It's been a long time, I know. I've been busy. I need to write more often!
One night a few weeks ago, my husband and I were talking about romantic gestures. And I said something that he found interesting. I said that I thought a small, unexpected and thoughtful gift was more special and romantic than flowers, chocolates or jewelry. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy flowers, chocolates and jewelry. Especially if it's my favorite flowers because they're in bloom, some really good dark chocolate, or fun jewelry that suits my style. But what I treasure are the small, thoughtful gifts that I get just because.
When my husband and I were dating, he gave me a couple mix CDs. One was representative of the way he felt then; his life was hectic, he was living in a new city and had some personal stuff going on. The other one kind of represented where he wanted things to go, both in his life and in our relationship. He made them before we actually started dating, but didn't give them to me until after. Those two CDs meant and still mean more to me than I can even express. They gave me a window of sorts into his life and what he was feeling and experiencing. Had he not already won my heart, he would have at my first listen. To this day, those songs hold a special place in my heart and when I hear them on the radio, I turn it up!
I've received other gifts like that as well. My dear friend Callie, who is like a little sister to me, gave me a wonderful collection of science fiction short stories. It was one of her favorite books, and she gave it to me just because she thought I might like it. And she was right. I really enjoyed reading it, and I love rereading my favorite stories in it.
I could go on and on about all the little gifts I've received over the years and cherish, but I would go on all day.
I'm gonna switch gears now, and talk about giving those kind of gifts. I really enjoy bringing a friend something I know they'll really love. That's as wonderful as giving them, if you ask me! When a little something brightens someone's day, it brightens mine, too. Seeing that friend or family member smile and say "thank you" makes me smile for them! I think the gifts we give to people are also gifts we give ourselves. Even a simple compliment to a stranger is also a gift to the giver. Why not brighten somebody's day and make them smile? I am sure I am not the only one that takes pleasure in giving those little gifts. The payback of delivering a small present or compliment is that my mood is lighter, I am happier after I make someone happier.
So today, give a small gift. Send a note to a dear friend, just to say hello. Find something (make, buy, whatever) for that special someone or your best friend. Take someone to lunch or out for drinks after work. Compliment a stranger. Make someone's day. In turn, you'll find that it makes your day, too.
