We all love our friends. We want them to be happy. We want to make them smile. Life is busy. I get it. I really, really do. Lately I’ve had the urge to take the time. To take a break from everyday tasks. I want to work on being more intentional to make a point to brighten someone’s day.
Maybe your friend is having a bad day. Maybe your friend is having a great day. Or maybe your friend is having a normal day. No matter the case, I am sure she can use an extra smile.
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Send a handwritten note (texts and emails also work!)
There is definitely something special about a handwritten note. Some notes are beautiful, some are funny, some have the extra handmade touch. Whatever the style, a handwritten note is sure to make your friend smile. Having several of my friends that no longer live near me, this is something, I aim to make an effort to do more of. And though there is something extra glamorous about a handwritten note, I am in no way opposed to texts and emails. I find this one especially works with significant others (my husband is my best friend, after all!) and a midday text to let him know I am thinking of him, appreciate something he does for our family, or excited about our evening plans is sure to brighten his day…and put a smile on his face.
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Give a book.
Have you ever read a book that made you think of your friend or one that generally made you happy? Why put it on your nightstand or bookshelf to gather dust? Pass it along to a friend. When starting to write this post, I thought of ways my friends have made me smile. Books have played a huge part. I have a cousin who passes along her books. These books make me smile. They are usually funny, lighthearted, and a great way to take a break from the real world. Another friend passed along a book she read during pregnancy. It wasn’t your typical “this is what to expect” book. Those are great and all, but sometimes something less serious is refreshing. This book was comical and she gifted it to me at just the right time. It made me laugh. It helped me relate and let go of some of my anxiety. (And in case you’re interested, the book is Belly Laughs, by: Jenny McCarthy.)
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Send Chocolate!
Enough said.
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Give the gift of time.
Offer to watch the kid(s) and give your friend a couple hours of alone time. As a mom (and as a mom that works from home with her husband) alone time is rare…and oh so wonderful when it comes along. A couple hours to do what you want without interruption is truly a gift.
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Feed her!
The saying is, the stomach is the way to a man’s heart, but why should the men get all the good food?! I always prepare way too much and there is plenty to go around, I promise. But seriously, your friend is your friend because you like to hang out right? One of my favorite ways to treat friends is to have them over for lunch or dinner. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Sometimes I throw some corny dogs in the oven! Or sometimes I use it as an excuse to make a certain dish I’ve been craving and this is the extra motivation needed to get it on the table. Of course, it never ends up being about the food (though great food definitely doesn’t hurt) but by the end of the visit, both you and your friend are sure to leave with smiling faces.
