It means to treat a person kindly or gently, especially in a situation where you might be expected to be angry with him.

VOA: special.2010.08.29

Because so often, especially with guys,you'll say, 'Hey,we had Valentine's Day.

VOA: special.2010.02.08

And its warming,you know." Down the street, Mary Ellen also pairs love with warmth, especially in its liquid form.

VOA: standard.2010.02.13

Especially with what's going on in our country, you know,the economic times and some of this.

VOA: standard.2009.09.03

I played Tennis tournaments all over the place and I met new people and make connections and stuff and something that Tennis helped me with is coming to the United States, as you might already know that it is expensive especially for an international student to go to college here in the United States and with the scholarship that I get through Tennis it helps me a lot, so Tennis has opened up many doors for me for opportunities."

VOA: standard.2009.12.14