3 reasons to send ‘just because’ cards

No special occasion seems complete without opening a thoughtful card from a friend or family member. According to the Greeting Card Association, 6.5 billion greeting cards are sold in the U.S. each year, and birthday cards are by far the most popular. As a culture born and raised on greeting cards, we often expect to see them in the mail around certain times of the year.

While birthdays, graduations and weddings are all popular reasons to send greeting cards, you don't need a special occasion to forward a thoughtful message. In fact, sending a card "just because" can often be more impactful than waiting for a specific celebration. The extra effort put into the unexpected words can make your loved ones feel special every day of the year. Here are three just-because reasons you should send a greeting card:

1. To say "I miss you" 
It has been said that distance makes the heart grow fonder, but that doesn't stop loved ones from wanting to be close to one another. While social media and phone calls serve as an instant way to communicate, they fail to provide that affectionate link we crave. A greeting card lets you reconnect in a more thoughtful way. Whether your friend lives across the country or you're away on a trip, let those who are absent know you miss them by sending a "thinking of you" card. They'll appreciate the extra time you took to write a note, and you'll both feel a little bit closer despite the miles between you.

2. When a friend is going through hard times
There doesn't have to be a major tragic event for a person to be down in the dumps. Sometimes just the stress of life can give someone the blues. Have you noticed your co-worker has been withdrawn lately? Has your good friend been experiencing one setback after another? Send a sympathy card to cheer them up! Include a few kind words, and let your friends know you're available whenever they need you.

3. To show you appreciate someone
Whether it's your kid's bus driver, your morning train conductor or a friend who has been extra kind lately, someone in your life probably deserves a pat on the back. Saying a hurried  "thank you" as you rush through your daily routine may not do your gratitude justice. Instead, send a thank you card to show you appreciate him or her. Going out of your way to write a quick note will better demonstrate how much you truly value that person.

Be sure to have plenty of greeting cards on hand so you can be prepared for these often unexpected situations. Sending a quick note is a great way to show you care.