Making someone happy just for the fun of it can be one of the most rewarding actions in this world. Brightening a person's day, whether it's your best friend or the bar waiter, can bring good karma and in turn make your day brighter as well. To make someone happy, you need to be spontaneous, open and willing to put in a little effort to make a difference.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Making Your Friends Happy
Step 1. Support others emotionally
Everyone is pleased to know that they are loved and appreciated. Encourage your friends to follow their dreams, especially if no one else does. Find a way to tell them how important they are to you, even if you have to do it in a casual or inconspicuous way. Be caring and compassionate in all relationships. Even just letting your friends know that they can count on you for a big problem or just to complain about their work situation can be the best thing you can do to keep them happy.
Another way to be emotionally supportive is to let them know when they are in a self-destructive situation. If they are having a negative and harmful relationship, if they are making bad life choices or wasting their talents, find a kind way to talk to them. Whether or not they listen to you is their decision, but at least take the time to express your concerns honestly
Step 2. Encourage them when they are depressed
Smile and if you have an intimate relationship with the person, hug them. Do something fun like building a blanket fort, throwing a sleepover, or making the silly putty, especially if you're already "too old" for these things. Put together a small collection of cute videos, photos and gifts and challenge the person to say they don't feel better after watching them.
- Of course, acting prankster doesn't make a person happier in every situation, but it's worth a try. Your friend will appreciate that you are really working hard to make him smile.
- If your friend is really sad, sometimes the best thing to do to cheer him up is to just be there for him, be a shoulder he can cry on. If he's not in the mood, you don't have to put too much emphasis on behaving ridiculously in an attempt to make him feel better.
- Sometimes, even after spending a lot of time talking, cuddling, and hugging your friend, he may still be in a bad mood. For some types of people, it can help to show yourself sad about their sadness. If they have an empathic nature, they may not bear the idea of seeing you sad and will try to solve the problem. And usually, when they do, their mood improves a lot more than you could, too.
Step 3. Be a good listener
An undemanding way to make someone feel appreciated and valued is to simply listen to them. Try to understand his state of mind and try to put yourself in his shoes. Ask him appropriate questions, don't interrupt him when he speaks and if you don't understand something, ask him instead of speculating. Your friend may feel ignored and neglected by others and the fact that you listen to him intently can make him happier and he can really appreciate your effort to be there with him really listening.
- If you want to really listen to him and try to fully understand his state of mind, also physically approach him, keep eye contact and do not give him unsolicited advice. Let him know that you are completely focused and that you are there to help him make his life better, not to judge.
- Turn off your phone when he is talking to you, to show him that you are giving him all the attention he deserves.
Step 4. Give him an important gift
Take some time to choose a special gift that is suitable for him. Put your best intentions in the gift, make sure it is the expression of your friend's positive energy and appreciation. Offer him something he really wants or needs instead of giving him anything; it could be a rare old album you know he'd like or the first edition of his favorite novel. If you work hard to find something truly unique, you will make him feel happy right away.
While giving him a meaningful gift on his birthday or during the holiday season can make a good impression, sometimes nothing can make a person happier than a gift without a special occasion
Step 5. Call a friend just to say hello
One way to make someone happy is to just call them to say hello and for the pleasure of hearing them. This little gesture can make a big difference, it makes him realize that you really care about him and that you want to know what's going on in his life. Call him when you have a few free minutes and just ask him how he is, how is life at work, school or with his friends. Take some time to show him an interest in his activities, without wanting anything in return, and you will be able to brighten his day.
- Lately, it's hard to get people to call each other just to chat, as they once did. Make your friend happy by calling him without wanting anything.
- If you know he has just had a great week, for example he has started a new job, just call him to find out how it went.
Step 6. Help him just for the pleasure of doing it
Another way to make someone happy is to simply offer them help. This does not mean that you have to do things that are too demanding or tiring, nor that you have to help him during the most difficult moments. If he's having a very busy day, have lunch with him or offer to walk his dog that morning. You can accompany him to work if you know he has the car from the mechanic or help him assemble that IKEA table that he has left leaning against the wall for weeks. Making a little effort to help out with the little things can bring a smile to a friend's face.
- Some of your friends may be reluctant to ask for help, even when they need it. In this case, let him know that you really want to help him and you will see that he will gladly accept.
- Be a good observer. Look at your friend and try to figure out what he needs most. Maybe he'd like a cup of cold coffee, but he's too shy to ask.
