32 Ways to Make Someone Happy Today

Andrew Flusche Says:

August 10th, 2008, 23:53 pm

Great list, Leo!

33. Clear their inbox for them. Inbox zero! :D

Tom Stine | Spiritual Life Coach Says:

August 10th, 2008, 23:56 pm

Great list, Leo. Here’s my contribution:

Love them without saying a word.
Forgive them for anything you think they’ve done to you.
Bow to them.

Kate Moss Says:

August 10th, 2008, 23:57 pm

I love that your #1 was smile. I am a big fan of smiling.

I thought it was interesting that the Chinese performers during the Olympic opening ceremonies had been instructed to smile more to project good will.

Living in the city in the US, I think smiling at strangers lets them know that you noticed them as human beings and found them worthy of good will. I’m always surprised how many people will slow down and smile back.

pavs Says:

August 11th, 2008, 0:06 am

I smiled at myself. I am Happy!!! :)

Thomas Herold Says:

August 11th, 2008, 0:14 am

Appreciate the next person you meet….

Cheers

Thomas Herold
CEO Dream Manifesto

Eugene (Editor, Varsity Blah) Says:

August 11th, 2008, 0:18 am

Smile, smile, and smile some more! I’m glad it’s number one on the list!

Vered Says:

August 11th, 2008, 0:34 am

I don’t think I can add anything - this is great - what a fun post!

“Listen” is a big one. I read somewhere that during conversation, people tend to form their next sentence in their head while the other person is still talking! So, we don’t really listen. We’re just getting ready for our turn. Really listening takes practice, and is a wonderful way to show true respect for another person.

Shilpan | successsoul.com Says:

August 11th, 2008, 0:34 am

Leo - Love is to express. The best way to express love is by showing unconditional love. By giving without expecting anything in return.

Shilpan

Shanel Yang Says:

August 11th, 2008, 0:44 am

Share any of the 200 Happiness Quotes from http://shanelyang.com/2008/07/26/200-happiness-quotes/ ! : )

tzumeister Says:

August 11th, 2008, 1:02 am

if that’s kate moss (above) then i’m smiling

life only gets better when you do.

making someone happy makes you better

Shamelle @ TheEnhanceLife.com Says:

August 11th, 2008, 1:03 am

#33. Write a post on “32 Ways to Make Someone Happy Today” :-0)

Shamelle

Overcoming Lifes Obstacles Says:

August 11th, 2008, 1:10 am

As always - Great List Leo!

I’d like to add - Compliment them. People always cheer up with a compliment. compliment men on the ties they wear.

Daynah Says:

August 11th, 2008, 1:18 am

This list made me smile! :D Thank you!

Mona N. Says:

August 11th, 2008, 1:19 am

Thank you kindly, for this list :)

ReikiBlogger Says:

August 11th, 2008, 1:19 am

clean.
thanks. a good one for most of us guys.

Scott McIntyre Says:

August 11th, 2008, 1:21 am

Love the short and sweet happy tips, Leo.

I also find that others are over-the moon when you:

* always act yourself with them

* are honest and act with integrity in all your dealings with them

… and the very best thing about making someone else happy?

It makes YOU happy too! :-)

Writer Dad Says:

August 11th, 2008, 2:00 am

Take something they think is upsetting and make it seem funny.

Glen Allsopp Says:

August 11th, 2008, 3:12 am

I like it, so simply yet effective; Great stuff Leo.

Can I suggest more non-listy posts? The blog seems to be full of a lot of social bait lately (of course it is fine from time to time), I would like to hear more about your own life and personal experiences.

Cheers,
Glen

Xiane Says:

August 11th, 2008, 3:13 am

Love this list!

I like to leave little notes around for random people to find:

“You are beautiful.”
“Today, something amazing will happen to you.”
“People love to see you smile.”
“You’ve changed someone’s life for the better.”

Leo Says:

August 11th, 2008, 3:32 am

Thanks for the great feedback and comments!

