Share Something That Made You Think of Them
Thirty-two easy ways to share something that made you think of them, the sweetest low-effort habit of friendship.
Thinking of you is a gift. Share it in seconds.
28 tips that really help
These ideas come from The Good Life (Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz), Friends (Robin Dunbar), Platonic (Marisa Franco), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Why it works
A small share says I was thinking of you, which is the heart of friendship. It costs seconds and gives joy.
Do it.
Notice the thought
When something reminds you of a friend, pause. That moment is a chance.
Notice it.
Capture it quickly
Take a photo, copy a link or screenshot. Do it at once before you forget.
Capture.
Add a personal line
Say, this made me think of you. A line makes it personal.
Add one.
Send it at once
Delay lowers the chance. Send straight away.
Send.
Share photos
A sunset, a dog, a street sign. Small windows into your day.
Share.
Share songs
Music carries memories. Send a song with one line.
Send one.
Share articles
Share something useful to their interests. Be helpful.
Share.
Share memes
A kind, funny meme lifts a day. Know their taste.
Share.
Share memories
Send an old photo of you both. Nostalgia is warm.
Send one.
Share small wins
Share your own news in a light way. Open sharing invites theirs.
Share.
Keep a list of ideas
Note friends and what they love. Use it for sharing.
List.
Script: sharing
This made me think of you, so I had to send it. Say it warmly.
Use it.
Script: memory
This photo reminded me of our trip to the coast. Say it brightly.
Use it.
Script: joke
You will love this, it is so you. Say it cheerfully.
Use it.
Script: care
Thought you might need a smile today. Say it kindly.
Use it.
Script: closing
Hope it made you smile, talk soon. Say it sincerely.
Use it.
Mistake: sending things with no personal touch
Add a line, so it feels like a gift.
Personalise.
Mistake: sending too many
A flood becomes noise, so share a few good ones.
Pace it.
Mistake: sending something that might upset
Think of their situation, so be careful.
Check first.
Mistake: expecting an immediate reply
Not every share needs a reply, so enjoy sending.
Let go.
Troubleshoot: when they never reply
Keep it light and occasional. Not everyone replies.
Be patient.
Troubleshoot: when you have nothing to share
Share a photo of your coffee or sky. Small is fine.
Keep it simple.
Troubleshoot: when they are going through hard times
Choose gentle, kind shares. Avoid anything heavy.
Be gentle.
Troubleshoot: when culture differs
Learn what is polite and fun to share. Respect.
Learn.
Drill: send three shares
Send three thinking-of-you shares this week. Note the replies.
Do it.
Drill: start a friend ideas note
Make a note for each close friend with ideas they love. Add to it.
Create.
Drill: share a memory
Send an old photo to a friend this week. Enjoy the smile.
Send.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday friendships.
“This made me think of you.”
“It reminded me of our trip.”
“You will love this.”
“Thought you might need this today.”
“Thanks for always inspiring me.”
“Hope it made you smile.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Notice the thought
Capture it
Add a line
Send it
Enjoy the reply
Do it often
Keep a list
Further reading
- The Good Life (Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz)
- Friends (Robin Dunbar)
- Platonic (Marisa Franco)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “How to Maintain Friendships”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: The Five-Minute Check-InNext: React to Their Posts Meaningfully →
- Why Good Friendships Fade Without a Fight
- Time, Distance and Busy Seasons
- Life Stages and Friend Drift
- The Silence Spiral
- Why It Is Never Too Late to Reconnect
- Friendship Needs Maintenance Like Anything Else
- What Long Friendships Have in Common
- The Five-Minute Check-In
- Share Something That Made You Think of Them
- React to Their Posts Meaningfully
- Send a Voice Note on Your Walk
- Keep a Standing Weekly Call
- The Birthday Habit
- Gratitude Messages for No Reason
- The Annual Trip or Reunion
- Monthly Dinner or Game Night
- Holiday Traditions With Friends
- Book Clubs and Shared Projects
- Walk-and-Talk Dates
- Create a Friend Group Chat Worth Keeping
- Celebrate Milestones Together
- Make Time Zones Work
- Video Calls With Purpose
- Watch, Play or Cook Together Online
- Send Letters, Cards and Surprises
- Plan Visits Well in Advance
- Make Every Reunion Count
- Keep the Daily Life Connection
- Reach Out After a Long Silence
- Apologise Sincerely and Simply
- Forgive Without Forgetting Yourself
- Resolve a Misunderstanding
- Rebuild After a Disagreement
- Make Peace With Friends Who Have Changed
- Nurture a Circle, Not Just a Few People
- Make New Friends at Every Age
- Be a Friend to Older and Younger People
- Leave Room for Change
- Let Go Kindly When You Must
- Your Lifelong Friendship Plan
