If I have a book in me, it will be a meticulously organized compilation of life hacks. I love little tips and shortcuts, and I have a systematic way of organizing them mapped out in my mind. My book would feature tabs, allowing readers to easily navigate and find the specific hacks they’re looking for.

In the meantime, I’ve created the first of a series of my favorite hacks. Today’s hacks are somewhat random; I’ll use subject categories in the future.

Be Exceptionally Kind to People in the Service Industry

Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, whether you are asking for help or making a request. If you want to be treated with respect, treat others with respect, and they will reciprocate. Conversely, if you treat others poorly, they will likely treat you poorly in return.

What To Do If You Forget Someone’s Name When Introducing Them

Say to the person whose name you can’t remember, “Hey, let me introduce you to Janet Jones.” You introduce the two and say the name of the person you remember. Almost always, the nameless person will volunteer their name. I was in a situation once where the nameless person didn’t volunteer their name. It was a little awkward, but we just moved on and chuckled about it later.

How To Be A Brilliant Conversation Starter

If you’re stuck for a way to start a conversation with people you don’t know (e.g., at a table at a wedding or other event), get people to talk about food. Have a go-to question like, “If you could only choose to eat either pasta or potatoes ever again, which would it be?” Pick your own variation with vegetables, types of cookies, etc. It’s a question that can be answered by anyone of any age, and it sparks an interesting discussion.

Become A Great Gift Giver

Buy birthday and Christmas presents and birthday cards for friends and family throughout the year. If you see something perfect for someone, get it. It takes the stress out of shopping, spreads the cost, and makes you an expert gift-giver. (Just don’t do what I’ve done in the past and forget you already bought them something months ago.)

In addition, if you come across items on sale that would make great wedding or birthday gifts, consider purchasing them to have a collection of potential gifts for future occasions.

Never Ask Someone What They Do For A Living

Besides being boring in general, it may prove embarrassing for someone between jobs. Here are some alternative questions to choose from.

·         What do you like to do?

·         What’s the most interesting thing that’s happened to you lately?

·         What do you want to be when you grow up?

·         What’s your favorite thing to spend money on?

·         How do you spend your days?

·         What’s been the best part of your week/weekend so far?

·         If money were no object, what would you do with your life?

·         What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned lately?

Answers to these questions invite people to tell stories and share things that are important to them.

On Long Road Trips, Turn Off the Recirculating Air

One of the reasons you get tired in the car is not from lack of sleep but from too much CO2 in the car. Have you ever been so tired while driving home that you’re no longer tired when you get home? It’s because of the lack of oxygen in the car, especially if you have passengers.

Smile At Strangers

A simple smile can make someone’s entire week just because you smiled at them when they needed it most. It does not require any effort, and you don’t even have to talk to them. Just smile.

Do you have some powerful life hacks to share? Let us know in the comments.