It’s nice to be recognized for being nice, but the emotional benefits of doing something good for someone else abound regardless of whether the recipient notices. For example, if a man shovels snow off his next-door neighbor’s driveway, the gesture boosts the shoveler’s wellbeing even if the neighbor remains clueless.
Along similar lines, a new study highlights how doing the right thing or the kind thing for your significant other is rewarding in itself. Small, everyday gestures such as changing personal plans for your partner’s sake, doing something that shows you value them and expressing tenderness will boost your emotional wellbeing. If he or she happens to notice, great, but if not, your day will be the better for it. Promise.
Happiness is… being nice to people.
I wish you all the best,
Dr. Samantha Boardman
