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10 Ordinary Acts of Kindness to Make Someone’s Day Extraordinary

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Oklahoma chapter.

Here at Her Campus Oklahoma, we believe in the motto “do good, feel good.” There are so many small things you can do to make someone’s day or improve the community, so why not start now? Here are 10 day-brighteners that will make you, and someone else, feel great.

1. Give a stranger a compliment – I once made a friend on the first day of class because she said she liked my boots, which started a conversation about our mutual love of Steve Madden… It’s so easy to compliment someone, and it may even result in a friendship.

2. Post positively – Sure complaining on Facebook/Twitter can release frustrations, but try posting something positive instead, such as lyrics, quotes or something good that happened that day.

3. Buy someone a drink – Sure this works at bars to get the ladies, but I’m talking about hitting up 7Eleven and picking up a Big Gulp for your roommate. For a guaranteed smile, deliver 79 cents of pure happiness straight to their door.

4. Stay in touch – Text a friend you don’t see that often to let them know you’re thinking about them. I love when I get random texts from my high school gal pals!

5. Study buddy – Have a big test or paper coming up? Email your class and see if anyone needs a study partner. This has helped me make new friends and get better grades in the process, what is there to lose?

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6. Pick up a piece of trash on campus – This is an easy way to keep OU beautiful
and do your part.

7. Give someone your seat – I think it’s so nice when guys offer me their seat on the Cleveland Area Rapid Transit (CART) bus. Offer your seat to someone who needs it in on the bus or in a crowded meeting; it could make their day.

8. Do the dishes – Let’s face it, everyone hates this chore and usually employs a helper when it must be done. Try unloading the dishwasher solo and I’m sure your roomies will appreciate it.

9. Hold the door for someone – This always brings a smile to my face. It’s so simple, yet so respectful. This move is especially legit if someone is carrying a large load.

10. Recycle – Nothing is kinder to the environment than recycling our limited resources. There are so many receptacles on campus that it would be a crime if you didn’t utilize them.  Don’t be dumb, just do it.

Kali Carter is a senior at the University of Oklahoma, majoring in Public Relations. Kali is a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, where she has held a number of officer positions, including an executive position as the Vice President of Membership Development. She has worked as a news desk reporter for the Oklahoma Daily newspaper, served as the Treasurer of the Student Society of Professional Journalists and is a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Kali currently balances her time working as the Marketing Assistant for an independent insurance agency and an Account Lead at the Lindsey + Asp Advertising and Public Relations Agency in the journalism college. Aside from working and spending time with friends and family, her greatest passions in life are writing and traveling. Kali has studied abroad in Peru, Chile, and Puerto Rico, and spent a summer blogging and living in San Francisco. Upon her graduation in December 2011, Kali does not intend to return to her hometown of Tulsa, Okla. Instead, she hopes to spend the next year or two traveling the world, writing, and volunteering, before eventually settling down in New York City.