Thinking of You

Thinking of You

Posted: May 7, 2009 9:08 AM
Updated: May 7, 2009 9:08 AM

Let’s face it: Shooting off an e-mail is easy. But if you really want to show your friends they’re on your mind, you can do much better.

Reaching out is more important than ever, since our circle of close confidants is shrinking dramatically, according to research in the American Sociological Review. That leaves us with fewer good friends to lend us a hand, tell us to dump that loser boyfriend and offer a shoulder to cry on when he dumps us first. Maintaining your cache of bosom buddies will boost your emotional strength and resilience. Here are thoughtful ways to send shout-outs to your friends and reinforce those critical gal pal bonds.

Send a card No, not a Hallmark. Pick out a silly, funny, heartfelt (and free) electronic greeting from sites like someecards, BlueMountain, 123Greetings, Egreetings and Monk-e-mail. Sometimes, a monkey in a wig and pearls can say much more than words.

Leave word Who wouldn’t be tickled to find a Post-it note on their door, car or computer screen that said, “Was just in the neighborhood and thought I’d say hi. Miss you!” Letter writing may have gone by way of the dinosaur, but a Post-it note updates the tradition with the same charm.

Say it with food Surprise a pal with a gift of goods -- and it doesn’t have to be fresh-baked cookies! Bring three leftover cupcakes from a party, half of giant lasagna that you’ll just never finish or a handful of apples you picked at a farm. In fact, the more informal your offering is, the more comfortable it shows your relationship to be.

Offer a favor Heading to Costco, Trader Joe’s or that crave-worthy candy store several towns over? Call your friend and ask if she needs anything while you’re there. Not because she’s sick or has a broken leg, but because you’re thinking of her…

Ask for company …or maybe she’d like to stroll the aisles of the store with you! Invite your gal pal to join you for an impromptu outing. It may not be a day at the spa, but sharing the everyday moments is what good friendship is all about.

Make loans When she admires your bag, scarf or earrings, offer to lend them to her. That gesture said a lot in junior high, and it does today, too. Sharing your possessions shows your friend that you trust her to care for them. You wouldn’t lend an Hermès scarf to just anyone, after all.

Send memories Digital photography has left our old prints resting in peace in dusty boxes in the attic. Drag one down, find a nostalgic shot of your friend, scan and send. It’s not a lot of effort, but your friend will be thrilled -- and remembering your good times together will help ensure more fun to come.