Be Kind - Let Someone Go Ahead Of You Today

kindness Jul 05, 2020

Let’s talk about an extremely easy thing you can do to show kindness today. I’ve mentioned it before, and it truly is a simple gesture. However, it’s one you may not always consider. Letting someone go ahead of you may seem common sense, but it’s something we can easily miss or ignore. This is especially true when we’re feeling busy or just preoccupied with our own problems.

A Simple Gesture

Letting someone go ahead of you in line can have a lot of positive outcomes. First, it will likely make the person feel good that someone was considerate of their needs. It’s difficult to look outside of ourselves sometimes and to notice the circumstances of others. Allowing someone to go before you can also make a huge difference in someone’s day. It could save them when they’re in a hurry or help them to get their cranky child home sooner. You never know what another is going through. This simple gesture could mean a great deal.

Slow Down and Look Around

Knowing when to let someone go ahead of you sometimes isn’t as obvious as it may seem. As I mentioned, we all get wrapped up in our own worlds sometimes and may miss what’s going on around us. Try to slow down as you move throughout your day. Walk at a more leisurely pace, rather than striding along so briskly. Take in your surroundings by observing the interactions that are happening within your view. Making a concerted effort to do this on a daily basis will help you to become a more observant person. You may be surprised by how much you start to notice within your world.

Many Opportunities

There are so many opportunities for you to let someone go ahead of you today. Of course, there’s the line at the drug or grocery store, especially if the person behind you only has a few items. It’s only considerate to save them unnecessary time by letting them jump ahead. There are many other ways you can let someone move ahead.  When you reach a parking spot at the same time as another driver, let them have it. They’ll appreciate the gesture. You’ll save emotional energy from worrying about who may have actually gotten there first. In conversation, resist the urge to think about your response and just take the time to listen to the person you’re talking to. In a particularly busy place, you can even switch numbers with someone who seems to be in a particular hurry or who has impatient children with them. Hold the door for the person carrying a heavy load.

These are just some ways you can let someone go ahead of you. When you pay attention to your surroundings, you’ll probably notice lots of chances to perform this simple type of kindness.

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