How do you show people that you care about others? Is it through giving big and/or extravagant gifts? No, not really. Even though such gift giving might be one way, it is the small things that you do every day that are the most important. You don’t need to be super creative, have a big budget or heaps of bright ideas to show someone that you care for them.

Try to think of the things that people have done for you that have meant a lot. Quite often the things that really stand out in your memory are not the extravagant things, but just the simple things. Perhaps someone gave you a hug when you had a bad day, or a total stranger may have smiled at you when you were down and it brightened your day, or someone may have sent you a simple thank you note to tell you how much you are appreciated. Small things like this can make all the difference to someone.

Maybe you really appre-ciated it when someone helped you out with some-thing when you really needed the assistance, or maybe they just helped you out for no reason at all, but it was nice to know that they cared enough to want to help.

You don’t necessarily have to do something for someone to show them you care. Just being there and taking the time to listen is a great way to show someone that you care about him or her. You could call them up for no reason at all except "just because," or stop by their house for a cheery "hello."

It is the things that come from the heart that mean the most. Your options are endless, limited only by your imagination. Try to think of the things that have really mattered to you, and do similar things to show other people that you care. Remember that you don’t have to think creatively or think big; just think of the simple things. Give it a shot. Try smiling at a few people on the street today!