build me up, buttercup.
Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I may not forget you. – William Arthur
While the popular song lyrics lead one to believe that they are on the sad end of things, the phrase “build me up” can take on a completely different meaning, especially when it comes to writing.
How many times have you come home from a long day at the office and just needed a pick-me-up? Have you ever just wished you could go to your mailbox and find a note from a dear friend, telling you to cheer up? Or maybe you kept a letter from a family member on your fridge that you read from time to time?
It’s knowing people out there need a word of encouragement from time to time that makes sending kind words along worth it. My mom always tells me when I’m down to think about someone else and how I could make their day. It is often in those moments when I e-mail a friend I haven’t talked to in a while, or mail a card the old fashioned way to let them know they were on my mind—and focusing on someone else tends to alleviate my dreary mood. Perhaps that’s why I’ve always loved the song that says, “Make someone happy, make just one someone happy, and you will be happy too.”
It’s simple: Take a moment to build someone up. You’ll be surprised when they write you back, envelope addressed c/o Buttercup.