Being caring allows you to empathise with others and to live a life based on affection, love, and compassion for the people around you.If you think about what the people in your life are thinking and feeling, your days will be much more rewarding.Being caring means giving a listening ear, noticing when someone needs help, and helping your community without asking for a reward.Step 1 will show you how to be more caring today.
Step 1: Be aware of the feelings of others.
You have to think about how other people are feeling if you want to have a more caring perspective.Be on the lookout to see how the people around you are reacting to a given situation, or just how they are feeling when they walk in the door.When someone is feeling down or upset, people who are caring will take measures to make them feel better.When you are around other people, pay attention to how they are feeling in a given situation.When other people around them are upset, people who only care about themselves tend to ignore it.Make sure this isn't you.Even if you don't cause the hurt feelings, you should be aware of how other people are reacting to something.If you notice that many people are upset when their boss explains the objectives for a new project, you may want to talk to your boss.
Step 2: Do you know how your actions affect other people?
You might be too busy trying to further your own needs to think about the impact that a certain thing can have on a person.If you ever leave the kitchen for your roommate to clean up because you're having a busy day, or ignore your best friend's phone call about her break up, ask yourself how this person would react.Changing your actions to something that would better suit people is something you should think about if the answer is not well.This doesn't mean that people have to agree with everything you do.You have to do what you believe in if you want to pander to others.You have to think about making a change if your behavior is selfish, rude, or unpleasant.
Step 3: Pick the battles.
Maintaining positive, healthy relationships is a priority for caring people.Sometimes, this means engaging in arguments with others in order to resolve an issue.If you want to be caring, you should think about cutting people some slack and maintaining positive relationships instead of fighting all the time.If you're going to argue with someone, ask yourself if it's worth it or if you just want to get angry.If you don't think an argument can lead to anything productive, then you should skip it.When there is a problem in a relationship or situation, caring people voice their concerns.If they can avoid fighting, they tend to focus on keeping things positive.
Step 4: You should appreciate the people in your life.
You have to appreciate the people in your life as much as you can if you want to be a more caring person.The people who make your life more meaningful and positive are the ones you should be thankful for.Don't focus on the things that you're missing or the rude comments you have to deal with, instead think about all of the joy and happiness that people bring to your life.It will make it easier for you to care about the people around you, as this will put you in a better frame of mind.It's important to thank the people in your life as much as you can.They should be thanked for helping out during a hard time, for doing you favors, or just for being amazing.Let them know that their presence is important in your life.A written thank you card is very powerful.The person who receives these cards will feel special because they aren't as common as they used to be.
Step 5: Feelings of selfishness should be pushed away.
It's difficult to stop being completely selfish one day, but anyone can work on being less selfish in his or her daily interactions.If you want to be less selfish, you have to spend more time thinking about how other people are feeling.When you have an interaction with someone, focus on how the person is feeling and what he's been up to instead of thinking about your own needs.It will be easier to care for others if you are aware of not being selfish.There is a difference between being selfish and taking good care of yourself and not neglecting your own needs for the sake of what others want.
Step 6: Make sure you pay attention.
People who care enter their daily lives with an attentive perspective.They pay attention to what people are doing when they are talking to them.Paying attention to people's facial expressions, gestures, dress, and even their offhand comments can help paint a complete picture of how that person is really thinking and feeling.If you look closely, you'll see bags under her eyes or a puffy nose, which indicate that she's not over her break up.Your roommate may have a big exam coming up and you may notice that she hasn't had a solid meal in two days; cooking extra food for dinner can make a difference in her life, and will show that you care.
Step 7: Be nice.
Being polite will make you a more caring person who is determined to treat the people around him or her with respect.Being polite means having good manners, not being rude in front of people, holding doors for people and asking people about their day.It also means smiling at people, having common courtesy, and not getting in another person's way.Whether you're at the office, walking down the street, or talking to your sister, you should have a goal of being as polite as possible.Being polite doesn't have to be formal.It's up to you to make other people feel comfortable in your presence.
Step 8: Be affectionate.
People who care about people give them affection.Giving people affection is a way of showing that you care.Hugs can bring comfort to people in need.You should not give physical affection to the people you don't know, but you should show your love by hugging, kissing, or pats on the head.Actions can speak louder than words.Though telling a person you care can make a big difference, sometimes giving that person a hug or putting your arm around him or her can have that extra impact.
Step 9: Listen to what they have to say.
People who care listen to others.They don't talk about themselves all day because they are interested in what other people have to say.When someone is talking to you, make eye contact, put away your phone, and don't interrupt the person.Wait until the person is done talking to give you advice or a comment.If you pay attention to more than just the words, you can see how the person is thinking and feeling.Don't say "I know exactly how you feel" when the person is done talking or compare his or her experiences to your own.Don't make this about you.The situation should be looked at on the person's terms.Pay attention to what's happening.Don't forget about something when you're done with the conversation, but ask about it later.You don't have to nod or say "uh huh" when the person is talking to show you are listening.A lot of that work can be done with strong eye contact.
Step 10: Be generous.
It is possible to be a more caring person if you are generous with your time or money.If you want to be caring, you need to give and not be selfish with what you have.We all have busy schedules, but it's important to make time to do favors for people in need, or just to compliment a person close to you.Don't forget about yourself, and you'll be on your way to being a more caring person.It's important to be generous with your time.If you want to listen to someone in need, make a habit of taking the time to do so.
