10 Creatively Fun Ways to Make Someone Smile

1. Sing like a cat.

Whenever a person begins grouching, start singing the Meow Mix cat food song. Nothing stops a furry grouch face quicker than the melodious "Meow-meow-meow-meow, Meow-meow-meow-meow, Meow-meow-meow-meow-meow-meow-meow-meow song in a happy cat tone. While swishing your tail.

2. Make off-season snow angels.

This classic seasonal switch will stun. During any season but winter (summer is best) lie in a thick, plush, pile of grass and make snow angel motions while singing, "I'm in blissful snowwwwy heaven!" Then get up and see how artfully your matted grass angel is.

3. See things that "could" be there.

There's no good reason you can't multi-task in a multi verse. For example, look at someone with a big smile and compliment, "I really like that cute (fun, elegant, colorful, dope thing) you're wearing!" Make sure they don't have it on, but note that it doesn't matter if you can't see it, surely it exists ... somewhere!

4. Kudo-chop.

A softer, complimentary twist on the Judo-chop: Gently pat the person on the back after they've offered a suggestion. Reaffirm their wondrous contribution by saying with glee, "Awesome... to the MAX!"

5. Dance(s) with fruit.

That happy, dancing fruit hat-wearing lady, Carmen Miranda was onto something! Drop a banana peel on the ground and position yourself ready to slip on it. Then REALLY do it! (Well, only if your day-job is being a stunt double.) Better yet, wrap one around each of your feet: banana slippers! Alternatively, use orange peels served with a rendition of "orange ya glad it's not a banana?"

6. Koala-spoon.

There's other kinds of spooning, ya know. When dining in a restaurant, try hanging a spoon on the end of your nose. (Especially if it's a fine dining restaurant with no prices on the menu.) If you're successful, ponder your likeness to the cuddly marsupial known as the Australian Koala Bear. This is a real talent!

7. Text, Old School Style

Write a little note to a friend on lined notebook paper in your best high-school style. Then fold it up into one of those nifty secret square or triangle folds just like you did when you were a kid. (C'mon, you remember passing notes in classrooms and hallways!)

8. PETend.

Pretending with your pet is a charming acting exercise. It goes like this: Carry on a real-life conversation with your cat or dog (fish, hamster, iguana, etc.) in front of others. Be sure to acknowledge the clever comments your pet makes back to you. "Oh, that's how dust-bunnies scoot away so quickly, is it?"

9. Read minds.

Ever watch Spock on Star Trek and wish you could mind-meld? Who's stopping you? Stand in front of someone with your eyes closed and fingers pointing at your temples. After five seconds, open your eyes and exclaim, "Woah! I didn't know you could think those thoughts!"

10. Sketcher-cise.

Doodle a funny picture of you and your friend on the sidewalk with big colorful kid's sidewalk chalk. With your non-dominant hand. Eyes closed. At night. In the middle of winter. After spinning around three times. Less than an hour after eating. With a diving mask on. (Keep growing more ridiculous)... •

© 2015 Chris Dunmire. All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2024 Chris Dunmire & Ira Verant. All rights reserved.