Some people say it with words, some with rides, some with snacks. Learn how your people say it.

People show that they care in whatever way comes naturally to them, and it is rarely the way you would do it. One friend says the actual words, another drives across town without being asked, another turns up with food and says nothing. Waiting for one specific format means missing most of what you are already being handed. Reading the versions you get is a skill worth building.

Think about what each of your people does over and over, and count that as the message. Thank them for the version they give rather than the one you expected. And notice your own default, since somebody may be misreading it.