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You don't need to shower people with expensive gifts to show that you care about them. If it's genuine, even a small act of kindness can go a long way. Like texting a friend just to see how they are doing. Or holding the elevator doors open for your neighbor. It can be that simple.

To learn more ways to make people smile, Redditor u/Self_World_Future asked others: "What is an underrated thoughtful gesture?" And they got plenty of answers. As of today, their post has 1,200 comments. Here are the most upvoted ones.

#1

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Asking someone to finish their story if they get cut off in a group. Nothing feels worse than feeling like nobody cares what you have to say, and nothing feels better than someone sticking up for you.

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Foodie panda
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i am usually the person who's cut off in a group and it feels so nice when someone asks to hear you out. It's truly the little gestures that mean the most 🤗

Burs
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And please don’t be the one who hears a person saying something that got ignored and repeats as if it’s yours. A colleague of mine kept doing that because I speak very low and people tends to ignore me. It hurts a lot when the second person gets all the laughts

cybermerlin2000
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I usually stop the person who cut the other off and say something like "Hang on, I want to hear the rest of this" and then encourage the cut off person to carry on

Ahimsa Soul
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In a working environment this is of huge importance, sometimes good ideas/solutions are overshadowed because nobody listened.

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K Miller
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get cut off or interrupted in conversations all the time. When someone asks you to finish what you were saying it makes me feel like what I have to say is important. And it's nice to know that at least one person was paying attention. If I get interrupted more than like twice though, I'll usually end up just giving up.

Yugan Talovich
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been cut off enough that I am careful to do this for others.

Sam Chilton
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hardly even know how to talk in groups because they always do this. My family has always done it.

Don't Look
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've got to the point that I will actually forget what I was talking about if someone does that to me. My way of thinking turned into if they actually cared, they would have let me finish.

Ahimsa Soul
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some times the interruption may be pertinent to what you are saying. If it's not, just say 'please just let me finish and then I'll hear you out ".

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Ronel du Plessis
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it's extremely rude to interrupt some one. If of you do not agree, wait your turn.

JuniorCJ82
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm still waiting for this to happen. I don't have enough digits on my limbs to count how many times I've either been ignored or cut off when I'm talking to family members. Each time I just stop and either leave the room or start piddling on my phone. Apparently my voice and/or opinion just plain doesn't matter. I have yet to receive any recognition or an apology from anyone.

Susan Monroe
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so true and something I always try to do. It hurts when you feel like nobody cares what you have to say. I know.

Julie Patel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It depends on the conversation, though. If you don't like whatever the topic is, that means you don't care about what the other person has to say and you basically have to fake a reaction or fake like you were listening.

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Marlowe Fitzpatrik
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When dealing with kids and you talk to someone else when they 'urgently' want something, I always hold my hand, tell them "a moment, I'm talking to X" and then I make sure I listen to the end of X's story and THEN I turn to the waiting kid and let them talk.

Sheamya
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes! It truly makes you feel invisible and just so rotten about yourself when this happens :(

Pheebs
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have so many unfinished stories because of cut offs. Probably why I don’t hang out with groups much anymore.

Julie Patel
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2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

Missi Boness
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lots of family members would be wise to learn this in bigger families. Lol

Jacqueline Mak
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually, I learned this from a Chinese novel, which the character is an old man with a childlike heart. He often requests the listener to ask him "What's next?" when being cut off in the middle of his conversation. After reading this, I started doing the same when someone's being cut off.

De Gueb
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fine unless it's my sister rambling on about immigrants, her ex, bi***ing about her friends

HooowlAtTheMoon
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always get cut off or ignored. I wish someone cared enough about my stories to ask about the rest of it

Ahimsa Soul
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is sad. But your stories are your own and they should be heard, because surely you and your listener learn from it. So make yourself heard. Go ahead and just say "hey! I was telling a story here! just let me finish please!".

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Soap
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Usually when I talk to my friends it's over Xbox, and I like to talk alot, so I get cut off alot. It's always nice to hear that one person say "okay, , continue?" It just makes me happy.

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#2

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) If you are driving someone home. At night, wait for them to get to the door, unlock and enter before you leave.

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Andy Acceber
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do this anytime -- not just at night. It's respectful to make sure the person didn't forget their phone or keys in your car. Make sure they get in okay before driving off.

