If you'd like to make the people in your day-to-day life a LOT happier, try this. I promise you, it's maybe a little weird but DOES work and is sooooo worth it! Take a few minutes to write a list of the main roles that you play involving other people in your daily life, and list them starting with "I am a ...." e.g. Mother to Gemma and Jamie Wife to Dave Ex-wife to Johnny Auntie to Becky and Tim Daughter to my mum and dad Sister to Tricia Neighbour to the old chap I say hello to Customer to the canteen staff at work Customer to the Welsh woman in the dry cleaners Student of Professor Malloy Boss of my department at work Colleague to the Sales Manager Patient of Dr Jamieson ... etc.... Then take a few quiet moments to sit still, eyes closed and relax while you think about these people in turn and how you affect their day. Let yourself feel how you interact and what impression that creates. Even if it makes you feel a bit guilty or upset, try to be open and truthful with yourself. (THIS IS WHERE IT GETS A BIT WEIRD!) Then pick one person in turn and, silently, in your imagination... apologise to them for maybe being a bit unreliable, or too busy, or distant or not knowing their name... whatever. Imagine asking them what ONE thing you could do to make them feel really appreciated and cared about. Listen to the answer that comes back in your imagination and, without judging it or thinking too much, just take note of it. (THIS IS THE IMPORTANT BIT!) Then just do it!!! Don't tell them anything about the process you've gone through, just do the thing that they asked for in your imagination and watch for the big smiles! Seriously, you'll be so glad you made the effort! (See part 2 below!)