A while back, we took a look at some cheat codes for everyday life shared by some genius Reddit users. These brilliant thoughts sparked even more responses from our BuzzFeed Community that were just as marvelous! Here are just a few of the very best:
1."If you're at an event with someone and another person approaches whose name you can't remember, greet them with an enthusiastic "Hi, how are you? This is my friend (insert friend's name)." The other person will then say their name to your friend, saving you the embarrassment of not remembering their name. I've been doing this for YEARS at events and it's always saved me."
6."Praise good service and acknowledge when someone in a service industry has helped you, especially in small businesses. People in the service industry put their heart and soul into their work, and it does keep us going through the hard times!"
8."When applicable, ask people outright how to pronounce their name correctly. Taking the slight effort to get someone's name right will make them like you instantly."
9."This mostly works for younger humans or older humans with baby faces: If you’re in a large crowd and can't get through, just start shouting 'MOM?!' People will part like the red sea."
10."Use the five-second rule when it comes to pointing out a flaw in someone's appearance. I.E.: Only mention a flaw if it can be fixed in five seconds or less, like sauce on their face or a piece of food in their teeth."
12."Instead of saying 'Nice (insert item)' as a compliment, change it to 'I like your (Insert item).' It sounds less sarcastic. 'Nice boots' sounds better as 'I like your boots.' This almost always gets a positive reaction."
13."You can get a group of young kids to stop being loud by whispering to them. I am a preschool teacher and it's fun to pull this trick out every now and then. If we're sitting together on the carpet doing a lesson, I'll whisper, 'Can I tell you all something?' or 'Guess what?' and EVERY SINGLE TIME, the kids will quiet down and whisper back, 'What?!'
14."When you need someone to do something for you, ask people 'for help,' rather than for 'a favor.' It's much more effective than just directing people to do things."
15."In a work environment, INSTEAD of saying 'I assume/assumed' say 'my understanding is/was.' This simple change has been a game changer for tricky clients."
16."For minor inconveniences (like when you're a few minutes late to a meeting), instead of apologizing, thank them for waiting. It's more positive for both parties, and makes them feel appreciated."
17."A middle school science teacher’s piece of advice was to me was: 'Anything is possible if you’re willing to suffer the consequences.' It’s a simple phrase that I’ve carried with me for nearly two decades."
18."Don't ask your teachers or bosses what you 'did wrong,' instead, ask how you can 'improve for next time.' This way they tell you EXACTLY what they are looking for, but don't feel like you're questioning their choices."
20."Still set your alarm on your day off. When it goes off, one of two things will happen: Either you’ll get up earlier than you planned and get more done than you would have otherwise, or you’ll turn the alarm off, roll over, and have the best sleep you’ll have all week."
21."If someone is struggling to make a decision between two things (where to eat, what color sweater to get, etc.) choose one for them, then gauge their reaction. If they’re excited, that’s the one they wanted and the decision is made. If they’re disappointed, they really wanted the other one and again, the decision is made. Works every time."
22."I learned this from my little brother: If you tell people you’ve 'never tried' something (even if it's not true), whether it be food or drink, they’ll almost always offer you some."
