Who Fares Better, Curmudgeons or Kind People?

It may seem to you that we live in an era of general nervousness, sullenness and anger, but science says that, if we are kind to our surroundings, it is very likely that we will receive kindness in return.

Scientists at the University of Southern California have carried out two experiments where volunteers held the door for strangers at a public place. In the first experiment, the volunteers were looking the other person in the eyes, smiling while holding the door. In the other, they were looking at their phone. As expected, the first group of volunteers got much better feedback in terms of the passers-by smiling back at them and being grateful. Not only does smiling cause the other person to smile back, but a gesture of help causes people to return the favor. The scientists determined this when they carried out a subsequent experiment where volunteers would drop a pen from their hand while holding the door. Those who smiled were much more likely to have the passer-by help them pick up the pen.

So, kindness, smiling and eye contact increase the chances of a stranger helping you. In addition to that, they have a favorable effect on the health, because they lower the stress.

University of Southern California

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