My friend appeared to be happy; I was appreciative – the joys of giving and receiving.
We all like to be liked and made to feel special. Being a sociable race, our friends are important to us and giving presents to someone on their birthday or at Christmas is a time when we can demonstrate our feelings. The receiver hopefully demonstrates their gratitude and we’ll both get pleasure from it.
Think, though, of other times that you can give pleasure to a friend. Do they have a test to take, have a hospital appointment, a holiday booked, an interview or an important event planned; why not make contact with them and let them know that you’re thinking of them? Wouldn’t you feel they were considerate if they did that for you?
I have a friend who either has a wonderful memory or a computerised diary, because she never forgets an occasion. If I’ve told her about a future event or celebration, I’ll receive a card, text, email or telephone call from her, sending her best wishes, or whichever message is appropriate. I’m always amazed that she’s remembered the event and has bothered to contact me, and I trust that she gets satisfaction from doing so. It certainly makes me think that she’s a special person and I’m important to her.
Making contact by email, letter or phone is the usual way of keeping in touch, with emails being the most popular as they are free and instant. No excuses about letters being lost in the post or news being out of date; no need to interrupt someone when they’re busy; read when it suits, the email is a perfect communication tool. Now that many of us travel frequently, it can follow us around the world and land in our computer mailbox wherever we are.
I will, however, admit that I still prefer to receive a birthday or Christmas card in the post to one by email; perhaps it’s my age! Opening a card and looking at the design and hand-written words, then displaying it as a constant reminder of the sender’s thoughtfulness, is something that I’ve grown up to enjoy.
Now that communication is so simple, it’s a shame if we lose touch with someone whom we want to be part of our lives. A surprise phone call will brighten the day of a friend or relative far away, yet how easy it is not to bother. Sending a letter shows that you’ve given time and thought to what you want to say. Receiving either one is a pleasure, especially if unexpected.
To please someone is a joy, and giving – a present or your time – will not only please the recipient, but you, too, will receive a warm glow of satisfaction.