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"What I've learned from re-reading [the comments under my post] is how small these meaningful gestures people listed actually were," u/Self_World_Future told Bored Panda. "Some of the top replies were things like saying 'thank you' or simply asking a friend how they're doing."

The Redditor thinks that being kind may have become less of a priority for us. "However, I believe if people were reminded of the power simple gestures have, they would make more of an effort," they added.

"Since about a year of things like online schooling and working from home, I hope people don't forget to rekindle relationships that may have suffered from the restrictions of the pandemic."

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#3

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Saying "Hi" to the security guard.

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KJ
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I say hi to most people I make eye contact with, get strange looks from some in the cities but its the norm out in rural areas.

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#4

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) If you’re in a group walking and someone’s falling behind (carrying something, have to tie their shoe, just a slower walker/has shorter legs etc.), at least one person waiting for them to catch up. Doesn’t have to be everyone, but just one person, maybe two, waiting for them to finish what they’re doing or to catch up a bit. Both my best friend and my S/O have done this for me at varying points in our relationships, and every time they do it it makes me want to cry bc it shows they care and don’t want me to feel left out even though I’ve got these short little fuckin corgi legs and they’re all walking at the speed of sound.

zachariesalads , Eliott Reyna Report

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hyperunknown
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Spit my coffee out on the "corgi legs"-part!. LITERALLY. Tenks. :p

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Details matter. Especially for couples. According to Professor Aaron Ben-Zeév, who is considered one of the world's leading experts in the study of emotions, we should invest in the small routines, not the grand gestures. "We've heard it before but it's true: it's the little things that matter," Ben-Zeév wrote in Psychology Today.

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"In any genuine long-term loving relationship, we (correctly) give greater romantic weight to the small gestures that show us evidence of love beyond the brief time spent in sex. There are those who specialize in one-off grand romantic gestures: giving diamonds, whisking their lover abroad, or taking them for lavish dinners at fancy restaurants. However, those actions mainly express a momentary mood and not enduring, profound love."

#5

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Pedestrians who give a little nod or a wave to front cars that stopped for them.

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#6

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Really listening when people speak and not just waiting for your turn to talk.

reddit , Mimi Thian Report

#7

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Remembering little things. The other day I was talking to a friend and told him I just found out my sister is pregnant and he said “oh, the one who’s married to Brad?”. It was just nice that he makes a point to remember details that don’t necessarily mean anything to him.

01kaj10 , Donovan Grabowski Report

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Caro Caro
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He let you know he was actually listening to what you told him.

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You see, it is much easier to fake one-off actions than it is to imitate continuous behavior, expressed every day through small gestures. "We don't experience enduring love in one night of great sex, but rather in consistent loving behavior. Love is not one big gesture; it is rather a combination of million little things expressed in pleasant and kind daily actions," Ben-Zeév explained.

But the professor highlighted that "the importance of continuous small deeds in romantic relationships does not eliminate the importance of one-off big and small romantic gestures, such as going abroad together, the wedding of a firstborn child, or a shared meal in a romantic setting."

The professor said that at the end of the day, profound love, like a happy life, combines the enduring continuum of the little things with the bigger, more meaningful things — the latter spices up romantic relationships and life, but it is not the main course.

#8

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Visiting someone with alzheimers. You will leave with a broken heart and in 20 minutes they won't remember that you were there. But during your visit they will hopefully feel loved or at least know someone cares.

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Foxxy (The Original)
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I did work experience at an aged care facility where I visited patients and helped organise activities for them. There was one patient I visited who had dementia. She started bawling her eyes out that none of her family came to visit her. After I helped console her, I left the room and started bawling myself coz I felt so sorry for her. The director saw me and asked what was wrong and I explained. Well it turned out her family visited her that morning and visits a few times a week. She just couldn't remember. It's all so heartbreaking.

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#9

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Every time there's a new person at work, I recall what it was like being the new guy and go out my way to make them feel comfortable and let them know that I'll answer any questions judgement free.

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Michelle M
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same as school. When I was in secondary school, I used to feel bad for the new kids sitting alone but was not courageous enough to go over and say something. I'm better now.

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#10

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Letting someone with minimal items cut in front of you at the grocery checkout.

