February 16 - Do a Grouch a Favor Day

February 16 is Do a Grouch a Favor Day. It seems we all meet up with a grouch or two every day. Maybe we are even a grouch ourselves. This day is something to think seriously about. With a little foresight and planning, maybe you could change the grouch to a calm, even-tempered and fun to be around person. Sounds almost impossible? It's not. Try these five tips to change your grouch.

1. Learn a funny joke or story and practice until you're perfect at telling it. Then, when opportunity strikes, just tell that grouch your story. How can he not laugh? You certainly will make it a favorite day for the grouch.

2. Give them a GREAT compliment. You may struggle to find even a "small" something - and you may have to stretch the truth a bit. Perhaps your grouch never gets any praise. We all need a pat on the back! Your few good words could help the grouch feel like he's not getting a kick in the pa-toot - but rather he's turning over a new leaf.

3. Maybe your grouch is just very busy. You might try, "Hey, could I help you with that?"

4. If your kid is a grouch in the morning and doesn't want to get up - try having a fun surprise ready for them when they open their eyes. Just about everyone loves surprises and it may make the day better for both of you.

Suggestions could be such things as movies, special snack or food, friend or sleep over, or new shoes or clothing. It could simply be a special note taped on their wall that they'll see first thing.

5. M&Ms or special candy makes most of us happy. If they're not the candy type - try a big shiny red apple! They say this works great for teachers - and probably a doctor or dentist too.

Take a little time to do some assertive listening to the grouch. Maybe they had little money for the gas that's just gone five cents higher at Quick Trip or will be having a difficult time making pay roll. Often parents have both their parents and their kids to think and be concerned about. Ask mom and dad what's going on with them.

Everyone is sometimes just plain scared. We don't like change and we don't like not knowing what's coming next. Illness and job related problems are tops at making great grouches.

Paying forward [that is paying for something someone will/has received just because you want to] often changes someone's entire attitude. Though money is short for most, a dollar spent paying forward can bring you - and the grouch - much more happiness than 100 pennies could even touch.

If you are "the grouch", try to put on your smiler and watch folks guess what you're up to. You will all have a better day and it will be a great way to do another grouch a favor. Trust me!