When you’re happy, you want everyone around you to be happy too. Spreading joy is easy; sometimes all it takes is a small act of kindness to make someone smile and show them you care. You don’t have to be stingy though; some of the nicest compliments I’ve ever received have been from complete strangers. Here are some ideas to help you get started.

The easiest way to make someone smile is to smile yourself! The next time you pass someone in an empty corridor, don’t pretend you don’t see them, smile and say hello. Even the sternest of people will eventually have to respond if you do it often enough. I have a coworker who thinks of it as a personal challenge to get people to smile and say hello.

We moved to a new building recently, and instead of just accepting that the people were perhaps reserved and didn’t want to talk to her, she greeted them cheerfully everyday until they greeted her the same way. Did you ever notice that the people who complain the most that people aren’t friendly to them are usually the ones that don’t talk to anybody themselves? You can’t ignore someone everyday and then be upset when they start ignoring you as well. The other person may be as shy as you are! If you don’t reach out to anyone, you’ll never know.

Do you always go to lunch with the same group? Why don’t you expand your circle to include that coworker that always seems to eat on his or her own? Even as adults, it can be difficult to form a new circle of friends. He or she may be eating alone by choice, but chances are, they just didn’t feel welcome to join you, and would be thrilled to be included. Even if you don’t invite them anywhere, you can still make them feel part of the gang by including them in your conversation or asking their opinion. Everyone wants to feel like they have something valuable to offer.

All of us need a kind word or a compliment now and then. If you see a loved one or a coworker that looks especially lovely that day, tell them! Compliments about a new outfit or hairdo are guaranteed to bring a smile. If somebody at work says something particularly insightful at a staff meeting, let them know. Sharing your ideas or asking a question at work can sometimes be nerve wracking; no one wants to be shot down. Telling someone that you genuinely value their input will increase their confidence, and encourage them to participate even more next time.

Do you know someone going through a hard time? Send them a card, offering your support and assistance. They may be overwhelmed and not know how to ask for help. Bake them some cookies—there’s nothing like chocolate to make someone smile. Sometimes babysitting for a harried new mom so she can run some errands by herself can make all the difference. All these gestures let your loved ones know you care, and that can give them strength to get through the trying time they’re experiencing.

E-cards can bring so much joy, and they’re frequently free! Sites such as Hallmark.com, Bluemountain.com or AmericanGreetings.com all offer some free electronic cards that you can send by email. Be sure to read carefully though, not all of them are free, but they are wonderful, and are sure to make people smile. There are so many ways to spread joy to people without much effort at all.

The best way to make people feel good is to be gracious whenever you can be. Sometimes it seems easier to be catty then to be kind. It may be easier, but it makes every situation worse. When people hear you talking badly about someone else, they are always going to wonder what you are saying about them. Snotty remarks may get some laughs at the time, but will only isolate you in the end. So the next time you’re faced with a choice to be cruel or be kind, choose kindness, and share a smile or a friendly greeting. You’ll be amazed at how much joy you can bring to others, and yourself!