12 Simple Ways to Show Kindness to Your Friends & 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 everyone 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 twelve 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 for 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 for 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.

However, it does allow others to help us decode them, accept them, and move forward. On the flip side, sharing positive feelings can foster a closer bond and connection.

8. Get vulnerable.

Similar to the point above, share!

This might mean sharing a story about why you are the way you are or sharing your thoughts regarding a particular topic. Again, this is kindness in that it lets the other person in on what’s going on, as well as helps you bond together.

9. Express appreciation.

Saying “thank you” has a significant impact on relationships.

In fact, experts indicate that couples who express appreciation are more likely to have a satisfying and content relationship. Again, really simple but just do it more!

10. Give them a hug.

Physical connection is something we all need.

It helps release oxytocin, which helps us feel good and connected. Hugs for no reason show you care and boost oxytocin for the both of you! It’s a win-win.

11. Watch your body language.

When communicating with others, things can escalate quickly when our body language fails to match our words.

If we are saying we’re open to new ideas, but our arms are crossed, the other person may become aggravated and confused since they are getting mixed signals. 

During any discussion, watch your body language. Avoid rolling your eyes. Try to remain open and loving throughout, even when it’s a particularly tough conversation to have. This shows so much kindness and strength of character.

Related Article: Tough Time Talking It Out? Maybe It’s Time To Learn Better Communication Skills

12. Offer to help.

Give a helping hand. If you see your mom or S.O. coming in with groceries, help them!

Are they are struggling to sort out their finances? Offer to provide your support. If they're stressed, find ways to help alleviate it by taking things off their plate. There are endless ways to do this!

Kindness Goes a Long Way!

To show kindness is usually not just about that one moment. It often sets the stage for your relationships and expectations. It truly comes back to treating others how we want to be treated, which is often with a certain level of respect, courtesy, and kindness.

Plus, a bit of kindness has an inevitable ripple effect. It spreads outward, impacting more than we could possible imagine. 

Remember, we are all connected in this world. If we all put a bit more kindness into it, we are more likely to get similar out of it. 

Read Next: 12 Ways You Can Be Kinder to Your Environment Right Now

Updated from Apr 19, 2023