There might be a “five love languages” thing going on. Words of appreciation don’t do anything for me and can even make me more sad, but any kind of surprise gifts make me happy for a long time, even if they’re really crappy. Maybe it’s a good idea to ask the person “what kind of caring do you appreciate the most?” (words, gifts, time together, helpful actions, physical contact, what else?) and then try to give them that.
There might be a “five love languages” thing going on. Words of appreciation don’t do anything for me and can even make me more sad, but any kind of surprise gifts make me happy for a long time, even if they’re really crappy. Maybe it’s a good idea to ask the person “what kind of caring do you appreciate the most?” (words, gifts, time together, helpful actions, physical contact, what else?) and then try to give them that.