Upcoming holidays. Virtual final exams. Figuring out how to stay in touch with your loved ones when you can’t be near them. It’s a lot. And, when we’re tired or stressed (and who isn’t these days), one important healthy relationship sign may start to get neglected: Kindness. When your patience is wearing thin, it’s important to remember to have empathy for what other people are going through, too.

Providing comfort and support to a significant other or friends can look different in every relationship but is always rooted in compassion. It can be doing the dishes even though it’s not your turn because your roommate had a tough day. It can be picking up a coffee for your partner because you thought they’d enjoy one. It can be simply sending a text to remind a friend of a fun time you had together to brighten their day.

Remember, as we’re all navigating how to stay happy, healthy, and safe in unusual circumstances, kind gestures — no matter how small — can make all the difference.

A few more tips on kindness:

• Kindness is a two-way street and shouldn’t feel uneven.
• There’s no way to “measure” kindness, since it can take form as both big and small acts, but what’s really important is how you make the other person feel.
• You should never feel an obligation to match a gesture; kindness should not be pressured or forced.
• Remember that kindness can be contagious! Your act of kindness may inspire others and start a positive chain reaction in your community.