Often we spend a lot of time dreaming about people we haven’t met but forget to appreciate the people around us. We start taking them for granted and realize our mistake when it’s too late. To show our loved ones that their existence, support, and constant love for us matters is essential. We need to remind our family, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances that we value them for who they are and what they do.
With these tips, you can express the emotions that you’ve bottled up so far. Its time you let people, who you care about, know that they matter.
- Give Gifts
Dr. McGrath once said, “Who is on your gift list is telling you who is important in your life. It says who is more important and who is less important.”
Giving gifts go a long way to appreciate people around us. It not only strengthens our relationships but also makes us value little gestures. According to an article posted in The New York Times, “They (psychologists, anthropologists) have found that giving gifts is a surprisingly complex and important part of human interaction, helping to define relationships and strengthen bonds with family and friends.”
A gift doesn’t have to be something grand; instead, it just has to be something meaningful. A gift could be anything like:
- a bouquet of flowers
- a box of chocolates
- a heartfelt poem or letter
- a sincere compliment
- a meal, or a trip
The best thing about giving gifts is that it brightens up your mood as much as that of your loved ones. Surprising, isn’t it?
Generally, the happiness we feel after a specific event or activity lessens every time we go through that event. This phenomenon, known as hedonic adaptation, does not apply to the act of giving. Two researchers, Samantha Kassirer (Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management) and Ed O’Brien (University of Chicago Booth), conducted research. They concluded that the happiness of participants did not decline, or declined at a much slower pace if they constantly presented gifts to others as opposed to repeatedly receiving gifts themselves. An action that makes you, as well as the people around you happy is bound to bear fruitful results.
- Focus on the Positive
In a world where everyone highlights vices, you must point out all that is positive. If a child or an employee makes a mistake, do not reprimand them. Instead, try to think of their good attributes. Both kids, as well as adults, need assurance that they matter.
So, before you criticize your loved ones, don’t forget of all the times they kept you afloat!
- Support in Public and Private
Encouragement is always treasured by those around us. Just like a tree cannot grow if it isn’t watered regularly, people around us cannot flourish without constant support.
It is only when you back people and give them the power to believe in themselves, that they can perform to their fullest. Being supportive of people is great to show their worth and wellbeing in your life. This simple yet life-changing action has the ability to enable your loved ones to move ahead in life with courage and resolution. According to one article, “the social and emotional support that comes with having a partner can be a great buffer against stress.”
- Say “I Love You” and “Thank You” More Often
While the 19th century English poet Robert Browning was against the overuse of “I Love You,” we believe there is no limit to the oral expression of love. In fact, the more, the merrier. By expressing your feelings and letting others know how you truly care for them, leads to stability and overall wellbeing.
Similarly, thanking people for even the little things they do for you changes their outlook towards you and life in general. Thanking your wife for cooking, your friends for helping and your parents for being there is going to have a great impact on your personal life. Your loved ones, in turn, would then direct their focus on you, way more than they did earlier.
- Make Your Loved Ones Feel That You Care
Actions speak louder than words. Just to say that you love your family and friends is not enough, rather, you need to show your love too. You must make them feel that they actually, really matter to you and that without them, life would be unimaginable. You can do that by:
- Actively listening to them
- Helping them solve their issues
- Providing physical as well as verbal help
- Giving advice and honest opinions
- Engaging in healthy activities
People who are with us today might not be amongst us tomorrow. So seize the day, do that needs to be done, and tell your loved ones how valuable they are for you. Whether you do that by showering gifts upon them or supporting their ideas and values, make sure you never make them feel they do not have anyone to talk to. Make your acquaintances understand that you are grateful they exist because, by the end of the day, that’s all that matters.
