What makes people happy? Just a simple act of kindness, such as a sincere compliment or athank you from the boss. A new study in Britain has found that a well-timed compliment about appearance is the biggest little thing that can make a difference to someone's day. The study, based on a poll of 3,000 people, also found that being told “I love you” by a partner was the second-best thing, followed by a surprise note or card from a loved one. Finding money you had forgotten about in a pocket of an old pair of trousers completed the top five.