Article created by: Kotryna Br

You don't need to shower people with expensive gifts to show that you care about them. If it's genuine, even a small act of kindness can go a long way. Like texting a friend just to see how they are doing. Or holding the elevator doors open for your neighbor. It can be that simple.

To learn more ways to make people smile, Redditor u/Self_World_Future asked others: "What is an underrated thoughtful gesture?" And they got plenty of answers. As of today, their post has 1,200 comments. Here are the most upvoted ones.

#1

Three women sharing underrated thoughtful gestures while smiling in a natural outdoor setting with dry grass. Asking someone to finish their story if they get cut off in a group. Nothing feels worse than feeling like nobody cares what you have to say, and nothing feels better than someone sticking up for you.

plant10000 , Priscilla Du Preez Report

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    #2

    Two people crossing a street on a rainy day, illustrating simple thoughtful gestures in everyday life. Pedestrians who give a little nod or a wave to front cars that stopped for them.

    twiistedtwilight , mike krzeszak Report

    #3

    Person driving a car at dusk with a phone navigation system, illustrating thoughtful gestures during travel time. If you are driving someone home. At night, wait for them to get to the door, unlock and enter before you leave.

    2cats2hats , Davyd Markovskyi Report

    #4

    Security guard standing at the entrance of 200 Park Avenue, illustrating underrated thoughtful gestures in everyday situations. Saying "Hi" to the security guard.

    chenzo17 , Collin Armstrong Report

    #5

    Two women engaged in a thoughtful conversation, illustrating underrated thoughtful gestures in a casual indoor setting. Really listening when people speak and not just waiting for your turn to talk.

    reddit , Mimi Thian Report

    #6

    Two friends sharing a laugh outdoors, enjoying thoughtful gestures and meaningful moments together. Remembering little things. The other day I was talking to a friend and told him I just found out my sister is pregnant and he said “oh, the one who’s married to Brad?”. It was just nice that he makes a point to remember details that don’t necessarily mean anything to him.

    01kaj10 , Donovan Grabowski Report

    #7

    Elderly man in plaid shirt reflecting deeply, illustrating the power of underrated thoughtful gestures shared by people. Visiting someone with alzheimers. You will leave with a broken heart and in 20 minutes they won't remember that you were there. But during your visit they will hopefully feel loved or at least know someone cares.

    RussO1313 , Tim Doerfler Report

    #8

    Two colleagues sharing thoughtful gestures while collaborating on coding in a modern office setting with others working nearby. Every time there's a new person at work, I recall what it was like being the new guy and go out my way to make them feel comfortable and let them know that I'll answer any questions judgement free.

    RalfHorris , Lagos Techie Report

    #9

    Person pushing a grocery cart filled with food items in a store, illustrating thoughtful gestures during shopping. Letting someone with minimal items cut in front of you at the grocery checkout.

    reddit , Marjan Blan Report

    #10

    Woman with luggage waiting at a city crosswalk illustrating thoughtful gestures in busy urban environments When a car stops to let me cross the street, thereby forcing the other oncoming car to also recognize that I need to cross. There is a busy road I have to cross daily and I'm so grateful every single time that the cars stop for me to cross. It's just a simple gesture of feeling recognized.

    PrinceofCanino , Juan Ordonez Report

    #11

    Smiling young man with backpack on a city street, representing thoughtful gestures shared by people in everyday life. Idk if this really counts but when you accidentally make eye contact with a stranger and both of y'all smile at each other.

