I’ve been thinking of this a lot in the last little while, and today after reading this thread I realized that there’s absolutely no reason why I shouldn’t do this.
I’ve chosen three people in my life whom I knew at some point, but with whom I have since lost touch. These three people are people for whom I have a great deal of respect and admiration; people who struck me as having a kind heart, and who brightened my day when I knew them back when. I think of them warmly from time to time, and I regret that we’ve lost touch, though I admit I’m bad at keeping up correspondence, so it’s likely my fault.
I sent each of them an e-mail. In the e-mail, I explained that I think highly of them and I want them to know, in this day and age when people are quick to criticize and too shy to compliment, that they’re thought of with warmth. Then I explained why. They’re kind, they’re quick to laugh, they made me smile, with a few specific examples.
This was a way to extend a gesture of friendship and brighten their day without having them worry that they need to give anything back. In fact, I suggested that one day, be it tomorrow or in ten years, if they want to tell three people in THEIR life that they’re thought of, it might be nice, but if they don’t feel like it, they’re welcome to just enjoy that they’re loved by an old friend.
It made me smile, but hopefully it’ll make them smile more.