Step 7. Write him a thank you note
You will instantly make him happier if you give him a thank you card to show how much you appreciate something he has done for you. You may think that writing these cards is only a custom for teachers or elderly people, but sending one to a friend can be a meaningful and unique way to thank them and make them feel happier. There doesn't have to be a specific reason, it can be a message of general appreciation that he is an amazing friend or a great listener.
Leave the note on the front door, in the mailbox or even hidden inside a book he is reading. The surprise factor will make him even happier
Step 8. Make a positive opinion about him
Another way to make him happy is to praise him in front of other friends when he is not around. Instead of engaging in negative gossip and being mean, spread positivity and express appreciation about a friend - for example, praise his or her aesthetic sense or incredible guitar playing skills, so that he will feel elated when he hears about it.. Rest assured that, just like negative gossip, your friend will also be informed of the kind things being said behind his back.
Plus, if you say something nice about a friend, it will inspire him in turn to say something positive about you when you're not there; it is a way of spreading positive energy
Step 9. Cook something
Preparing something to eat is a way to make a friend happy and strengthen the relationship more. Take some time to bake some chocolate chip cookies, banana bread, apple pie or another sweet that your friend loves, you will surely make him happy and he will greatly appreciate the effort he is making. You can also leave some freshly baked treats on his desk or on the porch of his house if you want to surprise him even more.
- If you don't know his favorite dessert, try to inform yourself discreetly, so you can really make him an even more pleasant delicacy.
- Preparing a cake for his birthday can make him even happier.
Part 2 of 3: Making Your Parents Happy
Step 1. Show yourself a trustworthy person
Keeping a promise every now and then isn't as important as keeping your constant commitment to everyday activities. Make honesty your lifestyle. Even good lies can appear as petty betrayals. Make sure your actions always reflect your words and vice versa. If you want to make your parents happy, one of the best things you can do is to behave in a way that deserves their trust.
- Your parents may spend a lot of time worrying that you may not be honest with them. The best thing you can do is show that you want to open up and confide in the problems you are experiencing.
- If they feel that they have an honest and sincere relationship with you and that you are not hiding anything from them, know that you will make them very happy.
Step 2. Spend time with them
Let your parents know that you are not only caring, but that you appreciate their company. It's not that hard - start by turning off the TV and sit down with them to talk. You can also invite them out to go bowling, to go swimming or to do some other fun and dynamic thing. Family time doesn't have to be boring and you can make it fun if you want, whether you decide to go to that newly opened restaurant or play trump. Your parents will enjoy spending time with you more than anything else and being close to them will make them very happy.
- Instead of closing your room door, leave it open, let your parents know that you want to spend time with them and not shut them out of your life.
- Choose one evening each week to stay with the family, whether it's Sunday or any other day. Planning an evening to spend with your parents in your weekly routine is sure to make them happy.
- The key thing, when you spend time with them, is that you show that you want to be there, you don't have to give the feeling of pleasing your parents as much as you actually want to be with your friends.
Step 3. Make them feel appreciated
Compliment them sincerely by letting them know that you value them and admire the things they do. Don't make them feel discounted and show that you are truly grateful for all the things they do for you. Never let a day go by without thanking them and showing that you couldn't do anything without them. Your parents will be happier, because they will understand how much you really appreciate them.
- To be sure, parents are used to feeling pretty discounted by their children, but that doesn't mean it's okay. Get out of the box and make an effort to show that you care for them.
- Remember that your parents are not just parents; they are people with their own goals and needs. They are not "forced" to take care of you; they made the choice to raise and nurture you and you should be grateful for that.
Step 4. Be happy yourself
One way to make your parents happy is to strive to be a happy person first, whether it's finding love, an important career, or pursuing a hobby that makes you happy. Studies have shown that parents are just as involved in the happiness of their adult children as they were when their children were just children, so you should always try to be happy and show your happiness if you want them to be happy too.
It's all too easy to reach out to your parents and complain about work or other troublesome issues in your life. Instead, you should call them to tell pleasant things too. It's important to be honest, but it's also not bad to show yourself positive
Step 5. Help them with housework
Another way to make them happy is to help them with the housework as much as possible. This doesn't mean that you should just do your homework early, but that you should also do more than is required of you, such as doing laundry, cleaning the kitchen counter, or even vacuuming the house when your parents are away. They will really appreciate the effort you are making and will be happier as a result.
- This makes them even more grateful if they have had a long, tiring day and really need someone to free them from the commitment of doing some chores.
- You don't have to point out what you've done; the finished job will notice itself and they will immediately feel better.