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Daria B
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is nice, but only if you don't let too many people cut in front of you. It becomes disrespectful to those behind you.

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#11

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) When a car stops to let me cross the street, thereby forcing the other oncoming car to also recognize that I need to cross.

There is a busy road I have to cross daily and I'm so grateful every single time that the cars stop for me to cross. It's just a simple gesture of feeling recognized.

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Matthew Horne
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always find this odd. In the UK the pedestrian has right of way. It's the law for a vehicle to stop.

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#12

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Telling someone they got a booger just hanging for its dear life or their fly is open. Embarrassing but better than walking around with it like it's in vogue.

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Foxxy (The Original)
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3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a question to all the ladies. If you leaked period blood onto your pants/skirt etc. Would you want someone to say something, even if it's a stranger? EDIT: So here's a scenario. My mum and I were at some busy markets. I had just left the toilets and when we were walking a lady in front had blood on the back of her skirt. My mum told me not to say anything coz she left the toilet just before I did and probably noticed it then and would probably be embarrassed if I said something. I dunno, it's a tricky one.

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#13

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Idk if this really counts but when you accidentally make eye contact with a stranger and both of y'all smile at each other.

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#14

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) When someone you're hanging out with throws away your trash or takes your dishes when you're done eating. Not that I expect that all the time, but I find it sweet when it happens. Like if you're sitting down at a fast food restaurant and your friend grabs your trash and throws it away with theirs.

friendsareshit , Catt Liu Report

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KJ
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a random lady packing her boot with shopping hover once she was finished, she then offered to take my trolley back to the storage area with hers, small act of kindness but put a smile on my face.

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#15

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Saying "please" and "thank you."

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#16

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Texting a friend just to see how they are doing. It’s always nice to have someone reach out vs feeling like you are the person reaching out all the time.

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Foxxy (The Original)
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, friendship is a two way street. I have given up "friends" coz it was only me that reached out. You certainly find out who are worthy of your time and friendship.

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#17

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Getting my oil changed yesterday and sitting in the waiting room and girl 30 years younger than me is getting a soda from the machine next to me... She looks over and asks me if I'd like a soda as well... I was a little surprised but politely said no and thank you... I thought it was an exceptionally kind gesture...

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matilda
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah! Very kind. Or leave some change next to vending machine to make someone's day. It's not that expensive to leave 20p for a coffee ☕

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#18

Trying to understand, not to debate.

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the child
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A very rare occurrence on The Internet but very memorable and appreciated

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#19

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Letting people off the subway before you rush in.

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#20

Giving a compliment (even something simple) to the food someone cooked for you. Odds are cooking is an extension of the person's personality and it'll mean a lot!

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Andy Acceber
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This! Don't fall into a pattern of feeling entitled when someone cooks for you. It's a chore and it takes work. Find at least one thing to compliment at every meal.

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#21

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Take candid pictures of a mother with her children.

Or frankly ANYONE with their children..or grandchildren..or friends.. doing something other than posing in front of a fireplace at Christmas. You really have no idea how much I treasure the rare glimpses of me interacting with my kids when smiles aren't forced. Take them, send them, they want them. You don't have to ask..just.. do it. (So long as you, ya know.. know them and what not).

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#22

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) When someone holds the elevator doors open when you're just a few seconds away.

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#23

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) I'm really glad you asked because earlier one of my friends who I hadn't talked to in a while expressed that they felt really comfortable with me, and came out as possibly trans (they are still figuring out exactly what their identity is, and had only told one person besides me) and told me how much they valued me as a friend. I actually came very close to crying because I was so moved by it. Tell your friends what they mean to you, it is incredibly powerful.

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Foxxy (The Original)
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3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My friends and I are always telling each other how much we mean to one another. And we also say "love you" at the end of phone calls/messages.

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#24

Just a thank you wave or flash from a driver who you let go in front of you or before you. Just a small thing that makes me feel good.

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Scagsy
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know people who literally turn into the devil if somebody doesn't wave a thanks. So it averts that as well.

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#25

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Asking if a person got home okay.

Carrying groceries, bags or heavy items for an older person or family member.