Step 11: You should treat others like you want to be treated.
You would be surprised by how few people actually live by this law.If you want to be more caring, you need to think about how you would feel if you were in their shoes.When you make a rude comment to your waiter, think about how it will make him feel.You don't want to be rude to your brother, but you should think about how your words affect him.It is possible to make a big difference in how you see the world by putting yourself in someone else's shoes.Someone else may be down on your luck.Think about what it would be like to be less fortunate than you.
Step 12: Be respectful of others.
Being kind is another aspect of being caring.If you want to be nice, you have to respect the people around you and not make a nuisance of yourself.This includes not talking loudly on the phone on a crowded bus, not minding your own personal space, and not asking your sister how she feels about you inviting her ex boyfriend to your party when she'll be there.Make sure other people feel respected in your circle.Asking people questions makes sure they're okay.Before asking if everyone else is as cold as you are, turn up the thermostat in your office.Your words, as well as when you say them, are important aspects of being respectful.If you have negative feedback for a friend or coworker, make sure your language is offensive and bring it up at the right time.
Step 13: Help people who need it the most.
Being caring involves helping people in need.If you're only interested in helping yourself, you can't be a caring person.Helping other people means helping both the friends and family members who need help in their lives, and also helping out the less fortunate people in your community.If you want to be more caring, be on the lookout for people who need help and find a way to get involved.When they need your help, your friends and family may not always admit it.It's up to you to notice when they are just being polite and really need some extra help, whether you want to do more chores or not.Get involved in a soup kitchen, literacy center, local library, teen help program, or another program in your area that allows you to make other people's lives more full.
Step 14: Ask people about their lives.
Learning about how other people are doing is one way to be caring.Next time you talk to someone, ask them how they are feeling, what they're doing, and how their day is going.It is possible to show that you care by asking the little questions.You really want to know how the person is doing, so don't just ask out of obligation.It is a good idea to have a balance of talking about yourself and the other person.You don't want to ask a million questions and not reveal anything about yourself or the other person, but you do want them to learn something.You don't have to pry.Asking innocent questions like how the person's dogs are doing or if he or she has any fun summer plans can make someone see that you care.
Step 15: When you need to apologize.
People caring about how their actions affect other people.They are quick to apologize if they have done something wrong.They are comfortable admitting they're not perfect, and they don't deny their mistakes."I'm so sorry I hurt your feelings" is what you have to say if you know you've hurt someone.To show that you're aware of how your actions affect others, I regret what I did.You think about how others are feeling when you do this.Make eye contact when you apologize.Show the person you care about that he or she is worth it.Don't say "I'm sorry you felt hurt when I made that comment," because this is an empty apology that will only do more damage.
Step 16: Favors should be given to people.
People who are caring help people out when they need it.It doesn't mean you have to be an errand boy, but you should make an effort to help people out, whether you're picking up coffee for your boyfriend, giving your little brother a ride to school, or helping your best friend pick out the flowers.You should make a habit of doing favors for those you care about if the person is capable of it.Sometimes the greatest joy can come from doing a favor for someone you don't know very well.The effort you make shoveling your neighbor's driveway will be appreciated.You should be on the lookout.People don't ask if they need a favor.You should be able to tell when they need your help, but not impose.
Step 17: Share.
Sharing is caring.You should be willing to share your things if you want to be a more caring person.Sharing things you actually care about, like clothes you like, or half of your favorite sandwich, not sharing something that means nothing to you, is what this means.Whether it's a piece of advice or a material object, be on the lookout for opportunities to share things.Sharing is a key trait of a person who is caring.Sharing isn't just about material goods.You can share your knowledge.If you're in college, talk to a high school student about the college admissions process.Discuss your experiences with someone who is starting out in your career field.A younger person is on your tennis team.Sharing what you know can improve a person's life.
Step 18: Make sure to check in with people.
It's a good idea to let people know that you care about them even when you're not together.If you want to check in with your friends and family, you should send a text message after your best friend's exam or call your cousin on her birthday.Sending cards gets the message across.Though people are busy and it's unrealistic to talk to multiple friends every day, make a habit of checking in on at least one friend a week.It's one thing to care about someone when they are standing in front of you, but another to watch out for someone who is out of sight.Even if you're just saying hi, you should check in on your friend if he's having a hard time.You don't have to keep asking, "How are you?"Sending a funny text or email to a friend can help cheer them up.
Step 19: The details of people's lives are important.
Paying attention to the details that people tell you is another way to show you care.This could mean the name of your co-worker's cat, the time when your mom is waiting to hear if she gets a promotion, or the fact that your new friend grew up in Kansas.Bring them up later to show you care.If you keep forgetting, it will look like you don't care at all.To follow up on a person's life, make a point of remembering as much as you can.You don't have to remember everything.You will have a better idea of who the person is if you focus on the important details.
Step 20: People who would like to volunteer.
Being more caring can be achieved through volunteering.If you want to help out people in need, you can volunteer in your community.You can volunteer at a bookstore.There is a park in your community.There is a bake sale at your school.Make a difference in the place where you live by looking for more opportunities to improve your community.You can volunteer anywhere in the world.You can spend your spring break helping out in a different country or building houses for Habitat for Humanity.Spending more time improving other people's lives will make you more caring.