Is it too late to save this magic phrase? Only you can decide its fate.

How did these amazing words start disappearing from our culture? No one knows for sure but here are just a couple of guesses to prime the pump:

I have a notion I call the "World War II Water Down Theory." It goes like this. Each succeeding set of parents since World War II has done more for their children than their parents did for them. This breeds entitlement.

Most people want to do nice things for their children but since World War II, many have wanted their children to have it better than they, so they attempted to make that happen by doing things for their children their parents may not have done for them.

We often don't notice the sacrifices our parents make when they are making them, and we don't recognize the fruits we've received from that labor. It naturally stems from this lack of recognition that we are entitled to what we received. It's expected. We miss seeing the cause and effect so no "Thank You" is necessary.

This is not an attempt to assess who's at fault, just an observation as to how it happens.

Some people just lack social graces. Again, it goes back to their conditioning. For example, if someone sends you a birthday gift and you weren't trained to say "Thank You," you don't realize how your ignorance has caused harm.

When you neglect to express thanks, you perform the most egregious, psychological affront one human being can inflict on another - Lack of acknowledgement.

You can prove how important acknowledgement is by noticing your reaction the next time this happens:

Pretend you are in the checkout line at the supermarket. The checker is engaged in conversation with the bagger and doesn't greet you or have any interaction with you the whole time they are scanning your order, except announcing the total of your purchase and a perfunctory "Have a nice day" at the end.

"I hate that" is the common response. What's so important about wanting a total stranger to pay attention to you? The human need to be acknowledged! Many are ignorant of this basic human need.

I doubt that PBS will be having a telethon to save "Thank You" anytime soon, but here are two things you can do in your own little corner of the world right now:

1.       Begin to acknowledge the people around you. It's a silent "Thank You."

2.       Look for opportunities to say "Thank You" everyday.

Both practices will make all parties feel better, including you. Spreading that wonderful feeling around is the magic of "Thank You." If you withhold it from others, it will be withheld from you.

Simply put, it's in your best interest to save "Thank You."

 

Thank You!

John