How to Thank Someone

Noraini aini_rani@yahoo.com.sg

Thanking somebody is more than a customary gesture...It will earn
respect and a feeling of true appreciation from the recipient of
your gratitude. They will know they made the right choice, and you
will feel less indebted, but equally as grateful.

Steps
Swallow your pride. You may be less inclined to thank somebody if
you feel as if you deserved whatever they did for you. On the other
hand, do you remember being thanked for something that you
considered to be routine? It creates satisfaction for the giver of
an item or reaction that you are openly admitting that you
appreciate their efforts and time.

Don't overdo it. Telling somebody thank you for every little thing
will lessen the impact of a genuine show of appreciation. Just
like, "I love you," use it sparingly, intensely, and not passively
or cordially. Getting a person's eye contact is a small gesture to
ensure appreciation and truth in giving your thanks.

Don't forget. Put yourself in the position of the person who has
done the thing worth receiving thanks for. Several times per day,
somebody is doing something for you, if it's their job or duty, or
just a gift of time and attention, it's something for you. Always
remember that. For example, finish your emails with "Thank you for
your time and attention" because you genuinely appreciate the fact
that somebody has taken the time to read your email and perhaps
honor a request or acknowledge some information.

Put it in writing. If someone has given you a gift or invited you
into their home, take the time out afterward to write a simple thank-
you note and send it by old-fashioned snail mail.

Change your wording. Try phrases such as, "I appreciate that," "That
was nice of you/kind of you," and "I owe you one," preceding "Thank
you" or "Thanks."

Be specific. Tell the person how what they did or what they gave you
will make your life more fulfilling. For example, if someone gave
you a digital camera, in addition to saying "thank you," say: "This
will be perfect for taking pictures of our new baby. I've been dying
to send pictures to our friends by e-mail, and now I finally can."

Tips
Don't use "thank you." Be thankful.

Ask a close friend or family member to tell you the last time
somebody thanked them for something, and remember what that means
the next time you're out of the house.

Even when you miss an opportunity to thank someone, feel the respect
for what that person or those people did for you. Get into the habit
of appreciating other people doing things for you.