How to Make Someone Feel Special

During these busy and stressful days we live in, it's easy to forget about what family and friends are all about. The foundation of these special relationships was built on love and a common bond that brought you together and allowed your relationship to grow stronger over time.

Events like a night out with your friends, sweetheart, or family still occur, but sometimes, it's important to remember to go beyond these typical outings to make loved ones feel not just loved, but special and genuinely cared for beyond the glance over a menu.

Now, don't get me wrong, a nice dinner at a restaurant is always a good time and is a treat for all, but it is the "out of the ordinary" things that you do for someone you care about that mean the most. When you go out of your way and put extra thought into your acts, you will genuinely touch another's heart and leave a lasting memory.

The key to making someone feel special is considering what means the most to that specific person and presenting it to them in a unique unexpected way. It's the little things that leave a big impact. You will notice that none of my suggestions are over the top or expensive. They are very simple acts of love that I myself have implemented into my life with loved ones, and they have all created big smiles from deep within.

Give them a gift they forgot they wanted- To make a birthday/holiday extra special, instead of just getting someone a present based on a list they created or based on the latest most popular trends, give them a gift they want, but forgot they wanted. Starting from the day after their last birthday/holiday, keep your ears open when you are with that person. They may nonchalantly point something out in a store or quickly mention an item or event over the phone. Take the time out and write that down, or if you have a great memory, store it in your memory bank until the next time you plan to give them a gift. It will be an exciting present, because they will not be expecting it and they will appreciate your thoughtfulness and effort you put into making them happy.

Surprise them with a treat "just because" - Everyone is expecting to receive a gift on their birthday or on a holiday like Christmas, but like I said before, gifts mean more when they are unexpected. That's why I am suggesting that you take a random day and leave your loved one a random surprise. Leave them their favorite candy bar or magazine on their pillow, bake them a batch of their favorite cookies, buy them a lottery scratch off ticket just for fun. You get the gist!

Leave a surprise note - If you can get to place you know they will eventually end up at the end of the day (pillow, windshield wipers, refrigerator, etc), leave them a fun or loving note just to let them know you are thinking about them and miss them when they are not around. The receiver will most likely miss you too after receiving such a thoughtful little surprise!

Send them a random text - If you both have a texting plan, send them a nice text during a busy day. It will force them to take time out their busy day to smile. A text is such a small gesture, but a genuine message in the middle of a long day makes everything seem okay and gets you out of your busy bubble. It allows you to remember there's more to life outside the walls of the workplace, school, or wherever they are. They will know you are thinking of them and that makes anyone feel special.

Make a special meal - Make them their favorite meal or dessert and surprise them with it. It is special to know someone went out of their way to gather ingredients and put together a delicious dish specifically to make them happy.

Mail a handwritten letter/card - Sure, you could send an e-mail or call them, but there's nothing more exciting than receiving an old-fashioned piece of mail! Who doesn't love to physically rip an envelope open and find out what lies inside for them?

Remember, they key to making someone you love feel special is to consider what means the most to that person and what makes them smile, and to present it to them in an unexpected or exciting way. To make the surprise extra special, present it at an unusual or unexpected time.