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I I
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

my wife loves it when i go shopping with her , i NEVER let her carry a bag

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#26

I try to have water bottles or soda every time I have workmen over to my house or furniture/appliance delivery guys. They work hard and I'm usually pretty late into their delivery day so I figure a little treat is appreciated (on top of a tip . . . I'm not a monster)

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NsG
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm British, we offer cups of tea! With digestive biscuits if it's multiday work. Although, I'm also cosmopolitan, so I offer coffee and water too.

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#27

I don't know if this counts, but if I ever see a car parked at an expired meter, and if I have a spare coin, I throw it in.

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cybermerlin2000
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It counts because that person could be running late and not having a good day only to find the meter that was definitely supposed to run out, hasn't. It breaks the bad luck streak and makes their day so much better

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#28

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Holding the door open for someone.

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WilvanderHeijden
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tricky in these times. Can't recall the times I held the door for someone and got an ear full about how they were perfectly capable of opening the door themselves. At least that was the message without all the swearwords and cursing.

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#29

Someone deliberately taking their time to get on a bus you're running for.

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~hUmMuS vIbEs~
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or noticing you and telling the driver so they can wait a couple of seconds. I'm so grateful when people do this, as I'm always late.

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#30

Saying “Wait, I don’t get what you mean. Can you repeat that?”

It does NOT signify to the other person that you weren’t listening. In fact, it actually signifies that you care enough about understanding that you’ll listen twice.

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#31

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Non expensive flowers for occasions. I'm talking 10$ daisy arrangement for your coworkers last day, or just because to a friend, I always bring wine and flowers as a host/hostess gift. There are so many cool flowers (not just roses!!)

And it can be for a male or female. The kings in your life deserve flowers as much as grandma. Tell him those sunflowers reminded you of his smile, tell bertha from accounting you appreciate the prompt Thursday afternoon checks. Tell Gamgam she's your favorite and leave a little sunshine in your wake.

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Samantha Lomb
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just fyi, if they have pets, particularly animals like cats, make sure the flowers aren't toxic. Lilies are deadly.

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#32

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Remembering someone's name goes a long way.

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#33

When someone lets you into a lane. Thanks for not being a jerk!!

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Jo Johannsen
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For me, this is situational. If somebody races down the median ahead of dozens of patient drivers then tries to force their way in at the last moment before they run out of room, I am less inclined to be kind. Yes, that's a petty reaction, but that's how it is.

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#34

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Engaged listening without interrupting.

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WilvanderHeijden
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's one of the things that got lost. Everyone is talking and nobody is listening.

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#35

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Sending a meme to a friend that you know they'd enjoy.

Elijah_MorningWood , Priscilla Du Preez Report

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Beast
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

completely agreed!!! best thing ever. 1 of my friends used to do this a lot

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#36

Taking your bag of the seat on the bus/train if others are looking for a place to sit.

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WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In my country it's not considered polite, it's considered avoiding being called a selfish prick or cow.

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#37

Buy someone their favorite food item. My mom will specifically buy me new pears. It’s awesome because you see they like something, you remember they like something, and you put effort into getting them that something. For two-three bucks you can make a very thoughtful gesture.

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KombatBunni
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bring my partner a chocolate bar or a snack called pocky. They love the surprise :)

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#38

Remembering sweet little things like how someone likes their coffee.

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#39

After I hang out with my girlfriend, she'll often text me something like "Thanks for having me over today :)" and it'll make me feel really good because it's a reminder that we're doing this because we like being together and not just because it's convenient or routine or whatever.

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GirlFriday
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Before he moved in, my SO would send me thank you for cooking text or thanks for watching my show with me or whatever. So sweet.

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#40

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Giving a compliment. E.g. you look nice today.

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#41

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Today's been a rough one and my aunt just cleaned the kitchen for me so that is one thing that i very much appreciate.

Little things that most people think of as just part of someone's day can really make a big difference to that person.

dorfmcpumpkin , Anton Report

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Foxxy (The Original)
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When my kids ask what I want for mothers day or my birthday, I tell them the best present I could ever receive is a clean house. I'm still waiting lol.

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#42

If you think something good about a stranger, (like if you admire their hair or makeup) that you should politely compliment them. Obviously don’t be vulgar.

