The Best Gifts in Life: Time, Love, and Meaningful Connections
- Ritu Chowdhary
- Jan 3
- 2 min read
"Love is great when spoken, but greatest when shown. Do little things daily to show your loved ones you care." Yesterday afternoon, I was sitting on a bench when an elderly couple parked under a nearby tree. They turned up some Bollywood music, and the man sweetly guided the woman out of the car to slow dance under the tree. It was such a beautiful moment!
This morning, as I opened my laptop to write, I couldn't help but think of them. I found myself daydreaming about how long they had been together and what their secret to a happy relationship might be.
So on a mindful monday morning, here are some old-fashioned habits we can practice bringing back into our relationships, gradually starting today:
Spend quality time together with no major agenda and no technology. Sometimes the most ordinary things can be made extraordinary just by doing them with the right people.
Be fully present when you’re in the presence of others. Being with someone, listening without a clock and without anticipation of the next event is the ultimate compliment. It is indeed the most valued gesture you can make to another human being.
Express your sincere appreciation for loved ones every chance you get. Don’t wait until it’s too late to tell the people you love how much you appreciate them.
Work together and help each other grow. Forget finding a perfect soulmate or instant best friend. Real relationships take effort and commitment. There are people worth fighting for, not because they’re perfect, but because their imperfections complement yours. Together, you bring out the best in each other. You'll know you've found one of these special people when you discover the best version of yourself through them.
Focus on inner beauty.
Tell the truth. Work out your relationship issues with each other, not with others. Have difficult and uncomfortable conversations.
Apologize when you know you should. Take personal responsibility for your wrong doings. If you know your actions or words have hurt someone you care about, immediately admit your faults and face the reality of your actions. Sincere apologies are the super glue of lasting relationships.
Be a force of positivity and encouragement. Elevate your inner game. A negative attitude is way below your horizon!
Whenever you can, surprise someone with a kind gesture.
Be Loyal. Stand by those you care about in their darkest moments, not because you want to stand in the dark, but because you don’t want them to either.
Now, it’s your turn...
Yes, it’s your turn to reflect on relationship habits above, and start practicing them. As you grow older and wiser, your wish list gets simpler. The best gifts—time, genuine relationships, meaningful moments, and peace of mind—can't be bought. So, connect with your loved ones the old-school way and bring more meaning into your life.
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