Small But (actually helpful) Tips to be More Merry/Happy...Or at Least Less-Sad. Often ‘tips’ and other ‘self-help’ offerings are, well, trite or silly or just generally, not useful. This list, in contrast, is useful! I absolutely agree with the idea of making—and fostering—local, ‘lite’ friendships. (I disagree with calling these casual or lite friendships ‘weak ties,’ but we get the point.) I find that I really enjoy being “known” and feeling “part of the fabric” of my community and work place. Making local ‘ties’ is really useful whether that is at work where you engage in chit-chat with other staff you don’t know very well, or at your local gym or coffee shop. The exercise is to ‘purposefully’ extend yourself to be better known and ‘seen.’ Key take away: try to extend yourself to others just a little bit more and in turn, you’ll feel more part of your work place and community. Be kind to yourself. Be aware of others. And Happy Holidays! …see more