For many years, Thor and I frequented a small neighborhood restaurant for special occasions and spontaneous date nights. We knew every member of the staff by name, and we celebrated their promotions and career moves, in one case from wait staff to bartender to assistant manager. When the restaurant closed abruptly—due to circumstances not related to COVID—we hoped we’d be able to follow individuals to their new jobs.

Then COVID.

I have the email address for one person and the phone number for another, and it was these two people who I had in mind when I added this category to my nudges. I plan to reach out to one with a simple message:

We miss you! Where are you? How are you? We hope to raise a glass in person with you soon!

If this nudge isn’t a good fit for you this week, here are a few alternatives:

• If you’re getting takeout, go in and say hello. Take a few minutes to tell them you’re looking forward to eating in with them again soon. (And, if you’re able, leave a big tip.)
• If you’ve been a regular at any neighborhood business that’s still closed (or you’re still not comfortable being around people), drop a note or card through their mail slot. (Hair stylist, book shop, nail salon, pet groomer—any place where you saw the staff regularly.)
• Go to the business’s website and send a “Thinking of you!” message through their contact page or email. (I’m thinking of doing this for the winery where we used to go for tastings.)

I’m going to add one more option, from something I did a few years ago that made a lasting impression. I was buying a box of floral notecards from a local shop, when the woman who was ringing up my purchase mentioned lilacs—the design featured on the box—were her favorite flowers. A few months later, when our lilac tree was in full bloom, I cut several branches, wrapped them in paper and a silk ribbon, and delivered them to her at work. She was overcome. She couldn’t believe I remembered and followed up. It cost me next to nothing to do this, yet I know the ripple effect of that small act greatly lifted her spirits, my spirits, and those of everyone who was in the shop that day. Might you do something like that this week?