In Germany the word is “Danke” or “Danke Schön”.
In Spanish it is “Gracias”.
The French say “Merci Beaucop”.
Italians say, “Gracie”.
Our Japanese friends respond with “Kanji”.
In any language, for any small act of kindness, the words “thank you” are acceptable and pleasing to any ear and show good graces and great manners.
So, why do we fail to hear these simple words more in everyday life? That is a question to ponder yet one for which there is no readily available answer.
I was preparing to speak for a group of people on a military base a few years ago, and I stepped out into the hallway a few minutes prior to my speech to catch a breath of fresh air. While standing just inside the doors leading to the outside, I heard footsteps behind me and turned to see a parade of seven individuals headed my way. Being the courteous southern gentleman that I am, I opened the door for this group of people.
Not one person in that group bothered to say a simple “Thank you” to me for opening the door. I was disappointed in their inconsiderate manners. You and I would have shown proper cultural upbringing and expressed this simple response.
“Thank You” is such a simple expression, yet I find few people willing to express it, whether it is a simple act as in holding a door open for someone, for good customer service, or for a myriad of other small acts of kindness rendered in everyday life.
In the course of our days we could utter these encouraging words dozens of times for dozens of reasons.
“Thanks for that great meal honey.”
“You gave great service. Thank you.
“Thank you for stopping by our store.”
“Thank you Mailman. You are always on time.”
“Thanks for your expert knowledge. You really helped us make a smart purchase.”
“Thanks for cleaning up after yourself.”
“That report really was right on target. Thanks so much.”
“Thanks for the improvement I see in your work lately.”
“Thanks for cleaning your room.”
“Thanks for those clear directions.”
“Thanks for holding the door for us.”
“Thanks for the ride.”
“Thanks for not smoking.”
“Thanks for making my life easier.”
“You emptied the trash cans. Thanks so much.”
This is just a sampling of hundreds of things for which we could express our thanks and appreciation.
Being able to express the words “thank you” is more than just a good social skill. It is a sign of a person in touch with themselves and one with an understanding of good social graces. Some wise person once said, “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”
When someone says “thank you” to me I immediately note several traits about that person and about myself.
1. They have good manners
2. Their level of intelligence seems to grow in my estimation.
3. They become more likeable.
4. I feel better about myself.
5. I am more inclined to pass along my own “thank you” as soon as convenient and appropriate.
6. They become memorable for having said “thank you”.
Never underestimate the power of “Thank You!”
In Spanish it is “Gracias”.
The French say “Merci Beaucop”.
Italians say, “Gracie”.
Our Japanese friends respond with “Kanji”.
In any language, for any small act of kindness, the words “thank you” are acceptable and pleasing to any ear and show good graces and great manners.
So, why do we fail to hear these simple words more in everyday life? That is a question to ponder yet one for which there is no readily available answer.
I was preparing to speak for a group of people on a military base a few years ago, and I stepped out into the hallway a few minutes prior to my speech to catch a breath of fresh air. While standing just inside the doors leading to the outside, I heard footsteps behind me and turned to see a parade of seven individuals headed my way. Being the courteous southern gentleman that I am, I opened the door for this group of people.
Not one person in that group bothered to say a simple “Thank you” to me for opening the door. I was disappointed in their inconsiderate manners. You and I would have shown proper cultural upbringing and expressed this simple response.
“Thank You” is such a simple expression, yet I find few people willing to express it, whether it is a simple act as in holding a door open for someone, for good customer service, or for a myriad of other small acts of kindness rendered in everyday life.
In the course of our days we could utter these encouraging words dozens of times for dozens of reasons.
“Thanks for that great meal honey.”
“You gave great service. Thank you.
“Thank you for stopping by our store.”
“Thank you Mailman. You are always on time.”
“Thanks for your expert knowledge. You really helped us make a smart purchase.”
“Thanks for cleaning up after yourself.”
“That report really was right on target. Thanks so much.”
“Thanks for the improvement I see in your work lately.”
“Thanks for cleaning your room.”
“Thanks for those clear directions.”
“Thanks for holding the door for us.”
“Thanks for the ride.”
“Thanks for not smoking.”
“Thanks for making my life easier.”
“You emptied the trash cans. Thanks so much.”
This is just a sampling of hundreds of things for which we could express our thanks and appreciation.
Being able to express the words “thank you” is more than just a good social skill. It is a sign of a person in touch with themselves and one with an understanding of good social graces. Some wise person once said, “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”
When someone says “thank you” to me I immediately note several traits about that person and about myself.
1. They have good manners
2. Their level of intelligence seems to grow in my estimation.
3. They become more likeable.
4. I feel better about myself.
5. I am more inclined to pass along my own “thank you” as soon as convenient and appropriate.
6. They become memorable for having said “thank you”.
Never underestimate the power of “Thank You!”
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