Most people have experienced moments of uncertainty when trying to respond to someone going through a painful situation. A family member may have passed away unexpectedly. A friend may have received a difficult diagnosis. Or a long-time relationship may have ended. Even with a genuine desire to offer support, it can be difficult to know what to do or say.
In that moment, what you needed most was a way to show how deeply you cared, and you may not have realized that empathy isn’t limited to words.
Many people assume that empathy involves a verbal exchange of kind and loving words, whether spoken or written. However, there’s a type of empathy called “compassionate empathy” that’s powerful yet doesn’t require you to express your emotions using language.
Compassionate empathy involves taking action to express genuine care. That is, you do something rather than say something. It’s a type of empathy that might not feel as awkward for you because you don’t have to find the right words or offer advice or make a wise remark. Instead, you “show up” by undertaking a specific action.
For example, your neighbor might share that he and his wife both lost their jobs. As a way of showing compassionate empathy, you could offer to help them rework their applications or search online for new roles. It allows you to offer support without needing to find the right words.
Of course, you may not be located down the street from a person who’s going through a rough patch. In that situation, you can take action to send practical, thoughtful gifts. In these cases, a thoughtful gesture can help convey your support.
What are some thoughtful gifting options for moments like these? The following ideas can be excellent starting points.
Homestyle foods and beverages
Food is often a meaningful option if you’re looking for a gift that can carry emotional significance. It can convey care and empathy as well as offer practical support.
For instance, gift care leader Spoonful of Comfort makes, packages, and delivers homemade soup, rolls, and other treats. Their packages are designed to offer comfort from a distance. The company sells signature packages as well as “à la carte” offerings so you can customize your next surprise.
Another company located in the northeastern United States ships homemade sourdough bread anywhere in the country. The dough is ready to bake the same day or store in the freezer. In addition to bread, their lineup of box variations includes other carb-loaded treats that can be popped into the oven.
Greenery and plants
Many people feel as if flowers aren’t the right match for family members and friends who are dealing with challenging situations. Yet that doesn’t mean you can’t send a living gift to express your compassionate empathy.
Easy-care plants can be a good alternative to fresh-cut bouquets. For example, you might want to send a Bird of Paradise or a low-maintenance cactus to someone with at least a bit of a green thumb. Many companies sell plants, some with satisfaction guarantees.
Herbs are kitchen-friendly choices that add a little green to a space while also being both utilitarian and beneficial. If you’re trying to help a grieving foodie who appreciates the culinary arts, sending an herb garden can offer a small but meaningful lift.
Pet or child playthings
What if you have someone in your life who’s trying to juggle life’s challenges with being there for a child or a pet? That person may be under additional strain. But you can show support by sending toys (or treats) meant for their furry or human children.
Case in point: Many online pet retailers, including some of the larger ones, have same-day or next-day shipping options to any household in the U.S. As long as you know the size or personality of the pet, you can pick an item that will be welcomed by everyone in the family.
Kids can be a little tougher to buy for, but books are often a nice option. Go to your favorite bookseller’s website and find out what books are trending for kids of different ages. Then, choose the ones that you believe will be most appropriate. It’s okay if you are unsure: You may not know what their personal library looks like, and many online bookstores will allow gift package recipients to make exchanges.
Just as people express care in different ways, empathy can take many forms. Therefore, you don’t have to feel bad because you can’t figure out what to say to someone who’s hurting. By taking action, show your support in a way that feels natural and thoughtful.
