How To Show Appreciation to the Women in Your Life

Every year, the National Women’s History Alliance designates a theme for Women's History Month. The theme for 2022 is "Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope." This theme is a tribute to the committed work of caregivers and women on the frontline of the pandemic. It also honors the multiple ways women all around the world continue to provide healing and hope.

This March, make it a goal to let the women in your life know how much they are appreciated for all they give to the world. Find meaningful ways to celebrate their place in your life and your community, even if you’re a woman yourself! This article shares some perspectives that can inform how we do that.

Celebrate their achievements and success

Everyone loves to be celebrated! Whether it’s on their birthday or for an accomplishment at school/work, we all feel appreciated when we’re recognized for something good. Why not carve out chances to celebrate the women in your life? Promotions, birthdays, anniversaries, just-because days, even International Women's Day (March 8)— these are all occasions you can commemorate. You can go out to dinner or brunch, go on a trip, go shopping, make it big with other people, or make it intimate with aspects that are unique to you two. Whatever you do, make sure you let them know why you’re celebrating them and what they mean to you.

Express your gratitude

This is one of the simplest ways to show appreciation. A lot of times gratitude goes unshared because we just think the other person knows. We assume that our times together and the things we’ve been through should automatically reveal how much we appreciate them, but it’s actually really important to vocalize those feelings!

For whoever you’re thinking of as you read this, there is definitely something they’ve done for you that you’re thankful for. Is it your mom? Girlfriend? Best friend? Sister? Tell them how grateful you are for that specific difference they’ve made in your life, or just in general! The women in your life will surely appreciate hearing that from you.

Listen and communicate well

Pay attention! It’s easy to let things fly over our heads in our relationships with those we care about, especially if we’ve known them for a long time. However, those little details are what shape how we feel about each other. When we think about someone, the feelings that come are usually a cumulation of the random, small moments that made us feel heard or remembered. Creating a space for those kinds of moments to happen can strengthen those relationships and help the women in your life feel seen.

Communication and comprehension are core parts of a bond between people. Are you really listening to what the women in your life are saying? Do you take that information in, let it sit, and act upon what you’ve heard? Though difficult, these actions are crucial in showing that you care. A lot of communication has to do with reading between the lines and hearing what is not being said, so practice active listening and sharpen those communication skills with the women in your life!

We should all be showing the people in our lives how much we appreciate them as much as we can! Doing that often makes it a regular practice, which means you will certainly get that energy back and cultivate an atmosphere of love around you. Make it a point to show appreciation to the women in your life this month and beyond. Life is short, make the moments count!