Remember the Golden Rule.
The Golden Rule (or Ethic of Reciprocity) says you should treat other people the same way you would like to be treated. This is an excellent rule to live by, particularly if you are trying to be kinder. So before you say or do something to someone, ask yourself how you would feel if they did the same to you. If you wouldn't be happy being on the receiving end, or if you would think the act was unkind, then don't do it.

Stop the gossip.
One way you can be kinder is to stop gossiping. While it is tempting sometimes to get together and talk about people, gossip is only harmful to other people. Not only that, but gossiping makes people not trust you, even if you are not gossiping about them. And typically, when gossip gets spread around, the information tends to get misunderstood or is so scrambled that it is not even true. You can stop gossiping by going by this easy rule-if you wouldn't say it to them in front of them, don't say it at all. Avoid spreading rumors or gossiping, and change the subject if your friends start to gossip.

Be generous with praise.
Be kinder by praising and complimenting people. If you think your friend's hair looks nice, then tell her. Or if your co-worker did a good job on his presentation today, tell him you thought so. Think of the people you know who are generous with genuine praise, and chances are they are probably kind, well-liked people.

Practice random acts of kindness.
You can make being kinder a habit by practicing random acts of kindness. This can be opening the door for a stranger, smiling at people when you meet their glance, letting someone in during traffic, or picking up the tab for your friend's lunch one day. These little acts of kindness will soon become second nature to you.

Practice empathy.
You can be kinder by being more understanding to another person's situation. Instead of getting impatient because the checkout line is long and taking it out on the cashier, realize that it is not her fault the lines are long or that it took a customer a long time to write a check. Being more understanding of people and giving them the benefit of the doubt will make you a kinder person.

Smile.
Believe it or not, it's hard to be rude when you're smiling. Even if it takes practice at first, try to keep a smile on your face. Smiling is often contagious, and you'll find that by smiling and being kind to people, they will do the same in return.

In order to be kinder to people, it will take a little practice. These are just a few habits you can adopt that will help you to be a kinder person.