Share what you know, show that you care

With all the texting and emailing we do these days, it’s hard to tell what’s genuine and what’s not. (Did you know “a twenty-something may report spending two hours a day on Facebook, an hour a day answering texts?” (source))

At least in person, you can read someone’s body language or hear their tone of voice. With messages, it’s easy to fake sincerity with just some punctuation and smileys! 🙂 🙁

The best way to show someone you care is to share what you know- give them your time and attention. Not the kind of attention that you have to give because you work or live with them, but the attention and care you give because you want to, without being asked, out of genuine sympathy and love, because you care about them as a person.

made a deck of korean flashcards for a friend, because we promised to try to teach each other

My friend went to go study abroad in France for half a year. He didn’t know any french besides “bonjour” and “Je m’appelle ____.” I made him french flashcards to help him transition. (So glad my highschool french skills came to use!)

That time when I woke up early to go above and beyond with breakfast. Something I made when my sister visited me

My breakfast making skills have since improved but I tried to infuse this meal with love. Note the heart shaped eggs inside the bread!

It goes both ways.

Someone sent me a postcard all the way from Rome. It meant a lot because people rarely send letters/postcards these days!

The first time I ever made chinese dumplings from scratch. My friend invited me to prepare and enjoy a Chinese New year meal with his family. Ever since I learned, I make jiaozi at home and think of this day!

and sometimes, just listening and taking the time to respond is caring.

The possibilities are endless. There are so many ways to show that you care.

Some of the fondest memories I have are the walks and talks I shared with people, however short it may have been or lasted. I have a mental roster of those I owe a lot to- I wouldn’t be who I am today, without them! The times when someone took the time to teach me, talk to me, share their story leave the most lasting impressions.

I hope reading my blog gives you the same feeling!

Thanks for taking the time to read.

-AndreaM