Friends and Family
“Be kind.” It’s so simple. So impactful. And often, so easy.
While many say, “It takes courage to be kind,” it also doesn’t take much either. In fact, if all of us were a little more kind in our day-to-day, this world would likely be a very different place (Just some food for thought!).
When it comes to friends and family, you’ve probably heard this line before: “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” This usually means fostering kindness in many different aspects as we interact with those we love and care about—and no, it doesn’t have to involve huge sweeping acts of affection.
There are so many ways you can show kindness to others. But if you’re stuck, here are 12 ways to show kindness to your family and friends (and maybe help set an example so others foster that too! After all, the world needs a little more kindness, always.).
12 Simple Ways to Show Kindness to Your Friends and Family
1. Listen to their needs.
In everyday conversation, it’s easy to be selfish and react. It’s easy to ignore the other person’s needs for our own. Yet, sometimes, it’s best to try to understand and listen to the other person’s needs as opposed to pushing our own agenda. In fact, a lot of conflicts would be avoided by doing so.
So, what does this mean? Well, it mostly means actively listening.
- Put your phone away.
- Try to find understanding behind what they are saying.
- Avoid jumping in with your own opinions and judgments.
This is one of the greatest acts of kindness you can give!
Related Article: 5 Benefits of Being Kind – and We Need it Right Now
2. Put your own feelings aside.
Inevitably, there’s a time and place here. Our feelings shouldn’t always be swept under the rug. Yet, if your friends, S.O., or family member is obviously distressed, a simple act of kindness you can do is focus on their feelings and problem while putting yours aside.
However, this may also apply when someone you care about is excited or happy about something. Our jealousy or envy doesn’t really matter here. We should put these aside to avoid conflict and celebrate the one we love.
3. Let them know you’re thinking about them.
Super easy! A quick text or a small gift (even a chocolate bar!) lets them know that you were thinking of them even when they weren’t around. This may be especially important for those with the love language “receiving gifts.”
In fact, if you and your S.O. or family haven’t done a love language quiz, you should! It can help you figure out how to show the ones you care about that you, in fact, care and vice versa.
4. Give genuine compliments.
The major piece of this act of kindness is that is has to be genuine.
Faking it until you make it doesn’t apply here. But if you’ve always admired your loved one’s ambition or ability to always see the positive, tell them! And here’s another quick hint: Compliments that don’t revolve around appearances are often considered higher value than ones that do.
5. Do them a favor.
Do you notice your family member or friend is stressed out or having a rough time?
Show some kindness by doing them a favor. This can be as simple as cleaning up, making dinner, or taking out the garbage. It can also be as big as picking up groceries for your friend or dropping off some pre-made, ready-to-eat dinners.
6. Plan time together.
Spending quality time together is an act of kindness on both sides.
After all, time is one of our most precious resources. By giving our time to others, we show them we truly care. Going the extra mile and actually “planning” that time gets bonus points!
7. Tell them how you feel.
Hiding our feelings is never a good path to go down. Sure, there’s a right time and place to bring them up.
But good or bad, we should eventually share them. This is an act of kindness in that it gives the other person information regarding what’s going on in our internal dialogue. It doesn’t mean that our thoughts connected to those feelings are true.
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