Alter-eg0,
Definitely recognize this desire.
Rainy says:
I try to let people know things I appreciate about them and things I see going well. I find that I have the best luck doing this most often through writing
Me too. Writing sets up a distance to buffer whatever happens next. You may find outrageous appreciation is returned when the recipient reads it. Over time, I've committed to writing, saying and texting my appreciation for people that have brought good things into my life. Here's some examples: an Audible book narrator, a county sheriff, the administrator of a women's health group. I'm practicing speaking my compliments as well as sending email. The responses I get are: "You made my day!" "thank you for taking the time to write", "this is so thoughtful".
The reactions can be very encouraging! Like reaping what you sow. Appreciation=appreciation and happiness.
I’m always scared that someone will think i’m overreacting, that it’s weird, creepy, that i’m clingy, or something like that.
That's a familiar feeling to me and maybe think about practicing here? Sometimes different communication styles feel weird and strange because we haven't done them too much. It does get easier and you'll find you can "read" reactions better as you go along.
Last year everywhere I looked there were coping strategies to "get through" C19. A daily gratitude practice was high on the list. That turned me right off. But, over time, little things became clear and I started thinking about it. Now I "do" it.
This morning I sent a text to my son-in-law: "So glad you come into my life. (Lightning bolt icon.) As soon as I sent it
I REGRETTED IT big time. His response? "Praise God. I'm so glad your daughter came into my life. I am rich with great blessings because of her. My family is my passion and the most precious thing to me," Yikes! We don't have a long history together, and this was way more than I expected. It can turn out OK.