Girls' Life Magazine came out with this great article that I thought I'd share with you. Ten tips to make others feel better, and in turn, make you feel better because you made someone's day alittle nicer.

 

1. Pass Out Compliments Like Candy

You're walking to geometry, minding your own and, next thing you know, a stranger drops a compliment about your hot new shoes. Feels good, huh? If you've noticed the girl at the next lunch table has worn really cool outfits the last two weeks straight, why not tell her you think her clothes are fab? Who knows? Maybe your words will jumpstart a friendship. Try to think of people who rarely receive praise- your math teacher, your bus driver, the guy who rounds up shopping carts at the grocery store. A few simple words of appreciation might be enough to outweigh the negative stuff they deal with all day.

 

Every school has the bullies... and the bullied. Next time you observe an innocent person being picked on, boldly tell the bullies to back off. You'll establish a rep as a girl who's not afraid to stand up for herself and others-and even bullies know better than to mess with that kind of confidence. Sometimes, all it takes is one person willing to challenge The Bully. You don't have to be tough, or over-the-top. Just flex your cool and calmly say, "Does it make you feel better about yourself to diss someone else?" Knowing someone's got her back can be a huge relief to someone on the recieving end of a tease attack.

 

When's the last time you got mail? Not AOL style. We're talking about the paper-and-pen kind that comes in a mailbox. We place it on the top-10 list of Best Feelings in the World! It takes only a few minutes to jot a note and 37 cents to mail it- a small price to make someone's day, don't you think? Personalize notes with stickers and doodles, and use colorful stationary. Write to friends, grandfolks, even your sister.

 

You're not a natural-born comedian? No prob. Snagging laughs is more about being spontaneous. Think of Phoebe on Friends- her comments are so out-there, you can't help but laugh. Goofy notes or objects planted in random spots guarantee laughs. Stick a set of googly eyes (from any craft store) on your bud's locker or parents' toilet seat. Sign up to receive free e-mail jokes and memorize the good ones for cafeteria standup. (Work on your delivery at home- joke-telling is all about good timing.) Got a cellie? Leave a hilarious voicemail greeting. Anyone who calls gets an instant laugh-or at least a slight grin and an eye-roll.

 

5. Hold the Door More

Holding the door for someone is such a simple gesture, but watch how faces light up. Hold the door for elderly people, moms with strollers, the guy leaving Starbucks with half a dozen tall lattes for his office buddies. Politeness is rare, and people will be thrilled when you show common courtesy. Don't be surprised if you catch yourself helping out in other small ways- like helping a friend haul her backpack, clarinet, and posterboard proect to school.

 

You've heard the term "random acts of kindness." Try It! Get up early, and start your dad's coffee. Set the dinner table before your mom asks you to. You can even be totally anonymous. Tuck a smiley-face note on the windshield of your friend's car. ~Or anyone's for that matter! Pick a car in the parking lot and leave a Have a Nice day! note for them!~ Drop an extra buck in the tip jar at the bagel shop. leave a single wildflower in a vase on your friend's dresser when she's not looking. No blabbing that you're the do-gooder!

 

Next time you bake your extra-gooey, mega-chocolatey brownies, double the recipe. Take the extra batch next door. You'll make their mouths water- and you'll make friends! Not that you should be nice for selfish motives, but... when you invite friends over for an end-of-summer barbecue, your neighbors will be less likely to complain about the music.

 

...birthdays, important events, the name of the super-shy kid in gym class. When you remember details about someone's life, it lets them know you think they're important. When you know someone's going through a tough time, ask if there's anything you can do. Everyone wants to feel like they matter. So pay attention when people tell you what's going on in their lives, and remember to ask about it later.

 

You don't have to run for county council to contribute to your community. Pick up trash. Plant flowers. Rake leaves. Look into volunteer opps, too. Visit old folks in a nursing home, tutor elementary-school kids after school, or serve meals at a soup kitchen. It might feel like a huge deal-but you'll feel great once you do it. Spread the love.

 

A positive, upbeat attitude is totally contagious. Don't believe us? Next time you come across a grump in the dumps, flash him a grin and a cheerful "hello". Most people will crack a smile or at least lose the sullen look. Without being obnoxious, make it a goal to bust their crust. You never know what stuff they've gone through. A simple smile can make a world of difference to someone!