Little things make such a difference
By Fleur
@Fleura (31386)
United Kingdom
February 21, 2024 3:09am CST
It has been reported many times that a lot of people suffer chronic loneliness, and that loneliness is really bad for our health – as bad as smoking, according to some sources. Human interaction is important.
So when I’m out around the village, if I pass some other person out walking (especially an older person on their own) I always smile and say hello, even if I don’t know who they are, because just such a simple little thing can lift a person’s spirits – and even mine as well – and costs nothing.
I was reminded of this yesterday evening. I was working at an event and one of the people doing the lighting was someone I first worked with at the panto. He must be in his early twenties and always seems jolly. When I saw him yesterday and said hello he immediately replied ‘Oh hello! Lovely to see you again!’
Well I’m sure that must be a complete lie but it’s funny how that made me feel happy anyway. Words and small actions do matter.
All rights reserved. © Text and image copyright Fleur 2024.
20 people like this
16 responses
@marguicha (225680)
• Chile
21 Feb 24
I wholly agree. What I most remember about the fire in my kitchen was that one of my neighbord called the firemen while my next door neighbor sent her maid with a chair to hug me. Later on came my granddaughter and my neighbor´s ex husband. I don´t know where he lives now, but he was called by his ex wife and came to be with me. 
2 people like this
@marguicha (225680)
• Chile
21 Feb 24
@Fleura The firemen did wonders in a jiffy (Imy brain stopped working after I called the alarm comnany, my brother and my daughter). None of them were available but my brother called my neighbor. And when our brain finally gives up we really need support from someone else.
1 person likes this
@Orson_Kart (7169)
• United Kingdom
24 Feb 24
I think it’s great that you greet everyone you meet with a smile and a “hello”. It’s not something I do, unless I know the person. My problem is, I’m a male, and my smiley face is a bit Stan Laurel-ish, which makes me look like a clown. My non-smiley face is a scowl, so not welcoming. That said, if someone says hello to me, then I do reply and with my best attempt at a smile. 
1 person likes this
@Orson_Kart (7169)
• United Kingdom
24 Feb 24
@Fleura 
‘Resting b!tch face’ I think it’s called.
I’m sure yours isn’t a bad as mine. I’ve tried to improve it by looking in the mirror and trying to make adjustments, but it’s never work. I am a kind, happy, gentle soul under this scowling face. Honest! 
‘Resting b!tch face’ I think it’s called.
I’m sure yours isn’t a bad as mine. I’ve tried to improve it by looking in the mirror and trying to make adjustments, but it’s never work. I am a kind, happy, gentle soul under this scowling face. Honest! 1 person likes this
@sharonelton (30254)
• Lichfield, England
21 Feb 24
Oh, you are so right!
I have been feeling pretty lonely for a while now. I still live with my Mum and step-dad, but that just makes my loneliness worse. I feel, why am I still living with my Mum and step-dad at my age? Why can't I find myself a boyfriend?
My visit from Paul on Friday last week helped. But that lasted just a few days and then wore off again. Now I'm feeling lonely again.
1 person likes this
@Fleura (31386)
• United Kingdom
21 Feb 24
@sharonelton Classes are a good idea, but of course they can also be expensive. I have found that volunteering is a good way to get involved in new things and meet people and also saves a lot of money. In fact maybe I should write a post about that : )
1 person likes this
@sharonelton (30254)
• Lichfield, England
23 Feb 24
@Fleura Oh, yes, it is expensive. But returning students get a discount and materials for free, so yippy! 
Yes, maybe you should. 
Yes, maybe you should. 1 person likes this
@sharonelton (30254)
• Lichfield, England
21 Feb 24
@Fleura Thank you. Yes. I guess that's another reason I went to art class. I went to learn to draw and paint better, but then I met some nice people like Paul and Lee and her dog Esme. But then when the art class finished I had withdrawal symptoms and felt really low and lonely. So the visit from.Paul on Friday was very welcome.
1 person likes this
@Momandwife89 (27)
•
24 Feb 24
You are so right, a small act of kindness like speaking to those we see along our days can change someone else's day. Just knowing that they are seen. I think a lot of people walk around feeling invisable, and by someone just saying hello to them makes a difference. Holding a door for someone else , giving a compliment... all smal great things that are free that we can all do.
1 person likes this
@Fleura (31386)
• United Kingdom
25 Feb 24
It's amazing what a difference such a small thing can make, isn't it? But studies have shown it to be true and really we should have known it all along - after all nasty words or looks can have a bad effect, so it should be obvious that the opposite is also true.
1 person likes this
@Momandwife89 (27)
•
25 Feb 24
@Fleura It really and truly is. I am sure that the studies are correct. Life can be simple if we just allow it to be so.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (162781)
• United States
22 Feb 24
Oh it is so great when someone actually "sees" us.
1 person likes this
@changjiangzhibin89 (16887)
• China
21 Feb 24
Even though it costs nothing, not everyone does it as you.It depends on if people have good breeding.
1 person likes this
@changjiangzhibin89 (16887)
• China
22 Feb 24
@Fleura Those people who keep themselves aloof must have paid for greeting a stranger.
1 person likes this
@Fleura (31386)
• United Kingdom
21 Feb 24
It also depends on what sort of area you are in. In a big city, it would be impossible to smile and say hello to everyone! But in some places, even though it isn't too busy, people are less friendly or sometimes they are afraid to meet the eyes of a stranger in case something bad happens 
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (83438)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
22 Feb 24
I totally agree with you. Since I hardly leave my apartment I smile at my cats and they seem to make happy faces at me and I smile at myself in the mirror. Occasionally when I do got out some people pass by and say Hello and I always reply and also say Have a good day at the store when I buy something,
1 person likes this
@just4him (318844)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
21 Feb 24
Yet he remembered you, so I'm certain he was happy to see you. I'm glad it made you happy when he responded to your 'hello'.
I always say hi to the people I meet in the hallways here or wherever I am. They almost always respond with a smile and hello. There are a few who don't respond and keep going on their way. Those people do leave you with a feeling of let down, but I never let it bring me down for more than a few seconds. There's always someone else to say hi to.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (349221)
• Rockingham, Australia
22 Feb 24
We arrived at a horse event one day and one of the volunteers from the previous year gave me a big hug and said 'I was hoping to see you again'. I was a bit surprised but it did make my day. Maybe she says it to everyone but that would be a good thing too.
but that would be a good thing too.1 person likes this
@mildredtabitha (16392)
• Nairobi, Kenya
21 Feb 24
I completely agree with your post.
I also like saying hello to strangers and giving a compliment too.
I don't like being an introvert since I've been used to being alone for many years. I like the company of other people.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (113596)
• Marion, Ohio
21 Feb 24
I agree. Being nice can help us and the other person
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (185012)
• United States
22 Feb 24
I agree 100%. I am alone now and look forward to phone calls whereas before I hated talking on the phone. A kind word goes a long way. Good for you! Have a great day.
