When someone allows you to change lanes in a traffic jam, holds a door open for you when you’re juggling grocery bags or just merely notices you on the sidewalk, smiling and offering a nod or a wave costs you nothing and can turn out to be meaningful. Here’s how:

  1. A connection is made – even when you don’t know the person or never see him or her again.
  2. Rewarding the act of kindness even in such a small way, makes it more likely the person will do it again for someone else in the future.
  3. Acknowledgment makes you feel good and lights up your day.

When on the receiving end of generosity, offering a simple wave is basically effortless, and an accompanying smile – well, that’s the cherry atop the sundae.