Send a text, make a call, or send a card: even if they don’t reply, they’ll know that you’re thinking about them. A lack of response usually isn’t personal – it can just be really, really hard to work up the energy and initiative to even think of what to say. They’ll still value you reaching out.

Most of us naturally stop trying when the other side doesn’t reciprocate much, and unfortunately that can lead to the person who’s struggling becoming lonely and more isolated. It could be a wonderful gift for your friend to have the security that you’ll keep in touch anyway, unconditionally and without pressure to respond.