How to show people they matter
Hopefully, you’ve realized how important it is for us to feel valued for what we do and what we say – for us to feel like we matter. Especially when life is riddled with another health crisis, we may forget to acknowledge those close to us and those we interact with daily. Going philosophical, the measure of life isn’t what life accomplishes but rather how that life can touch other lives. People who made the greatest impact in our lives were able to do so, not because of their accomplishments or expertise, but by providing their words, reassurance, guidance, and direction. So, the people in your life right now want the same validation. And every single person you’ll ever come across will share the same desire. We all want to know we matter too. To start, here are simple ideas to help you show people they matter.
- Focus more on the positives
It’s always easy to point out the mistake others make – showing your loved ones their wrongs rather than commending them for the right things they do. So next time you see the wrong you want to talk about, stop for a second and think of something commendable they’ve done instead. Both adults and kids (especially those around us) need reassurance that they are great and are doing something right.
- Learn to say “Thank You.”
Showing gratitude is easy – we as humans love to complicate things due to our egos. Think about a time when you did something nice for someone, and they never acknowledged it with a simple “thank you.” Please don’t overlook the power of these words and how they make people feel.
- Give them gifts
Give gifts – think of a reason to give gifts – perhaps, it could be for no reason at all. A gift could be a present, a poem, a compliment, a meal, give them anything special you do for someone else. And you don’t have to break the bank for this, give a gift. It could be as “simple” as the gift of listening and time.
- Give hugs
Never underestimate the positive energy of hugs. A huge can be all a person needs to feel like they matter and appreciated. Touch often creates an emotional, spiritual and physical connection critical at all facets of our lives from infanthood to adulthood.
- Express gratitude
Just like we’ve highlighted above, it’s easy to point out the mistakes of others; but can you point out something great they’ve done to you. Learn to speak your appreciation. Tell others what you appreciate or love about them. Say it when it counts – at the moment, not passively.
- Relish every moment with them
Be present – it’s that simple. Nothing screams “You don’t matter” more than conversing with someone physically and fiddling with your phone or talking to someone else. Learn to be present with the people around you. Put your phone away when talking to people, and if you have to take a call, apologize and explain to them why you have to…and make it quick.
