There’s an old saying that goes, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” These days, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, this saying is truer than ever. There are also people who have always spent long periods far away from loved ones for a variety of reasons, like work or studies abroad.
Thankfully, technology has come a long way. Even if there are thousands of miles between you and your family and friends, you can still show them that you remember and care for them. If you need some ideas, here are just a few:
Support Their Hobbies
Different people enjoy different things. Some love to dance, some love to make arts and crafts, while some love to cook. Pay attention to what your loved ones do in their spare time and support them in these endeavors. This way, you not only give them a gift but also let them know that you care about what they love.
For your friends and loved ones who love playing video games, you can buy gaming pins for in-game purchases or for new games for their collection. For music lovers and car enthusiasts, you can buy them Bluetooth car accessories for hands-free listening.
Again, the key is paying attention. Perhaps they’ve been mentioning it during your conversations or posted about it on social media. Use these avenues to find clues about their hobbies and passions.
Surprise Them With Care Packages
Sometimes, your loved ones can be so busy with their jobs and other responsibilities that they don’t have enough time to take care of themselves. If this is the case, remind them that it’s important to take a break. You should also give them simple treats for the pampering that they deserve.
Luckily, there are a lot of ways you can do this without leaving your home. For example, you can order their fast food favorites or comfort food of choice. For busy moms who can’t find the time to clean, get them gadgets and accessories that make tidying up hassle-free. You can even send them a care package of grocery items.
Many of these things can be accomplished through online shopping. Just make sure that you take the necessary steps to keep your accounts safe. Don’t forget to activate your Maya virtual card as well to make online shopping so much easier.
Cover Their Bills
Sometimes, people experience financial difficulties. These can cause feelings of anxiety, which can affect your loved ones’ peace of mind. The stress caused by worrying about bills payment deadlines can even compromise physical health.
To help ease these burdens a little, consider paying utility bills or other dues for them. Even if it's just a small amount, it can already be a huge load off their shoulders.
Send Them Money
If you can't decide on a gift, cash is always a good option. You can send money to their bank or e-wallet account, which they can then use to pay bills (as mentioned previously), shop, or invest.
When you send money, though, don't just leave it at that. Send them a message, too. Even a simple "Hello, how are you doing?" will mean so much, considering the amount of stress and worry that can be caused by prolonged separation.
Check Up on Them Regularly
Technology has made it easier than ever to stay in touch. Back then, people had to send letters to check up on their loved ones and wait for long weeks to get an update. Now, with just a touch of a button, you can already call your friends and family.
You also have the option to send messages through SMS or messaging apps. There's also video calling, which can further ease the feelings of cabin fever or isolation.
The main thing here is that you should always check up on your loved ones. Ask them to share stories and inquire about their well-being and state of mind. Even if you can't see them personally, hearing your words and seeing your face will mean a lot to your loved ones.
For uninterrupted chats and video calls, make sure to buy mobile data. The good thing is that with Maya, you can purchase discounted load and data packages for both yourself and your loved ones.
Of course, nothing compares to being physically present and being able to hug and kiss your loved ones. However, there will sometimes be circumstances when physical contact is impossible. Maybe you’re in different countries or perhaps there are health protocols in place.
When you’re in such a situation, the next best thing is to find creative ways to show how you care. It could be something physical like an actual gift, or something intangible like your time and words of encouragement. The bottom line is that you shouldn’t let distance stop you from showing your love and support to those who are important to you.
