6 Ideas for Telling People They're Special

Written by Richard E. Dodge

Jesus was challenged by the Pharisees to select one commandment as the greatest. Instead, He gave them what amounts to a new commandment: Love one another. In this statement Jesus was commanding that we do something—that we express love in tangible, personal, and meaningful ways—that let people know they are loved. The best way is to do this anonymously.

Anytime is a good time to surprise your spouse, teacher, a friend, or someone who just needs an emotional lift to let that person know you appreciate him or her. Sending flowers is just one way, and it doesn't necessarily have to relate to special days. Here are some simple ways to let people know you care.

 

• Send a note of encouragement and affirmation. Make a point to emphasize some positive quality or characteristic the person demonstrates regularly.
• Cover some of the person’s regular chores. Offer to cover some of the tasks your spouse or friend usually does, such as mowing the grass, shuttling children, or sitting with or caring for an elderly parent.
• Give your friend a certificate for some special activity or experience. This could be for a massage or spa treatment for your spouse, or tickets for a play or dinner for a special friend.
• Take your spouse off for a weekend retreat. Spend time together apart from children or other responsibilities. If you need to have someone take care of your kids, work out those details yourself rather than depending on your spouse. The flip sise for this is to send your friend and his or her spouse off for the weekend, and you take care of their children.
• Take your friend out for dinner or other entertainment. This does not have to be expensive to be appreciated.
• Buy a favorite book. Then inscribe something meaningful on the inside. (I’m sure your pastor can help if you need some with exactly what to write.)

Do your good deed publicly. One of the real pluses is to send your surprise to his or her place of work, if appropriate. For example, have flowers delivered to the workplace. Send a book or other item through the mail or have it delivered. This allows co-workers to know your spouse or friend is special.

Do something . . . ANYTHING! If you don’t do anything very often—and that’s often the case with us male types—then anything will be appreciated.

Let me add one footnote here just for the male population: Don’t buy something like an iron, vacuum cleaner, or anything that means work. Although you might have great intentions, I can tell you that the message she receives may not be the one you intended. And if you simply cannot come up with an idea, let me know. I’ll be glad to help you with some suggestions.

Sometimes we need help in learning how to express love and concern. A small-group Bible study entitled,  Learning to Love can help you equip others in your group to love others more as Jesus loved people. Discover how to help others live and love.

Richard E. Dodge teaches young adults in Sunday School at Una Baptist Church, Nashville, and is Internet Producer, LifeWay Church Resources, Nashville, TN.

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