The Birthday Rule
While, if you’re lucky, close friends and family members pull out the stops for you on a birthday, I’m compelled by the way that strangers, acquaintances, colleagues, or casual friends show up differently. It’s not anything big - often just the very simple birthday greeting - but it conveys such love and thoughtfulness.
Everyone is just a little bit nicer to you on your birthday than they usually are. They tend to reach out and say something kind. They check in with you a bit more thoughtfully than they would otherwise. They really seem to care a bit more that you’re having a good day. Even total strangers are kind to you when they know; we’ve all come to this funny agreement as a society that everyone absolutely must be pleasant to you if you’re celebrating a milestone.
Today’s idea for living a more New Happy life is inspired by what I felt on my last birthday and is just short, sweet, and easy enough to adopt.
What if we treated everyone we met like it was their birthday?
It’s easier than the Golden Rule (treat others as you would want to be treated.) It’s more actionable for casual interactions than the Platinum Rule (treat others as they want to be treated.) It’s just nice and easy and takes about 1% more effort. The barista, the grocery store clerk, your boss, your random colleague, the friend you’re out of touch with, and the stranger on the street: it’s their birthday! What do you do differently? You’d probably at least stop and say hello; look them in the eye; smile at them; send a quick text.
It sounds so silly, but to me, it feels like it could be such a powerful nudge: just offering 1% more kindness, attention, and gratitude to each person you come across. Maybe the Birthday Rule could change the world!