The Gift of You By Stanmore G. Langford III on January 11, 2013

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "The only gift is a portion of one's self. And that's what these twelve gifts are-gifts of you. They cost nothing but are some of the most precious presents you can give to your friends and family. Their effects can last a lifetime.

The Gift of Time. In our busy world, the phrase "I don't have time to..." has become a universal complaint. Like a growing plant, any relationship between two people can thrive only if it receives care. . Most human relationships profit from a simple tonic that is called "tincture of time". A chatty phone call to an unhappy friend or half-hour visit to an aunt who lives alone can mean a lot, but costs very little.
The Gift of Good Example. Most people learn fundamental attitudes and behavior by observing others. Be a good example by handling difficult situations in a mature manner.
The Gift of Acceptance. Many problems between husbands and wives or between friends begin when one person tries to change the other to fit preconceived notions. But did you know that often people begin to shed bad habits once they are accepted the way they are?
The Gift of Seeing the Best in People. When we expect people to respond in a positive way, they usually do.
The Gift of Giving Up a Bad Habit. All of us have habits that annoy those we love. What a great gift it would be if you could give up an unpleasant or unhealthy habit.
The Gift of Teaching. Helping someone you love learn something new is an important investment in their future happiness. Sharing our talents with others is a good way to show our love.
The Gift of Listening. Few of us know how to listen effectively. Too often we interrupt or act disinterested when someone else is talking.
The Gift of Fun. There are people who "wet blanket" the happiness of those around them, while others lead people into finding fun in ordinary;events.
The Gift of Letting Others Give. When we let others give to us, and when we accept their gifts in a gracious manner, we may be giving them one of the most important gifts of all.
The Gift of Privacy. Too often we tend to smother those we love with questions ! and demands on their time. Each of us has a need for companionship and a need for privacy. Relinquish some of your natural curiosity occasionally and give those you love the right to private thoughts and unshared feelings.
The Gift of Self-Esteem. It's hard to resist the temptation to give unwanted or unnecessary advice and help to those we love. Such advice may unwittingly cripple a person's self-esteem. A Chinese proverb proclaims "There's nothing more blessed on earth than a mother, but there's nothing more blessed in Heaven than a mother who knows when to let go of the hand".
The Gift of Self-Disclosure. Relationships can either grow and expand, or become stale and decline. Self-disclosure-letting someone else discover more about you- can turn a wilting relationship into a flourishing one. It can also help sustain an already healthy friendship or marriage. Bottling up feelings, resentments, and hopes is not only unhealthy, it also deprives others of truly knowing who you are.