In what ways do you thank others? Today I want to share with you some ways to say thank you. Something I think we reflect on at times is that we are often not thanked for what we do in our day to day lives. No one thanks you for making dinner, or showing up to work. It’s just expected. No one thanks you when you’ve moved heaven and earth to make a cilent happy even though a lot of what you did was out of your job description. And sometimes we pause and think, wow, a little gratitude would be nice, look at what I just did.
Often, when we think about self care we think about expressing gratitude for the blessings in our lives. That we have food and water, our health, our pets, the sunshine that always comes after a rainy day—or week. But it’s also important to say thank you to those in our lives, whether they are loved ones or total strangers.
Specify What you are Grateful For
Many, if not most of us, were raised to say thank you. In fact, Canadians are known for being polite because we are always saying thank you. But I think sometimes saying thank you can be just a throw away phrase, something we say automatically because we know we ought say it. So instead of simply saying thank you, another way to truly express gratitude and appreciation is to specify exactly what you are thankful for. For example, thank an employee in a store who took some extra time with you, thank you for walking me right to the aisle, that really saved me some time. Finding different ways to say thank you such as this example will really let others know you appreciate them.
Or thank a family member in a similar way, I’m so glad you remembered I don’t take sugar in my coffee, thank you for that. Little things like this remind others that you are noticing them and grateful for the little things they do.
Tip Service Workers
Today, I tipped at a take away resturant I normally wouldn’t tip at because the worker was generous with the portions, took his time to make sure we got exactly what we liked on our orders and was super polite about it. That’s another way to say thank you, especially in small take away joints that don’t always get tips in their tip jars. I know tipping sometimes seems like an obligation, and an added expense to an already costly service, but in some circumstances, tipping, or tipping extra is a nice way to really express appreciation.
Writing a Thank You Note
One of the nicest ways to say thank you is with a thank you cared. I know sometimes I’ve received thank you notes and I feel like they were written for courtsey’s sake, as a way to thank me for giving a gift, but I have gotten thank you cards that have were truly moving as well. Writing a thank you note can allow you a private way to truly express your thoughts and feelings to someone. I have received cards from parents of students that I have taught that I have saved because the expression of gratitude was so heartfelt.
I have also had people call me to say thank you for the thank you I wrote them, stating it really meant a lot. Words are powerful, so why not take some time to write a note to someone who has done you a huge favour, or makes a big difference in your place of employment or in your life? From personal experience, I can say the gesture is appreciated. Thank you cards are one of the ways to say thank you that can show someone you went the extra mile because you honestly think highly of them.
Give a Gift of Thanks
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Being gifted a gift of thanks is always surprising, and I always feel taken aback. Giving a gift might seem like overkill, but sometimes it’s the perfect way to express gratitude. And the gift does not have to be one of a costly monetary value. It could be something handmade, or even a home cooked meal you’ve prepped and brought over. If it is a bought item, chose something meaningful over something pricy. I once gave a necklace that had a magnifying glass and when you peered it, it had the Lord’s Prayer printed.The recipient was very happy to receive the gift as she was deeply religious, and felt truly appreciated at a time when others were treating her terribly.
Conclusion
Saying thank you is important. We all need to know we are noticed, appreciated, and even the expression of gratitude is beneficial to the person saying thank you as whenever we demonstrate kindness towards others, it gives back to us as well. So be sure to really say thank you to those in your life.
How do you say thank you? Share in the comments below.
31 Comments
I am loving your tip on specifying what you are grateful for when saying thank you! It means so much to me to know why I am being thanked and I am often surprised at something I might see as nothing is everything to someone else. Gratitude in general is a lovely way to add more to the way we live our lives.
Thanks for sharing!
Jaya Avendel recently posted…Trending
Absolutely! It makes a big difference to know and yes, sometimes the littlest things we do make a big difference to others.
I am always saying thank you! This is a great to show people how greatful I am! Thank you so much for sharing <3
Daniela recently posted…Mother’s Day Gift Guide for 2021
Hi again Daniela! Glad you enjoyed the post.
This was such a great read! I love writing cards and giving gifts, if I don’t have a chance to do it I like to show it with actions, thank you for sharingx
Cristina Rosano recently posted…The Ultimate Easter Egg Guide – 2021 edition
So glad you enjoyed the post!
I always appreciate a heartfelt thank you and try to give them as much as possible. Whether it’s a card, a gift, a tip, or using words, thank you’s matter more than most people realize. I have also kept thank you cards that meant a lot to me. I like to look at them when I am having a difficult day or week. Thank you for sharing these ideas!
Heidi recently posted…Easy Coconut Mousse
My pleasure! So glad you enjoyed the post.
All lovely ways to say thank you and show appreciation to those you care about or who deserve it right now! A little bit of kindness like this goes a long way!
Jenny in Neverland recently posted…7 Creative Ways To Display Your Travel Memories
It sure does Jenny!
These are such lovely ideas! I rarely think to send someone a thank you note or gift – I’d normally just send a message or email but a handwritten note or a gift would be a little more special!
Yes, it definitely is more special.
I agree! Fabulous article! Saying a thank you has been a habit of mine but sadly isn’t for other people. it can make someone’s day beautiful instantly by being grateful in word and deed. thanks for sharing!
http://www.lifebeginsattwenty.com
Mary Monique recently posted…5 PRACTICAL WAYS TO OVERCOME YOUR FEAR OF TRYING SOMETHING NEW
I hope I’ve inspired some to express gratitude!
Yes! These are important and simple ways to show your gratitude! I show my gratitude by showing a positive attitude and behavior towards them. I also give them my advice and even in kind. Thanks for sharing!
http://www.lifebeginsattwenty.com
Mary Monique recently posted…DO YOU FEEL LOST IN YOUR TWENTIES?
Yes, how we treat others says a lot too!
Thanks for this! It’s so important to show appreciation and gratitude for others
Tangela recently posted…Mommy Anomaly
Lovely post Giulia! On social media I like to thank my followers for their kind words, their support and valuable insights.
That’s so nice!
What a lovely reminder to spread a little kindness and thoughtfulness into the world! I think the importance of saying thank you properly is underrated — these are great ideas so thank you for sharing them!
Molly @ Transatlantic Notes recently posted…Love Yourself Enough (Poem)
Glad you enjoyed the post!
Very true, we tend to forget to properly thank others, possibly because it’s humbling to thank others.
I definitely feel like we all need to remember simple ways to say thank you! It is super important!
Amie Cadwallader recently posted…5 Positive Changes I’m Making To My Routine
Absolutely! It is important to acknowledge the actions of others.
Agreed!
Love this – it’s so important to let people know how much you appreciate them! Thank you notes are always such a lovely idea – I always try and do one after recieving gifts
– and surprising people with presents is also amazing, I love seeing their reactions! Thanks for sharing x
readandreviewit recently posted…Mid Year Freak Out Book Tag
So happy you enjoyed the post and found it useful 😊
I love this post, what a lovely idea! I think it is so important to tip service workers, they work so hard and deserve a lot more than they get. I love giving out little presents too, at random moments of the year 🙂 x
Caroline recently posted…Meet my March advertisers
Yeah, they need a tip! On their feet all day, trying to please impossible people. Plus, they don’t get paid the same as other service workers, like cashiers or sales clerks. Little gifts, at random moments of the year are so nice to get.
Most of us want to feel that we are seen and appreciated, and even expressing appreciation benefits the one saying thank you since anytime we show compassion to others, it returns to us. So be sure to express your gratitude to people who have made a difference in your life.
Life Simile recently posted…26 Great Benefits of Jogging in the Morning – Why to Run?
Very good point, thank you for sharing this.