Gestures And Actions

Gestures are clearly as important as actions. Humans rely so much on symbolism that the symbol may become more real than real, even though it's imaginary.

I give someone a can tab. In isolation, that act would be meaningless, or even offensive. After all, the tab is clearly what most people would regard as trash. Why the hell did you just give me trash?

I give someone a can tab. I say that it represents how much I care, and it symbolizes how that someone has protected me and kept my insides from spilling to the outside. Suddenly, that tab becomes meaningful. It shows the recipient how much I've appreciated the help, protection and support I've received over the years. That is, if the person is willing to listen and believe that I'm actually grateful, and believes that I gave a tab and not something else just 'coz I'm a cheapo.

I give someone a can tab. I say that it represents how much I care, and it symbolizes how that someone has protected me and kept my insides from spilling to the outside. Oh, and that someone needs it for a school project! Now, the tab has become not only a symbol/gesture, but also a practical object. It really shows that "I care (tm)". Hey wait a minute...wasn't this the same tab in all three scenarios?