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When you are not feeling particularly friendly but know…

“When you are not feeling particularly friendly but know you ought to be, the best thing you can do, very often, is to put on a friendly manner and behave as if you were a nicer person than you actually are. And in a few minutes, as we have all noticed, you will be really feeling friendlier than…” quote by C. S. Lewis
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“When you are not feeling particularly friendly but know you ought to be, the best thing you can do, very often, is to put on a friendly manner and behave as if you were a nicer person than you actually are. And in a few minutes, as we have all noticed, you will be really feeling friendlier than you were.”

C. S. Lewis

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Suggests adopting a friendly demeanor can genuinely shift mood and foster authentic kindness.

In simple terms: Act friendly to become truly friendly.

Key Takeaway

Practice intentional kindness to improve relationships.

Themes

kindness empathy self‑improvement social behavior psychology

Mood

hopeful instructive encouraging

Type

self‑help philosophical

When to use this quote

  • team meetings
  • customer service
  • family gatherings
  • self‑growth exercises

Key Concepts

behavioral psychology emotional regulation social influence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does acting kind affect your inner feelings?
  • When is genuine kindness more effective than forced?
A Different Perspective

Feigning friendliness may feel inauthentic initially.

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