Compliment everyone with whom you interact. Look for at least one thing associated with each person — friends, family members, co-workers, people who work in stores — about which you can pay an honest compliment.

Make sure the person understands fully that you are paying him or her a compliment. Don't mutter under your breath that the salesperson in the bookstore has an absolutely terrific smile, or merely allude to the fact that your boss has a new tie that's smashing. Come right out with it. "You know, I haven't seen a smile as great as yours in months." Or, "Say, Bob, that's a great new tie you're wearing. It goes perfectly with that shirt you've got on."

There are an infinite number of characteristics that merit positive attention. Looks, manners, attire, consideration, helpfulness, articulateness are but a few. Watch how people light up when you pay them a compliment. But make sure it's honest. If a 300-pound guy comes to deliver your bottled water, you can't say how thin he is. But you can tell him how much you appreciate how carefully he backed up his truck, or that he set the bottle down on the porch without waking the baby.

Complimenting people is a habit, just like any other. And it's one that becomes contagious. People feel great when they receive compliments, and you'll feel great when you give them as well.

Alan Epstein in How to Be Happier Day by Day