    TrashFireTM , Yingchou Han Report

    #12

    Hand washing a fork under running water, illustrating thoughtful gestures and acts of kindness. When someone you're hanging out with throws away your trash or takes your dishes when you're done eating. Not that I expect that all the time, but I find it sweet when it happens. Like if you're sitting down at a fast food restaurant and your friend grabs your trash and throws it away with theirs.

    friendsareshit , Catt Liu Report

    #13

    Two women having a thoughtful conversation at a table by the window, sharing underrated thoughtful gestures. Saying "please" and "thank you."

    fredjin , Christina Report

    #14

    Young woman wearing a red plaid jacket typing on phone, illustrating thoughtful gestures shared by people online. Texting a friend just to see how they are doing. It’s always nice to have someone reach out vs feeling like you are the person reaching out all the time.

    kkkilla , Daria Nepriakhina Report

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    #15

    Blue vending machine offering various drinks on a sunny street corner, highlighting underrated thoughtful gestures. Getting my oil changed yesterday and sitting in the waiting room and girl 30 years younger than me is getting a soda from the machine next to me... She looks over and asks me if I'd like a soda as well... I was a little surprised but politely said no and thank you... I thought it was an exceptionally kind gesture...

    azbartender , Markus Winkler Report

    #16

    Three men waiting inside a subway train, illustrating thoughtful gestures in everyday public transportation moments. Letting people off the subway before you rush in.

    somefuzzypants , Emir Eğricesu Report

    #17

    Woman and children sitting on a couch, sharing thoughtful gestures in a warm and playful family setting. Take candid pictures of a mother with her children. Or frankly ANYONE with their children..or grandchildren..or friends.. doing something other than posing in front of a fireplace at Christmas. You really have no idea how much I treasure the rare glimpses of me interacting with my kids when smiles aren't forced. Take them, send them, they want them. You don't have to ask..just.. do it. (So long as you, ya know.. know them and what not).

    jillaaa , krakenimages Report

    #18

    Person holding an elevator door open with their hand showing a large black tattoo on the forearm as a thoughtful gesture. When someone holds the elevator doors open when you're just a few seconds away.

    locheness4 , Pelin Kahraman Report

    #19

    Three friends enjoying drinks and conversation outdoors, sharing underrated thoughtful gestures in a relaxed setting. I'm really glad you asked because earlier one of my friends who I hadn't talked to in a while expressed that they felt really comfortable with me, and came out as possibly trans (they are still figuring out exactly what their identity is, and had only told one person besides me) and told me how much they valued me as a friend. I actually came very close to crying because I was so moved by it. Tell your friends what they mean to you, it is incredibly powerful.

    RexIsAMiiCostume , Sam Balye Report

    #20

    Hand holding a reusable tote bag filled with fresh apples on green grass, highlighting thoughtful gestures and kindness. Asking if a person got home okay. Carrying groceries, bags or heavy items for an older person or family member.

    reddit , Priscilla Du Preez Report

    #21

    People opening doors as a thoughtful gesture welcoming others into an event with a warm atmosphere. Holding the door open for someone.

    sarahsunshine521 , Kristina Paparo Report

    #22

    Bouquets of colorful tulips wrapped in pink paper, symbolizing thoughtful gestures and appreciation. Non expensive flowers for occasions. I'm talking 10$ daisy arrangement for your coworkers last day, or just because to a friend, I always bring wine and flowers as a host/hostess gift. There are so many cool flowers (not just roses!!) And it can be for a male or female. The kings in your life deserve flowers as much as grandma. Tell him those sunflowers reminded you of his smile, tell bertha from accounting you appreciate the prompt Thursday afternoon checks. Tell Gamgam she's your favorite and leave a little sunshine in your wake.

    Kantotheotter , Free-Photos Report

    #23

    Markers and blank name tags on a wooden surface, symbolizing underrated thoughtful gestures in personal connections. Remembering someone's name goes a long way.

    reddit , Jon Tyson Report

    #24

    Two young men having a friendly conversation outdoors, showcasing underrated thoughtful gestures in social interaction. Engaged listening without interrupting.

    Cosmohumanist , Anna Vander Stel Report

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    #25

    Person holding smartphone with rings on fingers, illustrating thoughtful gestures shared by people. Sending a meme to a friend that you know they'd enjoy.

    Elijah_MorningWood , Priscilla Du Preez Report

    #26

    Two men having a friendly conversation indoors, highlighting thoughtful gestures and positive social interaction. Giving a compliment. E.g. you look nice today.

    The-goose-- , LinkedIn Sales Solutions Report