@Glen Allsop: I do try for a mix, but I really think in lists so that’s a natural way for me to write. You should see my Moleskine notebook — full of lists! :)

But your point is taken and I’ll try to mix it up more. I should add, though, that this list was in no way meant to be “link-baity”. :)

Igor Says:

August 11th, 2008, 4:15 am

If people just do one of things You listed here a week, at least, the World would be a far better place to live.
There is nothing hard in saying joke a day :)
Keep the great work here!

ohman Says:

August 11th, 2008, 4:49 am

you need to already have many people you love for most of these things.

the only people around me are my coworkers, and some friends that I see once in a while. I don’t really love them.

Jamie Says:

August 11th, 2008, 4:56 am

I would like to add:

Acknowledge someone for something their originality. whether it be for an idea, viewpoint, or what they are wearing…

We are all unique, and it is important to recognize.

PS. I love your lists

"Motivate Thyself" Says:

August 11th, 2008, 6:21 am

Great list Leo! I’d have t agree that smiling is always the best medicine.

Her Ticking Clock | Women's Personal Development Says:

August 11th, 2008, 7:36 am

Leo, Motivate Thyself, I too believe that smiling the best. It’s simple, and it can have the greatest impact on anyone.

One of the topic our HTC team mentioned about was smiling as the best guest service ever. Where ever we each worked at, our goal for the week was to get clients/customers/guests/co-workers to smile by smiling at them. It’s such a great feeling to help people kick it up a notch. Cheers!

Philip Steinke Says:

August 11th, 2008, 7:48 am

I’m not a fan of lists, but this is a gooda one. Nice work Leo.

Humza79 Says:

August 11th, 2008, 8:04 am

This are really great post. It make me happy

Julie Says:

August 11th, 2008, 8:06 am

Nice, Leo, thanks. It’d be interesting to see how the list would develop if we each added a different item daily for a month, and see how we would change ourselves if each day we truly practiced the latest addition at every opportunity. I bet the results would be amazing.

Along that line, perhaps you’d like to do a more in-depth article in the future on how to apply the theory in less than ideal circumstances. Sometimes, the hard part is remembering to do even the smallest (greatest) of these when obstacles are great—like smile and love them completely (usually with own mouth closed). I’d be interested in your thoughts.

Thanks for this post. I’m going to start, yet again, my own 30-day trial. Practice, practice… ;)

Fit Bottomed Girls Says:

August 11th, 2008, 8:08 am

Really listen to them. :)

"Motivate Thyself" Says:

August 11th, 2008, 8:21 am

A real world example of the effects of smiling…
When I used to work in retail sales I would look people in the eyes and smile all the time. This, for me, was just part of the job. But this habit would always stick with me for a few hours after work until I got back into my little shell. So I might go to the grocery store after work and while going down the isles I would naturally look people in the eyes and smile. They would generally smile back and I could just tell they would relax a little bit in that moment. But, let’s say it was my day off and I was grocery shopping. In this case I would tend to just keep to myself. No one smiled at me and everyone just did their thing.
By smiling at someone you are letting them know that you are OK with them. It’s kind of a way of openly letting your guard down. This tends to get others to do the same. The end result of this kind of mutual submission and acceptance tends to give the participants a sense of peace and comfort.
So you hit the nail on the head with that one, Leo!

LobotoME Says:

August 11th, 2008, 8:45 am

Great List and good things to build into everyday life!

Thanks for sharing!

Pete Says:

August 11th, 2008, 8:56 am

After reading this, at least I can say I accomplished #1. :)

http://yinvsyang.com/

designer4u Says:

August 11th, 2008, 9:11 am

very simple things to follow. we can be more creative in our daily life. I will try it.
Thanks Leo.

maura Says:

August 11th, 2008, 9:47 am

wonderful list leo!

my contribution:
-express your gratitude for the helpful or nice things they do that seem to go unnoticed

my late ex used to warm up my car for me before i left for work on cold frosty mornings (in the days before remote car starters)… bliss!