Step 6. Cook a good meal
It's another nice idea that you can put into practice to make them happy: surprise them with a nice meal cooked by you. You don't necessarily have to do something too elaborate, even just a simple pasta dish with a salad and chicken or fish will be fine. The important thing is not to prepare a gourmet meal, but the fact that you have invested the time to help your parents and have allowed them not to worry about cooking that day.
- Surprise them on a night when they are used to making dinner. Nothing will make them happier than coming home and finding a nice, ready-made meal.
- You will be even more appreciated if you eventually help fix the kitchen.
Step 7. Be loving
Showing them a little more affection can make them happy. Even just hugging them when you see them, giving them a kiss on the cheek, a pat on the back, or any small affectionate gesture can really help brighten their lives. You may be at the age where you think it's not good to be affectionate with your parents, but you need to get over this bias and give them the love and affection they need.
- A simple hug or kiss before school can change their day.
- When they get home from work, don't just say hello to them from the room across the house. Make an effort to greet them at the door, give them a big hug, and inquire about their day.
Step 8. Be nice to your siblings
To make your parents happy, it is important to develop a positive relationship with siblings. Taking the time to be nice to them can make your parents more comfortable; they will notice that their children get along well and will be more serene about relationships and interpersonal relationships. If you are the older brother, taking on some responsibilities and taking care of the younger brother is another way to make your parents happier because they will have fewer things to worry about.
- If your younger sibling needs help with their homework, plan to help if your parents are having a busy day.
- If you are the youngest, try to be nice to your older brother and avoid starting arguments and arguments.
Step 9. Find out about your parents' life just for the sake of it
They are certainly used to the fact that you turn to them when you need something or need to ask a question that only they can answer. If you want to make them happy, you should call them just to say hello and see how they are doing. Make them feel appreciated and let them know that you care about them; you will see that they will be happy that you took the time to talk and not that you needed something.
- If you're having a busy day, even a text to say hello and ask how they're doing can make a huge difference.
- If you're working, sending a quick greeting email or attaching a link to a site you think they might like will definitely brighten their day.
Part 3 of 3: Making Strangers or Acquaintances Happy
Step 1. Practice random acts of kindness
Call, text, or email the person you want to contact just to tell them you're thinking of them. Send a handwritten letter, silly cartoon, or cute photo in the mail; so few people use traditional mail these days that getting a letter is always a nice surprise. Pick up a flower for this person, help them with their groceries, or offer to do something important, like help them move.
- Being courteous just for the sake of kindness will bring you good karma and make the rest of your day better too.
- Observe the surrounding environment. If you see someone who seems particularly in need of a smile or a kind gesture, pay attention to them, as long as you are not too pushy or notice that your intervention is not appreciated.
Step 2. Make them laugh
Laughter releases tension and is wonderfully contagious. Being able to make witty jokes when you're at the grocery store or waiting in line to buy a movie ticket can bring a smile to a person's face. If you don't feel inspired, find something fun online and send an e-mail to whoever you want. The most important thing is to show that you are not taking yourself too seriously and that you are willing to let go of your serious and busy side for a moment to make people laugh.
- People never laugh enough. You can make the rest of a person's day more fun just by making them laugh once or twice.
- You can also do something silly like take a dandelion or a blade of grass and give it away saying, "I collected this for you!" Or "I picked this weed just for you!"
Step 3. Maintain eye contact and say hello
This is a simple and small way to make a difference in a person's day. The simple act of making eye contact with a person can make them feel appreciated, greeting them can brighten their day. You never know what's going on in people's minds and just saying “hi” and making them feel special for just a moment can be a boost of energy and happiness they need to get through the day.
You may be the only person who smiles at them all day. Think about the impact it can have on their mood
Step 4. Donate your things
Another way to make a person happy is to give her clothes, dishes, or other items that are no longer needed by you but that she could use instead. You cannot know how important your old clothes or various household items are to a person who really needs them; by donating your things you can be sure that whoever receives them will also have a smile as a gift.
- If you find that you have clothes you haven't worn more than once in a year, it's time to donate them to people who could put them to good use.
- While it's easy to be generous with old things you no longer use, think about how important they can be to other people and how happy they can be.
Step 5. Give a nice compliment
You can make someone smile and feel happier just with a compliment. As long as this is sincere and kind, know that you will make his day better. All you have to do is tell a person that you like their necklace, that they have a nice smile or that you like the funky pants they are wearing. As long as you don't overdo it and make no one uncomfortable, giving nice compliments is a way to help people feel happier instantly.
