VirtualVillageMom

Reliable Information for Happier, Healthier Lives

The Power of “Thank you”

What kind of power can there actually be, in the two little words:  “thank you?”  Firstly, saying thank you is an outward signal to others that you are grateful.  People who are not grateful are not typically, truly happy people; and they won’t be; until they learn to say “thank you” and learn how to feel thankful as well.  

When someone does something kind, saying “thank you” should be more than a simple automatic response of courtesy.  Although, if “fake it ‘til you make it” is ever appropriate, it is definitely apropos here!  Some people neglect to say “thank you”, when others do something kind for them that they didn’t ask for, first.  “I didn’t ask for it,” you might hear them say.  Or maybe they were given something they really didn’t want or need.  From someone holding a door open for you, to someone actually giving life to you, and anything in-between; there are many, many things given freely, that are often taken for granted.  

Saying “thank you” which is a partial demonstration of appreciation, is a gift-in-return, to the person who has done something kind for you.  A sincere “thank you” makes people feel good about doing whatever they do for you; whether you asked for it or not; and whether or not you like or need what they give you. Remember: ultimately, the basic reason that people do most things is because it feels good to them. That is, while it may be subconscious, to some extent, they also anticipate how good they are going to feel, when they see the look on your face after you receive their “gift,”  or the sound of delight in your voice when they hear you say, “thank you.”  They feel good; knowing that they are about to feel even better, because you are going to love whatever it is they are doing, and you are going to appreciate them. The better people feel after doing kind things for you, the more kind things they will do for you, and for others, in the future.  

When you fail to show appreciation, you rob yourself and others of an opportunity to feel good.  If people get no satisfaction from giving to you, they will eventually stop giving; some, much sooner than others.  The best thing about offering a sincere “thank you,” is that it puts you in a spirit of gratitude.  Living your life in gratitude is essential to making your life happier and healthier!  Now that’s powerful!

By Donna R. Turner, MPH, CHES, HSMI

What Every Girl Should Know

Love, Sex, & Men:

is now:  Truth Talk

The Last Dating Advice You’ll Ever Need