Lisa | Holistic Treatment for Depression Says:

August 11th, 2008, 9:48 am

This drills down what it takes to put yourself in another’s shoes and doing what you think would bring them the most happiness at that moment. This strengthens our skills of empathy, which helps actually helps us to become happier. Thanks, Leo!

cyndylooo Says:

August 11th, 2008, 9:49 am

This is a thoughtful list and I agree with so many of the comments about smiling…it has the potential to create a connection with people and I have found people respond to a smile.

Another idea is that when people thank you for doing something for them, respond by saying “It’s my pleasure.” For some reason that statement adds to the feel good quality already there and sort of deepens it.

Thank you Leo for such a wonderful start to my Monday!

Cindy

Aaron Gaul Says:

August 11th, 2008, 9:52 am

When you make some one happy, you make your self happy too.

tina Says:

August 11th, 2008, 9:55 am

just reading that list made me happy :)

Avi Marcus Says:

August 11th, 2008, 10:27 am

You can generally do #1 each and every time you see someone, and the whole time you are meeting with them :)

Dot H. | Deeper Issues Says:

August 11th, 2008, 10:38 am

Love this list. I do a lot of things to make people around me happy, when I’m able to. I’ve found that I enjoy my co-workers much more (and vice versa) now that I’ve offered to help or helped them when they have too much work, and I look forward to being around them. I like the smile thing, too, but I’ve found that when I smile at men or compliment their ties, they often seem to think I’m flirting and they feel uncomfortable. Must be something I’m doing that I’m not aware of.

Like all of us, I like for forward humorous emails, but I make sure I send only the most hilarious and spare them the duds or half-funny ones.

I love to hold the door for people, even big strong men, especially the UPS and Fed Ex guys. Sometimes they don’t want to be seen as “weak” and will refuse to go before me, but that’s okay. If I see a woman who’s really frazzled, sometimes I add, “After YOU!” with a smile, which cheers them up a little.

If I’m feeling silly, when I first see a friend or co-worker — for example, Leo, I may say something like this, “Now starring, on center stage… LEO!!!” Always gets a big smile.

Evelyn Lim Says:

August 11th, 2008, 11:05 am

Great list! Just reading it makes me smile :-)

David Echols Says:

August 11th, 2008, 11:14 am

Do something useful — something that will make them happy in the long term.

IE: Tell them about Zen Habits.

TriGuy Says:

August 11th, 2008, 11:57 am

I have a problem with this on a couple of different levels.

1) Isn’t this stroking our own egos with the illusion it’s for someone else’s benefit? Shouldn’t one do kind things to/for others simply to do kind things? Regardless of reward or response?

2) It’s also a bit arrogant. Don’t other people have the ability and right to control/own their own states? If we can “make” them happy, then we also have to claim that we can make them angry, sad, bored, etc. So does this mean others have no responsibility for their own emotions? You have the ability behave as you choose, and others have the ability to respond as they choose.

A disappointing post today, weighed down by ego and arrogance (or is that redundant?).

I have Zen Fever! Says:

August 11th, 2008, 11:57 am

Leo - Great list. #33 Remember their Birthday.

Dot H. | Deeper Issues Says:

August 11th, 2008, 12:17 pm

I’d like to add “visit lots of fledging bloggers’ sites, leave lots of comments, and link to them” — but I don’t want to make Vered blush. ;-)

The Financial Philosopher Says:

August 11th, 2008, 12:23 pm

Leo: If it could be practical to reduce the list down to just one item, what would it be?

Perhaps we could reduce it down to one “philosophy” and let the readers decide the answers: “Throughout your life, find out what it is that people need and give it to them.”

Once we apply this philosophy, we become more attuned to people’s needs, rather than giving them what we think they need…

Smiling and opening a door make for a great start; however, if we do not pay attention, we will not realize that the other person wanted us to notice their new haircut instead…

Thanks for the useful post…

Kent (The Financial Philosopher)

D. Elliot Says:

August 11th, 2008, 12:30 pm

Go the second mile. Especially if your not asked.

Great post! (p.s. - I think in lists too.)

SpaceAgeSage Says:

August 11th, 2008, 12:40 pm

My husband has the capacity to Do Something a Bit Crazy to make people laugh:

Ask waitresses in a thick Southern accent, “Do y’all accept two-party checks from Iowa here?”

