This isn’t easy for me to say, but…
Thank you. I love you.
Well, not you directly. I may not even know you. And it would be awful presumptuous of me to say such a thing, given the early stages of our relationship. Besides, it’s a pretty one-way conversation that’s going on right now, so I have no idea how you feel about me. So, let’s dispense with the awkwardness, and get rid of that cringe-worthy premature sentence there.
I love you.
Wait, what?
Believe it or not, it’s easier for some people to say the “three little words” than the two casual ones, or even the one quick one (if you’re a fan of a simple “thanks”). I had a roommate once who never thanked anyone, even when he needed a ride to the hospital. He got better, though. He now thanks people regularly.
The problem in giving appreciation to someone is that by thanking them, we are acknowledging that they did something for us. Whether it’s a favor, a compliment, or even something as simple as holding the door, we’re showing gratitude for something that they did that we ourselves could not provide.
Thanking someone means swallowing your pride and accepting defeat.
But, this isn’t a bad thing. Groups, tribes, societies, cultures, flocks, herds, whatever – they’re all based on the group being more powerful than any individual member. Without his peons, a king is nothing. Without their fans, a celebrity is nothing. Without the contributions of others, we are nothing.
So, if you’re one of those people who has a hard time saying thanks, just consider it your duty as a member of the world at large. You’re helping to strengthen the bonds of society and modern culture.
And hey, it’s only two words. It’s not like you’re telling them that you love them or anything.
Appreciative Revolutionary: Andrew Weitsman (@aweitsman)
Bio: Andrew Weitsman would like to thank you for reading his guest post. And also would like to thank Sam for inviting him to post it. Seriously, you guys, she’s awesome.
Anyway, Andrew is a professional blogger and entrepreneur who has a tendency to do silly things and go off on odd tangents. If you want to read more of Andrew’s stuff, head over to his blog where he provides occasional wisdom, tips, larfs and other goodies several times a week.
Favorite ice cream flavor: I once had this really good ice cream at a place that was by my house as a kid that was actually a frankenstein-like combo of whatever they’d made too much of or had left over. It was delicious. Sadly, that place is no longer around, so either French vanilla or mint chocolate chip.
I appreciate Andrew’s creativity and imagination, his enthusiasm, and his “dedication“ to writing!
