Thank you

Thank you.

Two words in the English language that aren't used nearly enough. I'll admit, I've been known to forget the "please" every now and again, but I do pride myself on showing gratitude where it's deserved...even for the smallest things.

These words are regularly spoken in my house - for things as silly as taking out the garbage or even saying the right words in a time of need. There's no lack of thanks at home. Maybe that means I'm spoiled and that I tend to expect these words more than others, but I truly believe that people neglect to say thanks more often than they should.

I've been known, at times, to thank in such abundance that it can boarder on annoying, but honestly, better to be too thankful than not enough, right?

The point is this, I believe that manners should dictate a thanks for those who go out of their way to do something nice for you, something that doesn't benefit them, to better your life. Friends often do this for one another, because they are your friends and that's what friends do. But, that doesn't mean you should be any less thankful than if a stranger went out of their way for the same task, right?

From what I've learned through my psych minor, it's human nature that once you're more comfortable in a relationship, whether romantic or platonic friendships, things like manners tend to relax too. But doesn't that just send the message to these people that your time isn't as important to them as say, as strangers?

Think about it - simple example: a stranger holds a door for you, you stop the conversation you are in and say a quick thank you. Nice. Polite. But, when it's you and a friend walking, she opens the door for you, do you stop the conversation you're in to say thanks, or did you just assume because you're friends, and you're together, that it's not needed?

Is this making sense?

I'm a huge advocate for thank yous. As most of us 20-something professionals know, a thank you can go a long way in making you proud of the assingment you handed into your boss and makes you want to work just as hard on the next project because you know they appreciate you. Sometimes, a thank you is all it takes.

But what about with your friends, did you ever think about that? Probably not. You do what comes natural. You help them out from time to time, you just expect the same. But that's the problem, the expectation part. Taking just a few seconds to say or type a thank you will let your friend know that you appreciate them.

Simple words of gratitude. It's really not too much to ask for.

So, to all those who have helped me in even the smallest of ways, my friends, my family, my fiance, my co-workers, and everyone else in my life who has lended a hand, or an idea, or whatever you did to make something in my life more positive, thank you.

Thank you. It really does mean a lot.

Cheers!

-A