If someone around you is unhappy or depressed, you may be wondering what you can do to make them smile. Often when someone is sad or low, all they want is to be left along. At the same time, they may be looking for someone to come and give them hope. A hug and few words of encouragement are all that they might need at this time. So let us take a look at this ‘easy ways to make someone smile’ list and brighten their day. (Even if these things do not work, your friends will surely be glad to have someone like you in their lives!)
1. Use your talents
It is great that you have taken the pledge to do something nice for someone who is going through a bad time. Perhaps you have a special talent that you can use? Are you good at nail art? Then head over to your friend’s place and create something beautiful. Likewise, you might have hundreds of special talents which you may not think are talents at all! Be creative and share them and very soon your hidden talents will bring a smile on everyone’s faces! Gardening, painting, baking or even singing a song for them are some easy ways to bring some cheer in a sad person’s life.
2. Offer to babysit for tired parents
This is a great way to bring a smile on tired parents’ faces. Parents with newborn babies go through sleepless nights in the initial days. So offer to babysit for them and see how happy your thoughtful gesture will make them. Make sure you know how to take care of a baby first. You might have to learn how to warm up the milk bottle and even change diapers.
3. Bake treats
Is someone at work sad? Bake a cake or cookies for them! There is nothing better than cake to bring a lovely smile on someone’s face.
4. Cook dinner for a sick friend
Make sure it is something they like or something that is good when one is not well. Carry the dinner in disposable cartons (or you can offer to come and pick up the food containers later in the day). Your sick friend will appreciate your thoughtfulness and will surely smile and be grateful for your presence in his/her life.
5. Offer to fix someone’s computer or phone
Senior/elderly people or those less tech savvy often face issues with their devices. Offer to help them out and that is the best way to make someone smile today!
6. Send a joke
Of course, this is the classic way to make someone smile over text. Make sure the joke is in good taste. It must also be relevant to the situation. It could be in reference to an incident or experience you shared with this person. Make sure that the recipient is in a mood to appreciate the joke, else she/he might not respond. Even if they do not respond, do not take it personally. Understand that when one is sad or low, they may not be in a mood to reply to texts. It does not mean that they are ghosting you. Give them a few days to get back.
7. Send a good morning message
Some of the easy ways to make someone smile with words over text is a good morning/good night message. These show them that you are thinking of them. Make sure these messages have a personal touch and are not spam forwards. If they respond back with a good morning or continue the conversation, then you know that your messages are appreciated. On the other hand, if they do not reciprocate, it could mean that they are just busy or not in a frame of mind to appreciate the message/text. In either case, wait for a few days before resending a text. If they continue to ‘ghost’ you, then you ought to get the hint. Sometimes though, depressed people can take a lot longer to respond. However, that does not mean that they don’t smile when they get your messages. Often, for many depressed people, getting messages might be their lifeline when everything else in their life is dark and hopeless.
8. Pick up their grocery
Ask them if there’s anything you can pick up from the grocery store and offer to drop it to their place. This is a surefire way to easily make someone smile today.
9. Organize their home
People often neglect themselves and their surroundings when they are unhappy. Offer to drop by and arrange or clean up their home. Organize their kitchen cabinets or bedroom closet. They will definitely be grateful for it. Make sure you make it easy for them to find their stuff once you are done.
10. Send them an email
Writing is a great talent which people can utilize to make someone smile with words. Send them a message or email to show them why you love/appreciate them and what you mean to them.
11. Just be a good listener
Have a lonely, elderly neighbor? Invite them for a cup of coffee and just listen. Sometimes, older people only want someone to talk to. Ask them questions about their work they did before retirement, or how they met their spouse etc and see them light up and smile!
12. Invite them to dinner
Invite a single parent and their child for dinner! See how much they appreciate it!
13. Give them a massage/manicure/pedicure
A massage is a great way to de-stress and feel happier as it stimulates feel good endorphins and reduces stress hormones. Know how to give a good massage? Offer to do it for someone who is going through a hard time. A foot massage or a manicure is also a great way to connect with someone. Do this for your mom and see her smile!
14. File someone’s tax returns
Know how to do taxes? Offer to do them for the person who gets stressed at the thought of doing their numbers.
15. Offer coaching help to someone who is struggling
If you are good in a particular subject, be it school work or sports; offer to help out a kid struggling in those areas. Do it for free and see their parents smile and bless you.
16. Drive them to the doctor/hospital
Simply driving a sick or elderly couple to the hospital for their appointment is a great way to make someone smile. You can stick around till their appointment is done and/or offer to pick them up later. Make sure you call them to find out how the appointment goes.
17. Get someone to stick to a diet/exercise plan
Encourage someone to workout with you. Get them motivated and be instrumental in helping them lose weight. This is an easy way to make someone smile and appreciate your presence.
18. Provide a change of scenery
An occasional change of scenery is the best way to encourage someone going through rough times. Drive someone to a nearby picnic spot or the beach. They will be grateful to you for life!
Try out these 18 easy ways to make someone smile and see the difference it makes in your life as well!