I have been in this situation with an old t. I found him very important to me and felt very vulnerable in wanting to tell him how important his imput and caring was to me. I felt I had to tell him. my need to tell him outweighed the response I would get from him because I so valued what he contributed to my life. so I just told him how much I appreciated him even though it embarrassed me and I felt better for it. he didn't have much of a response beyond a thankyou, but what could he really say. it was something I really needed to do for me so I focused on that. do it to meet your need of appreciation for what another contributes for your life. remember that others have a difficult time accepting true compliments so you don't know how they are going to react. just get out what you need to say. take care.