Working in retail has provided an opportunity to observe people like I'd never anticipated before, and sometimes, like I'd never wanted to observe. Still it's taught me some interesting truths and reinforced many other ideas. So, my top five (for today at least) in no particular order:
1. Hold hands with your sweetheart everywhere you go. Yes, when shopping it's fine to interlace fingers, and whisper to one another. It's okay to gaze at one another over the rack of winter coats or to touch your sweetheart's hair to flatter her face as she models the clothing she's thinking of buying. Physical touch is a powerful thing and it affects not only the two of you, but the people surrounding you as well. It instills a feeling of love and goodness. So go ahead, spread the love by showing gentle affection for your sweetheart in public. 
2. Laugh with your friends, family, and lover. Laughter heals. Laughter strengthens and promotes healthy relationships. Laughter creates a party wherever you are. Laughter also spreads to those around you. One couple in our store recently changed the atmosphere so completely that by the time they left, the other couples shopping for date-night were smiling, holding hands and chatting with much more animation. Your laughter heals others ...
3. It's okay to compliment strangers. Have you ever seen someone who looks truly magnificent or who treats you with absolute respect? Have you ever paid them a sincere compliment? A stranger ... have you ever complimented a stranger? Try it and watch the lines melt from their foreheads, watch a smile spread or enjoy their surprise. But only compliment if you mean it and make sure they know you mean it by being sincere. It's a beautiful thing, what a simple compliment does. I've seen it firsthand create friendships, change stress to joy, pain to acceptance. 
4. Giving creates joy. When wives buy something unexpected for their husbands, not only are their husbands flattered, the wives are beaming. When grandmothers pick up something for their struggling grandchild or neighbor, there's peace emanating from them, a peace that others feel and try to emulate. I'm not saying you need to go out and buy something expensive for everyone around you, but you should try to give where you can: your time, your talents, your resources ... most giving is absolutely free.
5. Your immediate friends and family are more important than your cell phone. Your family is there for you when you need them. Be there for them as well by giving them your attention when you're together. Initiate meaningful conversations, tell them why you love being with them, watch them while you can and enjoy each fleeting moment. Too often people come into our store and one is constantly texting while the other is begging for attention ... it breaks my heart. Time passes quickly and you will lose it if you don't value it.
6. When you feel the desire to dance, go ahead and dance! One of the funnest memories I have is of my husband when he grabbed me around the waist, took my hand and began dancing with me in the supermarket. People turned and stared. People laughed. People shook their heads. We smiled, laughed and he kissed me right there in the cookie isle. People dance in the store where I work now. I love it! But I don't think it happens often enough. So when the desire strikes, grab your partner and spin her. 

Ryan Hunter is the wife of one, mother of five ... she's a writer, editor and pursuer of adrenaline, peace and happiness.