Make the sound of a cricket in a very quiet elevator.

Take a noisy, flashing “ray gun” toy to work for a day.

Leo sebastian Says:

August 11th, 2008, 13:22 pm

Leo,

i felt so good abt reading thru ur post…so much so tht i translated it into my vernacular language, ‘malayalam’ (s.indian)…its a variation of sanskrit.. hope this wud help the non english speaking population out here.. Link: http://startonomics.blogspot.com/2008/08/blog-post_11.html

etavitom Says:

August 11th, 2008, 13:25 pm

Amazing List. How about instead of just a back rub, a full massage? That would be great.

Thanks for everything Leo!!

Sergio Says:

August 11th, 2008, 13:31 pm

my add:
- put their favorite music, make a little sing & dance time!

Internet Marketing Joy Says:

August 11th, 2008, 14:23 pm

These are really sweet tips on how to make someone happy today..^^ I will definitely forward this to my friends and loved ones..^^

Marelisa Says:

August 11th, 2008, 15:04 pm

I like to create gift baskets with the other person’s favorite things in it (their favorite movies on DVD, pop corn, and movie candy; scented bath products; a book they’ve been wanting to read with a great coffee mug and some flavored coffee, and so on).

Making other people happy is definitely one of the best ways to make yourself happy.

Michele Says:

August 11th, 2008, 15:12 pm

I thought of this when I read Ohman’s comment about the list being targeted to people you are already close to.

-When you see someone that you have met before, greet them by name. Comment on or ask them about something you have spoken with them about before, or something you know about them (ie. Have you been golfing recently? How’s that new baby?). It is a simple way to show them that you were really listening and that you care. It may even open up conversations and friendship opportunities, but if nothing else, it made someone else feel important and good about themselves!

deepali Says:

August 11th, 2008, 16:22 pm

#1.5 - Smile back!

Dan Curtis Says:

August 11th, 2008, 17:07 pm

Thanks for the list Leo.

One of the things I’ve done is write a “Gratitude Letter” to a friend or worker that I really appreciate. The idea is that you write a letter indicating all the specific things you’re grateful for in that individual.The important part is being specific. Don’t just say, “I’m grateful for your friendship.” but “I’m grateful for the time when you looked after my Mom when I was too ill to see her.”

The next step, after you’ve written your letter, is to arrange a time when you can meet your friend and read your letter to them. Tell them that they’re to say nothing until you’ve finished.

From my experience people are truly appreciative and really happy at receiving your “Gratitude Letter”. Seeing your friend happy makes you feel good too! It’s a win,win situation.

M Says:

August 11th, 2008, 17:08 pm

forgive.

Thomas H. Says:

August 11th, 2008, 19:17 pm

PLAY A BOB MARLEY SONG LOUDLY (WITH LOTS OF BASS).
POSITIVE VIBRATIONS/\/\/\/\/\

ahmed Says:

August 11th, 2008, 19:17 pm

# Be happy yourself. ….

i like this one :D

John Clapton Says:

August 11th, 2008, 19:31 pm

Hey Leo

What about: Give a friend a jar of jam you have just made.

I did and boy did it make them happy.

Moemen Says:

August 11th, 2008, 19:33 pm

Great list!
proud to be a muslim because most of them are duties for us :)

Leo Says:

August 11th, 2008, 19:46 pm

I appreciate the comments, my friends.

@John Clapton: a homemade jar of jam sounds like a great idea!

@M: “Forgive” is a great one … I thought of it after I published the list and wished I’d included it, so thank you!

@TriGuy: I don’t think it’s egotistical to try to make someone else happy. You can ascribe selfish motivations to any actions if you like, but I don’t see how that’s useful. Whether the motivations are selfish or not, making someone else happy is a good thing. Let’s try to see it in that positive light!

Michael Henreckson Says:

August 11th, 2008, 19:49 pm

Laughing your butt off sounds like a good way to lose weight.

