It’s important to show the people that you love how much you appreciate them. Whether it be your partner, your best friend or a family member, we could all use a little more affection. However, you shouldn’t have to spend a fortune to make those you love feel appreciated, so here are a few ways you can throw affection around like confetti, without spending an absolute fortune.
Words Have Power
Alicia Young offers her meaningful way to show someone you care about them. “Yes, thank you notes are a wonderful way to show appreciation, especially when you send them for (seemingly) no reason. Tell a friend or relative what they mean to you, how their encouragement or support has made a difference over the years. Take a little time to be specific. Rather than "Thanks for everything" (sweet, but bland), jot down dates important to them. A friend was blown away when another friend dropped a note saying "Hey! Didn't you tackle your first 5km this time last year? Now look at you, doing half-marathons!" She cried - then framed it. Words have power.” Find out more about Alicia Young by following her on Facebook and Twitter.
Take Your Pet For A Super Long Walk
Didn’t think about your pets, did you? They shower you with love and appreciation all the time, so return the favour and do something that will make their week. Even if you take them for a long walk every day, mix things up a bit and take them to your local park, or take them on a different route. You can mix things up even more by treating your pet to a new set of pet toys from MyDeal. They'll appreciate that they're out having fun, and you can spend some time really bonding with your furry pal.
Family Bonding
Arna van Goch from Horizons-21 offers her advice for showing affection to your family. “For families, it's important to spend time together. Time is worth its weight in gold these days. If mum can actually pick the kids up from school today because she cancelled her last meeting, or if dad can load up the dishwasher and make sure the kids are showered... that's already a big deal. The best way to think about it, for kids and adults, is this: "What one thing mum/dad/child has to do, that isn't fun to do, that I can help them with/do for them instead?" By doing this, you are generating sooo many great ideas. For kids, it'll be a little harder, so taking time out to spend with them is really going to be important here. Helping your kids think through a big problem (think math, science, English homework) and encouraging them on, making them laugh, being silly with them... For parents, it can be... Helping to make breakfast, putting laundry away, tidying up, doing the dishes... and one more tip? Don't make a big deal out of it or else you lose your magic.” Find out more about Horizons-21 by following them on Facebook and Twitter.
Host A Movie Night With Something They’ve Wanted To Watch With You For Ages
There’s that one movie that your friend, family member or partner has wanted to show you forever, but you’ve ever really dedicated time to watch it, so it stays on the backburner until you both kinda just forget about it. A great way to show someone you care is by hosting a night where you watch the movie or TV show that they love, organise yummy snacks and pull out all the stops. Make the place feel like a cinema; create a comfy space on the couch and watch it on a TV. There’s something magical about sitting on the couch with the person you love, watching something they love on a modern entertainment unit, with popcorn and a blanket. There’s a catch, though. You actually have to watch the movie; don’t fall asleep; don’t be on your phone the whole time; actually watch it.
Give The Gift Of Encouragement
Dympna Kennedy from Creating Balance shares her advice for throwing affection around like confetti. “Encouragement, acknowledgement and understanding what is happening for them. To be heard, to be listened to and to give the 'gift' of encouragement. Taking the time to listen, to support to be with, is to give the 'gift' of time (a rare commodity in today's world). To do something for them, find that service/support they needed, research the information they were seeking is to give the 'gift' of doing something with no monetary exchange required or needed.” Find out more about Creating Balance by following them on Facebook.
Bring Out The Goodness In A Person
Katinda Ndola from Confidence and Self Esteem shares her priceless advice. “One thing I discovered in life is to bring out the goodness in a person. Write down a list of things that will show their greatness and thank them for inspiring you. Randomly, pick moments where you look them in the eye and say, I appreciate you – for being you.” Find out more about Katinda Ndola by following her on Facebook.
Random acts are important for showing someone you love that you care about them. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, it doesn’t have to be anything extravagant. Simply put some time aside and make those you love feel special and appreciated. Remember things they love, help bring out the best in them and they’ll bring out the best in you.
