Try this experiment: Be extra cheerful with everyone you come in contact with.

I've been conducting a personal experiment. Lately, I've tried to be extra nice to all those with whom I come in contact: The clerks, the workers in places I go, and all those strangers I see, but don't know personally. Here is the amazing thing. The more I thank these people and sincerely wish them a happy day (and not just the token 'have a nice day' stuff), not only does it rub off on me, but I find I get genuine smiles of appreciation. Try it: If you see someone cleaning in a store, tell them how you appreciate them keeping the place clean. That fast food teen: Tell them you hope that their work day goes well, and that they have some fun planned for when they get off work. The person sitting next to you on the bus who tells you a sad story, tell them you're sorry and that you sincerely hope that things will be better for them.

The funny thing is that the more I try to be genuinely cheerful to others, the happier I feel at the end of the day. Please give it a try. I hope it will bring happiness to your life, as it does to mine. No, it hasn't eliminated all problems, but it sure helps me to have a better perspective on them.