(cue laughter)

Rosie Says:

August 11th, 2008, 21:04 pm

Break wind? I can never get over how ridiculous the trumpet sound is. Disgusted or not it still makes people laugh which releases tension (and they can feel slightly superior for a minute or two). Zen? Deep? Probably not. Honest? Yes.

Leo Says:

August 11th, 2008, 21:28 pm

@Michael Henreckson: True! Unfortunately it makes it painful to sit.

fjpoblam Says:

August 11th, 2008, 23:31 pm

#7 quite especially! I believe if there were a World Joke Day then once per year, for 15 minutes, everyone would tell the closest nearby person a joke, and for that 15 minutes there would be world peace. It might get addictive!

(Please tell me a joke from some culture vastly different from mine! I’d be curious.)

toni Says:

August 12th, 2008, 10:44 am

33. Share this list.

It sure made me smile!

Cynthia Says:

August 12th, 2008, 17:14 pm

Thank you!
Lovely post.
Cheers from Brazil
v (=^_^=)

Anne Says:

August 13th, 2008, 11:19 am

Need someone, appreciate help and thank him/her.

Mike Says:

August 13th, 2008, 11:41 am

@Xiane — Near my workplace there’s a mailbox that has a sticker inside saying “You are beautiful.” that you won’t see until you open the thing to put mail in. It’s very personal and it’s awesome to watch people drop mail in it and walk away with a big smile.

BodoHL Says:

August 13th, 2008, 14:06 pm

A good article with valuable information. Thank you for that. The list is very good.

happy_fool Says:

August 13th, 2008, 14:48 pm

Surprise them with a kiss

The happiest blog on earth Says:

August 14th, 2008, 11:13 am

I am so glad that you put Smile as the first one. Smile is very contagious. If you smile at the world, the world will smile back at you.

the happiest blog on earth is just one of the site that make people happy. Sharing happiness with other will bring more joy to the world.

I also like to give free hug or simply tab on people’s shoulder. It simply give people some warm feelings.

Taylor Arch Says:

August 14th, 2008, 16:17 pm

I like the smile! it always works in hallways.

-go on a walk with them

Anamar Says:

August 15th, 2008, 18:07 pm

Listen to them, no interruption, no advices, no “I told you”. just listen with eye contact.

Greg | Happy as Humanly Possible Says:

August 16th, 2008, 3:12 am

Thanks for the list Leo!

I have a 19 month old son. We often just spend a few moments looking into each others’ eyes. It makes him very happy when I am simply present with him. Being present for another human being is a great gift to give and one that offers a simple happiness!

pamelalee Says:

August 17th, 2008, 0:34 am

i like the list,I find that the presence of an emotion is contagouse. so i try to lite the room with a smill and filling conversation with happy thoughts interns spreads the feeling. just taking the time out to think of another helps to make them feel happy intern makes you happy

Tamiko Says:

August 17th, 2008, 14:55 pm

i agree with tina. the simple act of reading this entry made me smile from ear to ear. i’m ready to spread some happiness! thanks, leo.

Amber Says:

August 17th, 2008, 19:15 pm

“We all have the power to give away love, to love other people. And if we do so, we change the kind of person we are, and we change the kind of world we live in.”-Rabbi Harold Kushner

Samantha Says:

August 25th, 2008, 14:51 pm

Buy them the nicest pair of socks that they’ve ever gotten. No one ever gets them for themselfs and a nice pair of socks really make a difference. My freinds laughed at this, but then said that they appreciated the socks every time they put them on and then started picking up socks for others. This is especially good for the people who seem to have everything- try it!

stacia Says:

September 14th, 2008, 20:57 pm

thank you
that is just what i need to read
keep smile in your heart also it will show

widio Says:

December 2nd, 2008, 9:24 am

Amar e ser amado, e tudo o que posso vos desejar neste momento, e que todos vocês sejam muito felizes…

mukta Says:

December 2nd, 2008, 23:01 pm

i always beleive give others a compassionate feeling of luv, understanding and listen to what others say at the time when they are feeling low.

n of course smile can cure everything in the world.