Surprise A Stranger

Summary

The article encourages spreading kindness and positivity through simple acts like smiling, giving warm greetings, and paying compliments to strangers during a time when people seem more detached due to the global pandemic.

Abstract

In the context of a global pandemic where individuals appear to be more reserved and less physically affectionate, the author emphasizes the importance of maintaining human connection. They suggest that small gestures of kindness, such as smiling at strangers, offering unique greetings, complimenting others, and even providing belly rubs to pets or loved ones, can make a significant difference. The article also advocates for leaving tips as an act of generosity, highlighting that such acts often come at no cost. The overarching message is that kindness is contagious and that these efforts can help counteract the sense of detachment prevalent in society.

Opinions

The author acknowledges the global pandemic but does not underestimate its impact.
There is a concern about the perceived detachment among people.
The author believes in the power of connection and is making conscious efforts to engage with others positively.
Acts of kindness, such as smiling, complimenting, and tipping, are seen as effective ways to spread positivity.
Generosity is considered timeless and valuable, especially when it costs nothing.
The author is curious about how others are contributing to the spread of positivity in their own ways.

Kindness is contagious

Image: Alawai on Morguefile

These days I’ve noticed folks are more reserved, less inclined to hug, avoid eye contact.

To be clear: I’m not minimizing the global pandemic. Still, such perceived detachment concerns me. To that end, I’m making extra efforts at connecting with folks.

My tips:

Smile at a stranger — walking down the street, entering a store, at the gas pump

Give a warm greeting — replace good morning with something different like “beautiful day” or “grand rising”

Pay a compliment — to the supermarket cashier, your neighbor, the postal clerk, even to yourself

Offer belly rubs — for your furry companion(s), a loved one, or (see #3, last item)

Leave a tip — at your favorite coffee shop, local food truck, organic juice joint

Because generosity never goes out of style, and often costs nothing.

Am curious: how are you spreading the positivity?