When is the last time you let your loved ones know you appreciate them? If there’s one lesson to learn from the pandemic, it’s the value of personal relationships. According to research, appreciation makes people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, and build strong relationships.
Appreciation is a fundamental human need. Humans need to be valued and noticed. In addition, studies suggest that showing gratitude could play an essential role in human society. This theory is called the find-remind-bind-theory. Expressions of appreciation strengthen bonds between humans.
You can appreciate your loved ones with these tips:
1. Send Daily Gratitude Cards
A heartfelt note of love to someone that made a difference in your life is a great place to start. Think about a time when someone appreciated you and how good you felt. This simple but meaningful gift can help bring out positive emotions within you and the recipient.
Sending daily gratitude cards is spreading love to others while connecting with them. You can create an atmosphere of gratitude day after day.
2. Brighten Their Day with a Flower Delivery
Photo by Amy Shamblen on Unsplash
You don’t have to send flowers only on special occasions. Surprise them with a beautiful bouquet once in a while as a symbol of your love and care. It has been proven that flowers have a long-term positive effect on moods and improve intimate connections.
Besides, flowers are not just for lovers but for everyone to show they are essential in your life.
Beautiful flowers can make someone smile in no time. The blossoms and sweet fragrances can change anyone’s mood and make them feel good. Whenever they look at your gift, they will remember your appreciation.
3. Plan a Surprise for them
Have you ever created surprises for your partner with no reason at all? It’s not their birthday or an anniversary. You just want to show appreciation for being a part of your life.
Surprises can keep the excitement in a relationship and help create new experiences. It’s a sign you’re making an effort to keep the bond between you and your loved one strong.
Here are some surprise ideas to put a smile on their faces:
- Buy something for your partner when you’re out and about. This could be chocolate, jewelry, or something they’ve mentioned to you in conversation.
- Prepare their favorite food and give them breakfast in bed.
- Plan a getaway to a place they will love and pamper them.
4. Act of Service
“One good turn deserves another. ” Besides praising them for what they do, you could pay it forward. Since your loved one has made you feel good, the best way to show appreciation is to do something for them as well.
Studies have shown that returning acts of kindness make the person paying it to feel good, useful, and human. On the other hand, the recipient feel appreciated, loved, and special. For instance, you may help your loved one do a task you know they dislike as a ‘thank you’ for helping you complete other chores.
6. Be an Empathic Listener
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Listening goes beyond hearing. Nod your head. Let the person know you care enough by paying attention, asking questions, and engaging in the conversation. Then, take it a step further by acting on what you heard. Being a good listener is a great way to improve your relationship with your loved one.
A significant sign that you’re not interested in the conversation is on your phone when someone’s talking to you. It’s best to put your phone away whenever your friend or partner needs your attention. This little gesture shows you’re there in the moment.
6. Remember Special Occasions
It always feels good to celebrate people during important milestones in their lives. Forgetting birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions may make them feel less memorable. You can prevent this by putting the dates into your phone and getting reminders.
Take it one step further by including other special occasions they may not even remember. These special milestones could be a year at their job or their favorite pet’s birthday.
7. Use Your Words
Photo by Courtney Hedger on Unsplash
Sometimes you just need words to make someone feel appreciated. Say it to them, send a text, give them a call, or get on a video call to express gratitude through words.
Here are some phrases you can use to communicate gratitude:
- “You’re a great blessing in my life.”
- “I appreciate you.”
- “I’m really thankful for everything you do for me and don’t know what I would do without you.”
- “I am so grateful you’re part of my life.”
- “Thank you for being my partner/friend.”
- Thank you for always being there for me. You’re the best friend, family, or partner I could ever ask for. “
Appreciating someone you love doesn’t get easier than this. The best part is, it doesn’t put a hole in your pocket.
In Summary
You don’t have to make grand gestures or buy elaborate gifts to make them feel special and loved. Your love, care, and attention are enough to put a smile on your friend, partner, or relative’s face. Try some of these thoughtful ways to show you appreciate them.
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
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