come up with a ridiculous activity to make your friend feel better, if the mood isn’t right. Sometimes, even after lots of talking and hugs and cuddles, the person still will be in a bad mood. With certain types people it actually helps to get sad about them being sad. If they’re the empathetic kind, it’ll drive them crazy to see you sad and they’ll try to fix it. And usually when they do, their mood will improve as well, and sometimes more than what you yourself are capable of.
To truly listen to your friend, turn your body toward him, make eye contact, and don’t give unsolicited advice. Make your friend see that you’re fully focused and are there to help make your friend’s life better, not to pass judgment. Put your phone away when your friend is talking to show that you are giving your friend the attention he deserves.
Though giving your friend a meaningful gift on her birthday or during the holidays can make a positive impression, sometimes nothing can make a person happier than a random gift given without a special occasion.
People don’t call each other just to chat nearly as often as they used to. Make your friend happy by calling without wanting a single thing. If you know your friend just had a big week, such as starting a new job, then calling just to see how it’s going can make your friend even happier. Keep in mind that your friend may open up more over a phone call than through text message.
Some of your friends may be resistant to asking for help even when they need it. Work on making them see that you genuinely do want to help them, and they’ll be more eager to accept. BY offering your help, they will also be more likely to accept. Be observant. Watch your friend and see what he or she needs the most. Maybe your friend would love a cup of iced coffee but is too shy to ask for it.
Leave the note on your friend’s doorstep, in your friend’s mailbox, or even sneak it inside a book your friend is reading. The element of surprise can make your friend even happier.
Plus, if you say something nice about a friend behind his or her back, this will inspire your friend to say something about you when you’re not around; this will continue to spread positive energy around.
If you don’t know what dessert is that person’s favorite, see if you can cleverly ask around so your baked goods are an extra treat. Baking your friend something for his or her birthday can make your friend even more happy.
Your parents may spend a lot of time worrying that you’re not being open with them. The best thing you can do is show them that you want to talk to them about the things that are going on in your life. If your parents feel like you have an honest relationship and that you don’t hide anything from them, then that will make them very happy.
Instead of closing the door to your room, leave it open, showing your parents that you want to spend time with them instead of shutting them out of your life. Pick a weekly night for family time, whether it’s every Sunday or every other Wednesday. Plugging family time into your routine will definitely make your parents happy. The key thing with spending time with your parents is that you should act like you want to be there, not like you’re just doing it to make them happy and wishing you could be with your friends instead.
Let’s face it: it’s all too common for parents to get taken for granted, but that doesn’t mean it’s okay. Step outside the expected mold and make an effort to show them that you care. Remember that your parents aren’t just parents; they’re people with their own goals, feelings, and needs. They aren’t “required” to take care of you; they made a choice to care, and you should be appreciative of that.
It’s all too easy to call your parents to complain about your job or other annoying aspects of your life. However, you should call them to talk about the things you like, too. It’s important to be honest, but keeping up a good front won’t hurt, either.
This will make your parents especially happy when they’ve had a long day and really need someone to take some chores off their hands. You don’t have to point out what you did; they’ll notice that the work got done, and they’ll feel instantly happier.
Surprise them on a night when your parents are used to doing the cooking. Nothing will make them happier than coming home to a nice, home-cooked meal. You’ll earn bonus points for helping clean up, too.
Just giving your parents a hug or a kiss before you go to school will make a difference in their days. When your parents come home from work, don’t just stay in your room and greet them from the other side of the house. Make an effort to come down, give them a big hug, and ask about their day.
If your younger sibling needs help with homework, offer to help out if your parents are having a busy day. If you’re the younger sibling, then making an effort to be nice to your older sibling and to avoid starting fights can make a big difference.
If you’re having a busy day, even a text message saying hi and asking how they’re doing can make a huge difference. If you’re busy at work, sending them a quick email saying hi or sending a link to news article they might like can light up their day. You might also send them a link to a cartoon or humorous video to brighten their day.
Being kind just for the sake of kindness will bring you good karma and will make the rest of your day better, too. Look around you. If you see someone who looks particularly in need of a smile or kindness, direct your attention to that person — as long as you make sure you’re not imposing.
People don’t get nearly enough laughter in their lives. You can make the rest of a person’s day more enjoyable just by making him laugh once or twice. You can also do something silly like pick a dandelion or blade of grass and give it to them, saying, “I got this especially for you!” or “I picked this weed just for you!”
You might be the only person to smile at this other person all day. Think about what a difference that makes.
If you’re hanging on to clothes that you haven’t worn once in more than a year, it’s time to donate them to people who could put them to good use. Though it’s easy to be sentimental about old things you no longer use, think about how much more value and happiness someone else can get out of them.
Don’t compliment the figure of a person you don’t know. Stick to commenting on clothes, jewelry, or something else that won’t be taken the wrong way. Just look the person in the eye and say something like, “Cool sweater. ” Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to say the perfect thing.
Even if you’re not feeling super positive, just making the effort to smile can actually make you feel happier and can bring joy to those around you. [4] X Research source If you catch yourself making a negative comment, try to counteract it with two positive comments.
You’ll instantly make someone happier by doing this because you’ll be making his or her life easier. Of course, don’t get into any dangerous situations where you’re helping a person you don’t know carry something into a van or a house. As long as you’re helping out in a safe, public place, you’ll be making a difference.
Of course, there are many awful things going on in the world, but you can leave it to your other 1,000 Facebook friends to remind us about that. Why not post something positive and give your online friends a breath of fresh air?
