8 Ways to Make a Friend’s Day

My hope is that you will find joy in doing something for someone else.  

I’ve heard the advice that whenever you feel caught up in a spiral of your own problems, do something for someone else. When we feel uncertain about a myriad of things in life … will I have a wedding, when will I see my family next, will I keep my job ... take your focus outside of yourself and look to your people. Connect with your closest friends and family and show them some love. My hope is that you will find some joy in doing something for someone else.  

Now, more than ever, we need our circle of friends. The Engagement Journal has an entire section dedicated to Our People. They are our support. Take time to let them know you are there for them, and they will likely reciprocate the gesture.

Here are some ways to show some love. I am grateful that many of these kind gestures have been shown to me, so I hope to continue to spread the positivity.

1. Send snail mail
   Pro-tip: you can buy stamps at the grocery store. No excuses not to snail mail! Bonus points if you make a card and have some fun with it.
   
   
2. Schedule a Facetime or call instead of text
   Sometimes a good ol’ phone call just fills the cup.  
   
   
3. Mail them a book that you recommend or that you think they’ll enjoy 
   Getting a book in the mail is such a fun surprise and really makes you feel like someone was thinking of you.
   
   
4. If they’re local, drop off a bottle of wine, a six-pack, or veggies from your garden
   Fresh veggies from friends are just a true delight. My advice: get yourself some good gardening friends.
   
   
5. Send them photos from your daily life that you didn’t post on social
   There’s a reason why social media is so addicting. It makes us feel connected. Take it one step further and share photos from your life that you don’t share with your larger following.
   
   
6. Write an update email to someone you haven’t talked to in a while
   A friend of mine used to do this on a somewhat quarterly basis. I thought it was a great idea, and there was no expectation or requirement to write back. It was just nice to hear some details of life that wouldn’t necessarily be shared online.
   
   
7. Offer to babysit if your friend has children (safety first, of course)
   Parents probably haven’t had this much quality time with their kids since they were newborns! Give them some alone time by offering to hang out with the kids while they go on a walk, go the the grocery store, or have a date night.
     
8. Write them a review or recommendation on a relevant platform
   If it’s helpful to write a recommendation on LinkedIn, their business website, or other review platform, do it! As a friend, you know their character and integrity. Even if you don’t work with them professionally, you can still share valuable words about them. In an unpredictable year, give them a small but meaningful boost with some words of affirmation.

Have you tried any of these ideas or have you been on the receiving end? How did it make you feel? Let us know in the comments! 

Header photo by Lauren Pennington Photography