Ten Ways to Show You Care For a Friend
"Of all the gifts that wise Providence grants us to make life full and happy,
friendship is the most beautiful." - Epicurus
If I ask you to bring to mind the most important relationships in your life, you
might focus on your spouse or significant other, your children, your parents and
perhaps even your siblings. Family relationships tend to take centre stage.
But when we stop and think about it, aren't friendships a huge gift in our lives?
Many of us have wonderful memories of the times shared with our friends. And friends
are not just there for the good times, either. We are blessed to be able to rely
on dear friends during tough times as well.
As so many of us live busy lives, we can unintentionally begin to take all of the
precious people, both family and friends, for granted. We may assume that these
dear people know what's in our hearts, but when was the last time you actually expressed
to them how much you care?
Whether you see your friends and family daily or they live far away across the country
or the world, your relationships will strengthen if you take just a few moments to
show your affection. A phone call, an email, a visit, an online chat, a snail mail
letter or card, or even a text message can mean a lot to them. No matter how great
or small your gesture is, friends really do appreciate when you do something to show
how much they mean to you.
Here are ten meaningful ways to show you care for those special people in your life.
-
Cheer them on. Encourage them. Remind them of their potential. Help them reconnect with their goals.
-
Be willing to listen more than you talk. Everyone appreciates being heard, so truly pay attention to what they are saying. See if you can identify any underlying need that they haven't explicitly expressed.
-
Be specific in your praise and feedback so your input is as constructive and as well thought out as possible.
-
Be willing to be with them through rough times. Really be there for them, knowing that you can lend your support without taking responsibility for their pain.
-
Don't give advice unless they ask for it.
-
Be real and authentic and honest. Be truthful with them and invite them to be truthful with you. At the same time, take care to consider words and actions to avoid inadvertently hurting another.
-
Be trustworthy. If you say you are going to do something for them, do it. Actions are more powerful than words.
-
Offer help and be in service to them.
-
Apologize quickly if needed. Do not be afraid to ask for forgiveness or reluctant to offer forgiveness to them.
-
Appreciate differences in character. Don't expect the other person to mirror your perspectives and interests. Each of us is unique - enjoy the richness of diversity!
They say the best things in life are free. Indeed! Even the simplest uttering
of words can be a meaningful way to show that you care and love the people in your
life. Show you care with frequent gestures of appreciation. Surprise them by showing
up authentically with loving words or hugs, helpful tasks or long distance messages
of 'thinking of you!'
Why not do it now? Take this opportunity to show your care and appreciation.
Send your friend a quote and personalize it more deeply and specifically with a
sincere message from your heart.
|