How to Practice Courtesy and Kindness

Co-authored by Tami Claytor

Last Updated: February 3, 2023 Approved

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

1
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]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Tami Claytor
  Etiquette Coach
  Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.}
2
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.

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3
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]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
- 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]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Tami Claytor
  Etiquette Coach
  Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.}
- 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]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Tami Claytor
  Etiquette Coach
  Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.}
4
Be generous. If someone is missing a few cents for their purchase in a store, give it to them.
5
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.
6
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).
7
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.
8
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.
9
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.

Warnings

Being kind does not mean being a doormat. Don't let people take advantage of you.

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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.

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