18. Break convention: "I send 'thinking of you' cards when there's no 'Hallmark' reason to do so. People expect cards on birthdays, anniversaries, etc. And that's great. But I like to drop a line every now and then just for the heck of it. Sometimes I send along pictures my kids have drawn, a snapshot or a newspaper clipping -- anything that says "I was thinking of you just because I like you."
19. Give light: "I buy candles for my friends. I know it sounds silly, but I think just giving someone a 'little light' makes them (and me) a bit happier."
20. Wave: "I've been known to wave at a neighbor passing by in her car, even if I don't know her."
21. Lend a hand: "I like helping someone with heavy packages or directions."
22. Offer an unexpected treat: "I call an elderly lady from church and offer to take her shopping or out to lunch."
23. Share a story: "I think my favorite way to make someone's day is to read to them. This is something I reserve for people I don't get to connect with on a daily basis. I'll just call up a long-distance friend and after chatting, say, 'This is something you have to hear ...' and read part of a magazine article or odd news tidbits to them. If the New Yorker staff only knew how happy my friends are that I have a subscription!"
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