If you love someone, tell them.  Don’t let time go by and find that you lost your chance to communicate such an important message.  Even if you are afraid that it will embarrass them, do it.  You don’t even have to do it face-to-face.  Write it in a letter or send a card that expresses how you feel.

There have only been a few instances that I missed my chance to express my feelings.  And they were devastating.  It wasn’t even with people I was close to, but with people I admired and did not take the time to tell them about the way they were with people and how I was affected by their actions.  These are not little things.  I know how it feels to receive messages like this and it is such a wonderful gift when it happens.

But with the people we are close to in our lives, it is important.  It is an opportunity to deepen a bond you have with another person.  I have been married almost 50 years, and whenever I receive a compliment from my husband, it still fills me with joy.  It makes me feel special.  It makes me feel especially loved.

One thing I have learned is that we never know when we will miss the chance to communicate with another person again.  If you admire someone, or are impressed by a person’s actions, even if you don’t know them, tell them.  It matters.  It brings good into the world, even if it is just a tiny corner of it.

But if it is someone in your family or one of your friends, I think it is essential.  Regardless of whether it is someone you know and love, or even a complete stranger, do it.  Say something good or do some small thing that shows appreciation.  If you don’t, it becomes a missed opportunity.  And that is a crying shame.

But, most importantly, with your family and friends, don’t miss the chance to tell them and show them that you love them.  If 

you don’t, and something happens to prevent you from doing so, it can become a terrible, unnecessary burden to bear.  If you love someone, please just tell them.  You will be glad you did.