Random acts of kindness make a bigger splash than expected

“Even though they often enhance happiness, acts of kindness such as giving a friend a ride or bringing food for a sick family member can be somewhat rare because people underestimate how good these actions make recipients feel, according to new research from The University of Texas at Austin.

The study by UT Austin McCombs School of Business Assistant Professor of Marketing Amit Kumar, along with Nicholas Epley of the University of Chicago, found that although givers tend to focus on the object they're providing or action they're performing, receivers instead concentrate on the feelings of warmth the act of kindness has conjured up. This means that givers' "miscalibrated expectations" can function as a barrier to performing more prosocial behaviors such as helping, sharing or donating.”

Some Insights From This Article

• Acts of kindness may be rare nowadays because people may underestimate how much happiness and gratitude it can spur in a person who receives them! For me, someone giving me a simple greeting in public while walking can make me feel euphoric for a good hour!

• In relationships where there may be a lack of kindness start by initiating acts of kindness to other people! We often won’t be able to understand how much of an impact it could have on someone because sometimes it may not be visualized externally.

Full article is here!

Have you ever felt really good after a random act of kindness that was done to you?

#Kindness #Joy #Happiness