Are there people you see in your daily routine — a barista, a bus driver, a shopkeeper — who brighten your day?

A natural way to answer

There's a lovely woman at the shop near my flat. She always asks how I'm doing and remembers small things I've told her. A short, friendly chat with her in the morning genuinely makes me feel good.

Key phrases to use

• off by heart — memorised perfectly, so you can do it without thinking“She knows the whole poem off by heart.”
• sets me up for the day — gives you a good start that makes the rest of the day go well“A good breakfast sets me up for the day.”
• lifts my spirits — makes you feel happier and more positive“A sunny morning always lifts my spirits.”
• make your day — to make you feel very happy, often unexpectedly“That kind comment really made my day.”