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NsG
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was served by a presenting-as-male cashier at a clothing store. I noticed they'd had their nails done - proper manicure and really detailed patterned polish. It looked stunning, and I said so. Up until that point, during the entire time I was queuing, their face had been sour and very much cloudy. I complimented their nails and it was like the sun had come out. I took my receipt and left, glancing back to make sure I'd not done something daft like leave my purse on the counter (done that before!) and caught them glancing at their nails and grinning before calling the next customer. It made my day to know I'd helped brighten theirs.

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#43

Pushing your chair in is seldom done anymore IMO.

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WilvanderHeijden
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same goes for cleaning up the mess you made, returning trays in fastfood restaurants or being polite to servers. Being polite is a dying social skill.

#44

Standing up for an elderly or preggo so they can sit on the subway.

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#45

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Saying “You’re welcome” after someone says thank you. It will make the person feel like what you did wasn’t a chore and that you wanted to do it for them. It will also make you look like less of a jerk and less stuck up

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Andy Acceber
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is definitely a generational thing. Older generations tend to prefer "you're welcome" while younger prefer "no problem" or "no worries."

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#46

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Mom silently bringing cut up fruit to me in my room without asking.

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#47

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) A thank you card.

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Caro Caro
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or just A card. So that they know you're thinking about them and made the effort to buy a card, write a word or 2 and then post it.

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#48

Someone recommending music to you or giving you a book to read that they love or think you’ll enjoy.

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#49

Putting your shopping cart back.

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cybermerlin2000
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the UK we have coin slots on the shopping carts/trolleys. We have to take the trolley back to retrieve the coin. Works a treat!

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#50

Visiting someone who just had a baby and bringing also something for a mother or offering her help. It isn’t just about the baby, she’s still a woman and it’s nice to bring her flowers, some natural cosmetics or a good book (multiple friends have told me that in the beginning they were nursing for what seemed like ages and managed to read quite a handful of books).

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Alex Bailey
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unless she's my sister who was not at all impressed that I bought her something as well as for the baby. I've learned not to bother with her since.

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#51

Asking a customer service representative or cashier about their day.

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Andy Acceber
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Depending on when/where. There are times I've been so busy as a cashier, it bothers me when a customer breaks my rhythm. You can always be pleasant, but if there's a line and you want to be awesome, please keep substantial questions to a minimum.

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#52

Saying good morning to people with a smile.

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#53

Introductions. It takes ten seconds and makes the shy and socially inept feel quite a bit better.

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lara
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OK, if you are meeting someone after a long while and you remember their name, say "Hi, I'm [name], I am so bad at names, please help me." And they will, if they can't remember your name and are embarrassed it totally evens out the situation.

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#54

Introducing friends to other friends they haven't met yet.

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#55

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Saying a persons name when addressing them.

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Andy Acceber
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And learning how to pronounce someone's name correctly. Google it if you don't know. There are lots of name pronunciation videos on YouTube that may help if you're struggling.

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#56

Waiting for the friend that is tying their shoelaces.

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WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Isn't that the normal thing to do? No one gets left behind.

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#57

Giving a small nod to people you know.

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#58

People Are Sharing The Most Underrated Thoughtful Gestures (40 Answers) Warming her towels in the dryer while she's taking a shower.

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#59

Just a simple greeting to a stranger. I live in a weird area where roughly 50% of people do it, and the other half don't. I hate it when I give a smile and a "good morning" and am met with a cold stare.

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#60

Giving someone the grocery cart you’ve just pulled out if you are both approaching the carts at the same time.

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#61

Having a variety of drinks to offer people who come to my apartment. It's polite to offer a drink to a guest, and have a variety.

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Steph Harrison
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to keep coffee in purely for when my dad visited, as I didn't drink it and he was the only visitor I had who did. We also always keep a box of decaf tea in the cupboard just for guests now.

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#62

Shaking the professor's hand on the last day of class.

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WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not anymore. Covid gave us really good reasons to get rid of needless and unwanted bodily contact like cheek kisses, hugs and shaking hands. And I'm not going back.

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#63

Ma’am/sir works wonders. Especially since it isn’t expected these days as much.

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Foxxy (The Original)
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would say this is more of a US thing. Don't think I have ever heard someone say it for real in Australia.

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#64

Getting someone something from the shop when you go, even though they didn't ask you to.

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WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Here's the 20 pounds of coconuts." "I didn't ask you to bring me 20 pounds of coconuts" "I know, I'm just being nice to you..."

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