Trivial things that make you happy - Part 2 - The Happyning

What are the little acts of kindness which lift your spirits?

Each morning, the receptionist at my workplace gives me a wink when I come in the door, and I give her a wink back. I think it began because I often forget my swipe card, so she'd immediately buzz me in when I arrive. Now it's habit, and it really cheers me up first thing on a Monday morning.

When he was alive, my Dad used to lightly touch my Mum on the head when he'd walk past and she was sitting down; and if she was busying herself around the kitchen, she'd pet him on the shoulder or something instead of just brushing past. I never used to notice it until I was an adult, and realised it was a sweet, almost imperceptible acknowledgement of "There you are now; I care about you". I'm sure that kind of attitude was elemental to their successful relationship.

So what are the tiny acts of affection, kindness or empathy (even between strangers) that cheer you up or improve your day?

And also, in case you forget, you could really brighten someone's day by giving little signs of affection (smile), or random acts of kindness towards strangers. It takes little effort, but you'd never know how uplifting it might be.