People Discuss The Small Things That They Appreciate In Life

It doesn't take big and expensive gifts to make someone feel better. A small gesture can show someone that you care.

It can be as simple as holding the elevator door for someone in a hurry or sending a short message to a friend to ask how they're doing. Today, we're going to look at those thoughtful deeds.

A user named Self_World_Future posted a question for the Ask Reddit community.

What is an underrated thoughtful gesture?

The post gained over 1.2k responses. According to the author, he realized how significant small gestures are after reading through the comments on the post.

The top posts are even as simple as saying "thank you" and asking friends how they are. In a world where being kind is no longer a priority, the responses serve as a simple reminder that even the smallest kind gesture has a positive impact on a person.

Kindness goes a long way. Aside from making the world a better place, it contributes to the happiness and overall well-being of the person who performs the simple deed.

Experts even say that kindness can help people live longer. So in every situation we face, let's always make an effort to show kindness.

Today, we're looking at the 40 underrated kind gestures shared by Redditors. Let's read and remind ourselves that kindness will always matter.

1. Because we all want to be heard.

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.plant10000, Priscilla Du Preez

2. Making sure the person is safe and sound at home

If you are driving someone home at night, wait for them to get to the door, unlock it, and enter before you leave.2cats2hats, Davyd Markovskyi

3. They deserve to be greeted too.

Saying "Hi" to the security guard.chenzo17, Collin Armstrong

4. If you're among those who walk slower than other people, this is something you'll really appreciate.

If you’re in a group walking and someone’s falling behind (carrying something, needing to tie their shoe, or just being a slower walker with shorter legs, etc.), at least one person should wait for them to catch up. It 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 significant other have done this for me at varying points in our relationships, and every time they do it, it makes me want to cry because it shows they care and don’t want me to feel left out, even though I’ve got these short little corgi legs and they’re all walking at the speed of sound.zachariesalads, Eliott Reyna

5. People who know how to say thank you in every situation are very much appreciated.

Pedestrians who give a little nod or a wave to front cars that stopped for them.twiistedtwilight, mike krzeszak

6. Most people want to talk, not listen.

Really listening when people speak and not just waiting for your turn to talk.reddit, Mimi Thian

7. Remembering those small details tells us that people are really listening.

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 made a point to remember details that don’t necessarily mean anything to him.01kaj10, Donovan Grabowsk

8. It's the thought that counts.

Visiting someone with Alzheimer's. 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.RussO1313, Tim Doerfler

9. Making newbies comfortable in the new environment

Every time there's a new person at work, I recall what it was like being the new guy and go out of my way to make them feel comfortable and let them know that I'll answer any questions judgment-free.RalfHorris, Lagos Techie

10. It won't take too much of your time if you do this.

Letting someone with minimal items cut in front of you at the grocery checkout.reddit, Marjan Blan

11. We all love drivers who prioritize pedestrians.

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.PrinceofCanino, Juan Ordonez

12. Save people from further embarrassment by doing this.

Telling someone they have a booger just hanging for dear life or that their fly is open. Embarrassing, but better than walking around with it like it's in vogue.Wiknetti, eyesogreen

13. A smile can brighten one's day.

I don't know if this really counts, but when you accidentally make eye contact with a stranger and both of you smile at each other.TrashFireTM, Yingchou Han

14. Small deeds of thoughtful friends.

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

15. Courtesy is always appreciated.

Saying "please" and "thank you." fredjin, Christina

16. Showing someone you care goes a long way.

Texting a friend just to see how they are doing. It’s always nice to have someone reach out instead of feeling like you are the one reaching out all the time.kkkilla, Daria Nepriakhina

17. Getting a treat from someone much younger

Getting my oil changed yesterday and sitting in the waiting room, a 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.azbartender, Markus Winkler

18. Most of the time, it only takes listening and understanding to make the other person feel better.

Trying to understand, not to debate.Shawikka, Christina Morillo

19. Let people alighting the train pass first. The train isn't going to leave you.

Letting people off the subway before you rush in.somefuzzypants, Emir Eğricesu

20. Their efforts deserve a compliment. After all, they went out of their way to serve us food.

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

21. Candid pictures can highlight and preserve a happy moment.

Take candid pictures of a mother with her children.Or frankly ANYONE with their children, 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, you know, know them and whatnot).jillaaa, krakenimages

22. This is especially helpful when you're running late.

When someone holds the elevator doors open when you're just a few seconds away.locheness4, Pelin Kahraman

23. Appreciating friends only takes this one simple act.

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.RexIsAMiiCostume, Sam Balye

24. Even in a fast-paced environment such as a busy road, you can show courtesy.

Just a thank you wave or flash from a driver whom you let go in front of you or before you. Just a small thing that makes me feel good.gaijin5, Alex Chistol

25. These small things mean a lot.

Asking if a person got home okay.Carrying groceries, bags, or heavy items for an older person or family member.reddit, Priscilla Du Preez

26. A refreshing drink is exactly what they need after some heavy work.

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).Nobodyville, Suzy Hazelwood

27. This small deed will make someone's day better.

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.Kooriki, LOGAN WEAVER

28. This will always be appreciated.

Holding the door open for someone.sarahsunshine521, Kristina Paparo

29. Would you believe that people actually do this? Seriously, you gotta thank these people, especially when you're in a hurry.

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

30. It also means that they're genuinely interested in what you're saying.

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.reddit, Helena Lopes

31. Send a little sunshine in the form of colorful flowers.

Inexpensive flowers for occasions. I'm talking about a $10 daisy arrangement for your coworker's 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.Kantotheotter, Free-Photos

32. Indeed. Remembering how their names are spelled goes a long way too!

Remembering someone's name goes a long way.reddit, Jon Tyson

33. Most drivers won't go through this trouble.

When someone lets you into a lane. Thanks for not being a jerk!pigstuffy, Andre Moura

34. All it takes is for us to listen.

Engaged listening without interrupting.Cosmohumanist, Anna Vander Stel

35. This is how to make your friend's day extra brighter.

Sending a meme to a friend that you know they'd enjoy.Elijah_MorningWood, Priscilla Du Preez

36. They are seats for people, after all!

Taking your bag off the seat on the bus/train if others are looking for a place to sit.darybrain, Raphael Brasileiro

37. Moms do this all the time.

Buying 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 to three bucks, you can make a very thoughtful gesture.Stormdanc3, Lisa Fotios

38. Those little details count.

Remembering sweet little things like how someone likes their coffee.Bluebandana1, Tim Douglas

39. Always appreciate the presence of your friends.

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.reddit, Andrea Piacquadio

40. It only takes these short, sweet words to make someone happier.

Giving a compliment. E.g., you look nice today.

The-goose--, LinkedIn Sales Solutions

The benefits of the acts of kindness go both ways.

The effect of kindness can even last longer than when the act was done. That's why it's always important to choose kindness in many situations.

Helping others doesn't have to cost a lot of money or time. We can all start with simple things such as donating to charity or calling a friend we haven't seen in a long time.