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We all like to give a gift to show how much we appreciate a particular person, but your gift doesn't have to cost the earth. In fact, it doesn't have to cost anything at all. We can give gifts every day of our lives without them ever having to cost a penny, simply by showing that we care.
Next time a friend needs somebody to talk to, give them the gift of listening. Give them your whole attention. No daydreaming, no planning tonight's meal, no interrupting and no planning your response. Simply listen.
We all need to know that we're doing well, and a compliment, when sincere, can be one of the best gifts we can give. Simply saying "you made a great job of that" or "you look really nice in that dress" can turn somebody's day around.
Go out of your way to help somebody, especially when they'd least expect it. It's easy to be helpful when the other person is feeling good, but to be helpful toward somebody who is grouchy, that's a real gift.
Share a funny story or send them a cartoon clipping. The ability to make somebody laugh is a true gift to give.
Sometimes, all a person wants, is to be left alone. Be sensitive to thus and give them the space they need.
We all get post, but more often than note it consists of bills and bank statements. Receiving a hand-written letter from a friend will bring a smile to anybody's face.
Smiles really are contagious and be given to anybody, even total strangers. Be extravagant and give them away every day. If you add a 'Good Morning' or 'How are you?' to your smile, they'll be even more valuable.
So, you see, you can give gifts every day of your life if you care to, without them ever having to cost you a penny. And no matter how much you've been led to believe that it's only gifts that are of material value that mean anything, it is the gifts of your time and caring that can change a persons day, maybe even their life.
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