Whether it’s a family member, your best friend or a work colleague, showing someone that you care about them and are thinking of them can make a world of difference in how they feel. It doesn’t have to cost a lot or take up a ton of time or energy; there are small things you can do to help someone feel special and supported that make a big impact.
The most important part of any “thinking of you” gesture, however, is that it is thoughtful, genuine and authentic.
Below are five great ideas to show someone you are thinking of them and that you care.
1. Make time for them
It sounds so simple but it can really make a huge impact on how someone is feeling when you offer to carve out time just for them. Offer to make a meal with or for them or to go for a long walk together or even to just watch a movie together.
Whatever the activity that you share together it will be time well spent and help them feel more connected to you. When you’re with them, put your phone away and focus on each other without distractions. Our phones seem to dictate our lives these days; the more time we can spend with loved ones without them, the more meaningful the quality time.
2. Bring in the calvary
Remember how special you felt when your friends organized a birthday party for you? Or perhaps your bachelorette party or bridal shower? It’s a truly wonderful feeling to know you have people in your life who care deeply for you and spend their time and energy creating events on your behalf. But, we don’t always need a special occasion like those to come together and show up for a loved one. In fact, community support is more needed when someone is feeling down or going through a difficult time.
If you really want to make someone feel special and lift their spirits, bring your friends together for a casual dinner or outing. Take the time while together to share one memory or thing you love about the person you’re trying to lift up. They will remember that support and love and it will do a world of good for helping them to feel special and cared for.
3. Send them a handwritten note
If you’re not able to be by their side for whatever reason, consider sending them a handwritten note about why you care about them. Highlight what makes them special to you and share a specific happy memory you have of them. It doesn’t have to be pages and pages long, but do make sure it’s more than five sentences so your loved one really feels like you took time away from your day to write them a special message.
In our digital age, it is so meaningful to receive “snail mail”. Most of our mail these days is bills, circulars and the odd magazine. Finding an out of the blue card in the mail is such a special moment, especially if it’s handwritten by one of your favorite people.
4. Acknowledge their feelings
Much has been written about toxic positivity these last few years, and rightly so. We live in a culture where we have been quick to brush off any hardship or struggle with throw away expressions like “oh, you’ll be fine” or “it’s not that bad”. Don’t do that! It diminishes what your loved one is going through and will only negatively impact your relationship.
Instead, acknowledge their feelings, their pain, their fears –whatever the case may be. Take the time to look them in the eye and acknowledge their feelings. If you’re not sure what to say in response, you can always say as much and then “I’m so sorry you’re feeling this way. What can I do to help?” Many times there isn’t much you can do to help; they just need someone to listen to them.
5. Send them a thoughtful gift
One of our favorite ways to blend meaningful actions and words is to send a thoughtful, personalized care package. When you send someone a care package (like one of ours) complete with your personalized message, you’re really demonstrating to your loved one that you care; you took time to put together items just for them and write a from-the-heart thinking of you message.
Few things pick up one’s spirits as much as receiving a special gift in the mail that you were not expecting.
It really does feel like a hug in a box.
Looking for more ideas?
Check out these other blogs and articles for more inspiration:
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