Recently, I’ve been really into crafting. I’ve told everyone about this obsession. Maybe it’ll last a few months, a couple of years, or it could die out now as the school year starts gaining steam.Â
However, I have always been dead set that my love language was words of affirmation. Over the summer, as I grew more and more bored with the pockets of time I had while working remotely, I turned analog. I needed to get off my devices, so crafting became a way to express myself artistically and cut down on my screen time. It started small with sewing and has transformed into painting birthday cards and making name felt pennant banners. I found myself turning towards crafting as a way to give my loved ones sentimental gifts. I learned that love speaks various languages.
There’s something so special about personalization with gifts. Nowadays, it’s so common to buy an Amazon gift card, send someone a Starbucks email voucher, or pick up a bland drugstore gift card and write a quick “wishing you the best day.” We’ve all grown accustomed to it, but I personally wanted to change. Birthdays and special occasions are so important to make a loved one feel valuable and crucial to your own life. Why would you celebrate that by throwing money at someone and calling it a day?
I’ve decided that I want to love people the way I want to be loved. I discovered that I want gifts that were made for me, thoughtfully curated to who I am as a person, or something that would remind the giver of me. Truly making someone feel special comes from showing them that you think about them outside of your time together. It takes small steps and effort to make someone feel special.
Sure, showing up is important, but I think people don’t realize that bringing something of substance allows your presence to extend beyond your actual stay and celebration. I’m urging people to pay attention to how it feels to give someone you love something meaningful. There’s so much power within your words and your actions. Use them to make someone feel loved, important, and valued.
Something as small as a hand-painted card can go the longest way. I’ve painted a Jellycat cake on a card for my friend who loves cute plushies, a frog in a sweater for my hometown best friend who is obsessed with frogs, and a hamburger for my mom because of a running family inside joke. People appreciate it when they know you associate them with something and think of them when you see that thing.Â
Try tapping into new ways to express your love for the people who support you and care for you. You might be surprised when you not only make someone feel good by giving them a heartfelt gift, but also learn more about yourself and how you can put more love out into the world.
Because what goes around comes around.Â
Want to keep up with HCBU? Make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, check out our Pinterest board, watch us on TikTok, and read our latest Tweets!Â