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As a College student, how can i be nice to Strangers?

i want to start being nice

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Subject: Career question for you

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Kiran Ravindra’s Answer

Smile: A heartfelt smile can truly transform a person's day. When you cross paths with someone, make sure to make eye contact and share a warm smile.

Greet with "Hello" or "Good Morning": There's immense power in a simple greeting. It can make someone feel seen and appreciated. So, whether it's your fellow students, teachers, or individuals you encounter on campus, a kind greeting can create a positive impact.
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Matthew’s Answer

Start by the simple things; saying hello to strangers as you pass them, say something positive when waiting in lines and holding doors. You can expand this by volunteering for causes; there you will meet other positive people along the way
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Shaw
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Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Shaw
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Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Shaw
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Anna’s Answer

Hello Shaw!

I trust you're doing great and finding joy in your college journey. As a fellow student, I can certainly relate to the ups and downs of college life. It's not always easy to stay upbeat and kind, especially when it's not always reciprocated. But here's what I've found to be helpful: small acts of kindness can make a huge difference.

Try holding the door open for someone coming up behind you, or offering a simple greeting like "hello" or "how are you". You'd be surprised at how these little gestures can brighten up someone's day. Even a passing smile can spread positivity.

Building relationships can be a bit of a task, requiring time and effort, but the end result is always rewarding.

I believe in you and the journey you're on.

Wishing you all the best,
AC
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Shaw,

How to Positively Engage with Strangers as a College Student: Actionable Advice and Tactics

During your college journey, you'll find numerous instances to interact with unfamiliar faces in various environments, like lecture halls, libraries, public transit, or local events. Being kind to strangers can foster positive encounters for everyone involved and help cultivate a welcoming and friendly community atmosphere. Here's a set of actionable advice and tactics to help you engage positively with strangers as a college student:

1. Smile and Maintain Eye Contact: A warm smile and direct eye contact can make someone feel seen and valued. When conversing with a stranger, keep steady eye contact to demonstrate your interest and attentiveness.

2. Adopt Courteous Language: Courteous language plays a vital role in being kind to strangers. Respectfully address them using suitable titles such as "Sir," "Ma'am," or their name if known. Remember to use 'please' and 'thank you' when asking for something or expressing gratitude.

3. Practice Active Listening: Active listening is a key skill for effective communication with strangers. Fully focus on the speaker, avoid cutting them off, and respond thoughtfully to show that you respect their viewpoint.

4. Provide Help: Offering help to strangers is a thoughtful act that demonstrates care and empathy. Helping carry heavy items or assisting in emergencies can significantly brighten someone's day.

5. Demonstrate Empathy: Empathy is the capacity to comprehend and resonate with others' feelings. Show empathy by recognizing strangers' emotions and offering comforting or encouraging words when suitable.

6. Engage in Casual Conversation: Casual conversation with strangers can help dismantle barriers and pave the way for deeper connections. Subjects like the weather, classes, or mutual interests can initiate conversations leading to significant interactions.

7. Respect Personal Boundaries: While being kind to strangers is crucial, it's equally important to respect personal boundaries. Be conscious of your safety and privacy when interacting with strangers, particularly in unfamiliar environments or late at night.

8. Perform Random Acts of Kindness: Carrying out random acts of kindness for strangers can generate waves of positivity in your community. Simple actions like leaving a friendly note on someone's windshield or buying a coffee for the next person in line can significantly brighten someone's day without demanding much effort or resources on your part as a college student (Baumeister & Exline, 2000).

9. Participate in Clubs or Organizations: Participating in clubs or organizations that align with your interests is a great way to encounter individuals with similar goals and values (American Psychological Association [APA], 2021). These social connections can evolve into meaningful friendships that go beyond casual interactions with strangers (APA, 2021).

10. Volunteer: Volunteering allows you to connect with people from varied backgrounds while positively influencing your community (APA, 2021). By collaboratively working towards common objectives through volunteering opportunities, you can establish strong relationships based on shared values and experiences (APA, 2021).

References Cited: American Psychological Association (APA). (2021). Social connections matter: They promote well-being throughout your life – National Institute on Aging - NIH - National Institutes of Health - U S Department of Health & Human Services. Retrieved January 31, 2023 from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/social-connections-matter Baumeister, R F, & Exline, J J (Eds.). (2000). The social psychology of good people: Understanding moral beauty. New York: Oxford University Press.

May God bless you, Shaw!
JC.
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Racheal’s Answer

Hi. I trust that you are doing well.

I want to say this is a great and interesting question. Let's identify what it means to be nice and then what you can do.

There is a different between being nice and kind. These terms are of viewed as synonyms, however they are not the same. Being nice is passive (not a negative thing), however are you being authentic, which is what happens with a lot of people when they say they sent to start being nice. If you have to question yourself about being nice, then you may not be aware of your own boundaries which lines the difference between nice and kind.

The ability to be kind is using soft start ups conversations that you show real interest in someone, you can give without worrying or expecting anyone to give back, you gradually share, and you can say no when you do not accept something that does not align with your core values.

Additionally, taking time to recognize that some people, no matter what may not view you with the same intention you want to give (being kind) and have the courage to move forward with life. Relationships take time to build and be sure to understand you in all of them.

Hope this helps.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it. Shaw
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Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it. Shaw
Pending review We will review this content before it's visible to others to make sure it follows our guidelines. Learn more.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Shaw
Pending review We will review this content before it's visible to others to make sure it follows our guidelines. Learn more.
Thank you comment icon thank you, this is so amazing Shaw
Thank you comment icon You're welcome! Racheal Noble, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC, NCC
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