5 Ways To Show You Care, Without Actually Saying It

It’s usually not cheesey to tell someone you care, it’s actually really great and should be done often. Usually in over-empathized-italics, because sometimes it’s just really awkward and leaves the air smelling like stinky fromage. There are those people in my life that I openly (and loudly) express my love and gratitude for. And there also tons of situations that I don’t totally feel comfortable saying how much I like someone, out loud. It just doesn’t always fit and sometimes it’s simply just not one of those relationships where you undyingly express how much you dig them.

In all situations, relationships and interactions, actions truly do speak louder than words. So “showing you care, without actually saying it” is always a good skill to keep with you – even if you already express how much you care with your words. And as always, this post (and all advice/info posts on H H) is/are written to me as a reminder as much as they are just generally written to who ever wants to read.

Eye Contact.
Simple, unfancy, old eye contact it’s the easiest way to show you’re interested in what someone has to say and that you are actually listening. And I’m not talking about a creepy “I’m going to make you love me” sorta stare. Just paying attention, when someone speaks or when you are with someone. The short part of it, just say no to checking your phone (pretty much talking to myself).

Listen and Ask Questions.
Remember past conversations and inquire about things the next time you see them. And always listen and ask questions to learn more about what they are saying, duh I know. Being a good listener can be a hard skill to learn, but a golden skill when it comes to friendship. This is something I seem to be better at with some friends and really junky at with others, a lifetime work in progress.

Call Instead of Text.
This one specifically goes out to me, I stink at calling but am amazing at texting. Basically I’m really good at half staying in touch and making people misinterpret my meaning. Making a point to call more than text starting, now.

Offer Don’t Wait to Be Asked.
Offer help, assistance or maybe your expertise? Don’t wait to be asked, because sometimes asking is hard for people. Also it shows you were thinking about them, which is always nice. But also, don’t offer too much/too often, a fine balance between being kind and giving too much of yourself.

It Made Me Think of You.
There is a thin line between: forwarding a meme you think is hilarious to everyone on your email list. And seeing something that made you think of someone specific, and sharing it with that someone. A link, an article, something you took a picture of while you were out, or maybe a little trinket you bought and give to them. It doesn’t have to be cheesey if you don’t make it.

I find that kids are the best at this, they don’t feel awkward and are just honest about their feelings. They express how they feel, when they feel it and that’s it—I try to take a lot of cues from my kiddos, even for this post (for instance). They are simple, raw, honest and straight forward—no games, which in my opinion is what a perfect world sounds like. Well a portion of a perfect world, there would also be 3 seasons (spring, summer and fall), pizza, french fries, black licorice and yoga.

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