This is Part Two of a three-part series. You can read Part One here.

How do we go about giving to others? Research by psychologist Lara Aknin at Simon Fraser University in Canada has found that gifts that are personalized and attuned to the unique needs of the other person lead to the most happiness and relationship growth.

“Yes, but what do I do when I don’t know what they want?” you may be thinking. For starters, ask them. If that still doesn’t help, give them a gift that lets them know more about who you are.

Both strategies, Aknin has found, will likely increase your connection with the other person. Most importantly, when you give from the heart, you will likely reduce the loneliness of others, which, again, will have the boomerang effect of reducing yours.

When you are considering how to give to someone you care about, never underestimate the power of writing them a card. Sharing your feelings for them will likely both increase their and your estimation of the relationship and decrease........

© Psychology Today