In our fast-paced, digital world, a small thoughtful gesture can sometimes feel like a rarity. I wondered how that used to be. Turns out, showing attention is an age-old tradition!
From handwritten letters to carefully chosen gifts, being thoughtful has always played an important role in how we express love, friendship, and gratitude.
Showing attention goes back a long way. In ancient times, it was customary to give gifts as a sign of respect or affection. For example, Egyptians gave flowers or amulets to show friendship or admiration. In the Middle Ages, love letters, often with a poem, were handwritten to convey a sense of devotion.
In the 18th century, a special addition was added: calling cards. These elegant calling cards were used to show courtesy and attention during a short visit. They were often decorated with flowers or symbols that conveyed a hidden message. The horse with horseshoe that I have drawn, for example, was inspired by such a card.
A simple card could show that you were thinking of someone. I like to continue this tradition :)
Why being thoughtful is here to stay
Although our ways of communicating have changed – from papyrus to WhatsApp – the essence of being thoughtful remains the same: showing that you care, are thinking of someone, have remembered an event, and so on. A simple gesture, like sending a card or giving a small gift, has a lasting impact because it shows that you have paid attention to the other person. I have personally experienced that people were overjoyed to receive a very simple card. It is just so nice to be seen.
Today, being thoughtful is perhaps more important than ever. In a time when life is often overwhelmingly busy, with an abundance of (social) media, a handwritten card or a personal gesture can make all the difference. It also reminds us that connections do not always have to be digital, and that you exist outside of the online environment.
So, thoughtfulness is not in the size of the gesture, but in the thought behind it. It is really about attention. It shows that you value and care about someone, and that you take the time to express that.
It sticks
Whether it was a flower in ancient times, a delicate card in the 18th century, or a Case of Leila greeting card with a personal touch – being thoughtful always touches our hearts. It’s a small gesture with timeless meaning.
When was the last time you showed someone you were thinking of them? 💌