- Do not compliment the physical appearance of a person you do not know. Just comment on clothes, jewelry, or some other item if you want to avoid creating an awkward situation.
- You can just look the person in the eye and say something like, "Put on a really nice sweater!" The important thing is that it doesn't create too much anxiety in trying to say the perfect thing. Simplicity is the key.
Step 6. Spread your positive energy
Another way to make someone happy is simply to be happy yourself, to transmit your positive energy and your happiness to the people around you. Show yourself smiling, talk about the things you love, make positive comments about your surroundings, and make other people feel good about themselves. Happiness is contagious and, if you commit yourself to spreading happiness, the people around you will be able to grasp it quickly.
- Even if you're not feeling too positive, making the effort to smile is enough to make others feel happier and convey cheer to those around you.
- If you notice that you are making a negative comment, immediately change your approach and make two positive comments.
Step 7. Help someone who is carrying something heavy
You can make a person happy just by helping them lift a heavy load. Whether it's an elderly lady carrying a heavy shopping bag to her car or a guy at the post office who has to load a heavy package into the car, you can make a difference by simply helping them and making their toil a little lighter.. If you see that your neighbor is lifting heavy weights, ask him if you can give him a hand, you will find that you will certainly make him happier.
- This is an easy way to cheer someone up and make them happier, as you are making their life easier.
- Obviously, don't put yourself in danger to help someone you don't know get something into a van or their home. Make sure you stay in a safe public place.
Step 8. Write something positive on Facebook
Nowadays, most people use Facebook to rant or complain about something annoying they experienced that day, or even to share a depressing and distressing article about how the whole world is falling apart. While they may all be real, sometimes you can do something to cheer up the environment a little by posting positive news (yes, they exist!), A cute cat video, a funny story or a Simpsons cartoon or anything else that makes you smile. You will be able to make people happier without even realizing it.
Sure, there are a lot of terrible things happening in the world, but you can let the other 1,000 Facebook friends remember them. Why not post something positive and give your online acquaintances a breath of fresh air?
Advice
- A simple hug, a smile or a compliment is enough to make someone's day joyful. If you don't want to do something over the top to make others happy, you can stick to simple things.
- Sacrifice some of your time to be around someone who is sad or depressed.
- Make sure she knows you're there for her.
- Surprise for no reason.
- Make it clear to the people you are with that you feel comfortable around them. You can express yourself by saying: "Laura, I love you!" or: "I missed you!", "I love being with you!", "It's so good to be here with you" and so on. The other person will greatly appreciate your words. Saying something nice can be very important, but often people don't express their feelings by holding onto these positive thoughts. Instead the person will smile physically and mentally, knowing that these feelings of yours come from the bottom of your heart.
- Be the first to be happy and lead others by example. Having a happy person next to you is highly motivating and a great stimulus, you will see that the desire to cry and be sad will disappear more easily.
- You can make others happy by making them laugh and showing kindness. Let them know that you are truly sorry. They will be happy to be with someone who puts them at ease! Alternatively, play something they like. Make them feel better.
- If you see that they do not want to talk, do not insist and do not be intrusive, but try to understand what troubles them. Try approaching yourself by saying something like, "What are you doing this weekend?" and so on.
- Go to the cinema together to see a family movie. Try to be nice and buy snacks for everyone.
- Laugh at other people's jokes. It is very embarrassing when someone in a group makes a joke and no one else finds it funny. So try to at least smile.
- Go and find the person who is sad only at a time that suits them. "Imperfect" timing could depress her even more and break your relationship.
- Engage in activities that promote sweating, such as rugby, football, training in the gym, dance or simply do garden maintenance and care.
- You can also write a loving letter.
- Take the person you care for to the zoo to see the animals, especially if you know they love them!
Warnings
- Make sure none of your attempts at TLC become sarcastic or pitying.
- If your friend wants to be alone, give him the space he wants, but let him know that you are available to listen if he wants to open up and confide in you.
- Never raise your voice.
- If your friend is angry with someone, don't be more angry by saying negative things about that person. You would only feed negative feelings towards someone he is thinking about.
- Never show a pedantic or superior towards another person, you could make them feel uncomfortable.
- Never make fun of people.
- Helping someone doesn't have to turn into an addiction, make sure people don't lean on you too much if you don't want to cause them further suffering.
- Do not press the other person about the problem they are experiencing; doing so may experience further negative emotions.
