Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Tami Claytor. Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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Many people wonder how to change the world for the better. The answer? One random act of kindness at a time. If you want to be respected, or just want to be nice, follow this step by step article!
Steps
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Hold open doors for people. It may seem small, but it doesn't take a lot of time or effort, and someone holding open a door with a smile can make someone's day. Helping or just being courteous to other people can make you feel good about yourself.- If you're in an elevator and see someone approaching, wait for them to enter before hitting "door close."[1]
In traffic, just keep reminding yourself that the person who just cut you off was probably having a bad day. Let others in front of you when there is a back up. Move up a little so the soccer mom ten cars back can get into the proper lane to make her turn and get the kids to soccer practice on time for a change.Advertisement
Be kind to the elderly. Give up your seat on the train or bus or any other transport. Of course, if you are eight months pregnant and need to sit, keep the seat. But if you think someone else needs it more than you, let them have the seat. You will feel good about it and you will make the person who you were generous to feel happy.[2]- If you see an elderly person having difficulty crossing the street, offer them your hand and walk with them. As you cross the street, walk on the side of traffic.[3]
- Be patient when you're standing behind an elderly person in line. Sometimes, people get agitated and frustrated when an elderly person takes a while to get organized, and that's not appropriate.[4]
Be generous. If someone is missing a few cents for their purchase in a store, give it to them.
Give money to homeless people, but not directly, as this could cause problems for you and more importantly, for them. Give generously to organizations which feed the homeless.
Offer to be friends to people you have known for even a short time or who you know are going through a tough time. They need to know you care (especially if you are the only one who does).
Kindness begins at home. Obey your parents if you are a kid, and do your chores and homework. If you are all grown up, call your parents once in a while.
Remember you have a responsibility to society as well. Apart from our own needs and satisfaction, one needs to offer a helping hand to the immediate society as well. This can be done in small ways, yet in significant ways. Offering a neighbor to switch on the lights, or to feed their pet when they are away are examples of gestures that reciprocate kindness.
Show kindness and responsible behavior to the environment. Attempt to protect the planet by contributing to the upkeep of public parks, gardens that fall outside the realms of your property etc. By helping an elderly or sick person to tend their gardens or even plant a tree shows goodwill and selflessness.
Expert Q&A
Tips
- The world gets changed a step at a time. People, after they have been affected by the courtesy of strangers, will begin to do the same for others. Eventually politeness will become more common in the world.Thanks
- Be nice always even with those that are not really nice with you, it will help a lot. First try to help them with their problems.Thanks
- Smile often. It improves your appearance and you will feel good.Thanks
Warnings
- Being kind does not mean being a doormat. Don't let people take advantage of you.Thanks
- Men: Be careful, because it is possible that women will mistake kindness for creepiness or think you are hitting on them, even if you are doing nothing of the sort.Thanks
References
- ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10376957/
- ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.
- ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.
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