Some of the most important people in our lives are our friends. Have you shown them lately what they mean to you? These small gestures will let your pals know how much you value their friendship.
Sure, a girls' weekend in Cabo would be lovely right about now. But barring that, these tiny but meaningful ideas from Melina Gerosa Bellows, author of The Fun Book for Girlfriends, will show your friends how much you heart them.
1. Put her on your to-do list
"Remember when Oprah talked about her weight battle and said, 'I'm putting myself on the list'?" says Bellows. "Why not put your friends on yours? They're often the first thing women drop when life gets hectic." Even one fun thing per week -- from an evening cooking class together to a quick 10-minute phone catch-up -- counts.
2. Be there in the bad times, too
When her life sucks, you may not know what to say, but you don't need all of the right words. Just show up. Go to the funeral. Be the getaway car when she has to pick up her belongings from her ex's place. Bring her soup when she's sick and résumé paper when her job goes poof.
3. Don't over-advise
"Sometimes friends want advice, and sometimes they just want you to sign their permission slip and give your OK," says Bellows. How to tell the difference? Wait and see if she asks what you'd do. Then, and only then, should you give your opinion, says Bellows -- even if it stings a little.
4. Accept her weaknesses
So she isn't the best listener -- that doesn't mean you should cross her off your list entirely. "I have less-than-sensitive friends I'd never go to about a serious problem," says Bellows. "But they'd be so much fun on a road trip." Recognize your friends' shortcomings and play to each of their individual strengths. Says Bellows: "You don't expect a man to be everything for you; why would you put that pressure on a girlfriend?"
5. Be cash-conscious
In this economy, it pays to be sensitive to her budget when making plans or divvying up a check. "It's also a great time to be resourceful with what you already have," says Bellows. "I'm gifting some of my frequent-flier miles to a friend so she can visit her family overseas."
6. Look out for her -- even when she's not looking
Talk her up, tag only flattering pictures of her, and in general show the same thoughtfulness Bellows does when she shops the sales racks: "I always check for my friends' sizes, too. I just found one a great J.Crew sweater!"
