Is it possible to say thank you too often?
Clare Yates MNAEA
Helping law firms and estate agents to win more new business, improve customer relationships and create clients for life.
I was once told by a Spanish friend that British people are far too polite and say thank you far too much.
He believed that most of the time, the words were expressed in a robotic way without thought and therefore without real meaning.
As a child I was taught to automatically say thank you whenever I received a cup of tea, a plate of food or being served in a shop.
In business, I frequently start my emails with “Thank you for your email†etc. as a standard opener without even thinking.
Many of us will be outraged when we don’t receive a word of thanks when we open a door for someone or let them go in front of us.
Despite such entrenched habits and national etiquette, do we always say thank you when we should?
Or perhaps My Spanish friend is right? Is it possible to say thank you too often?
I don’t think so.
Words of recognition and appreciation from colleagues, customers and friends boost confidence, improve self-esteem and mental health and cost nothing.
However, the way we show gratitude is as important as the words used.
I thought about the various ways we can show people that they are appreciated and have listed my top 8 below:
1. Write a personal note in a carefully chosen card and post it. What really matters here is that you took the time to put pen to paper and express your feelings sincerely and honestly. So much nicer than an email and I have kept some of mine for years!
2. Use social media to send a special message. If someone’s done something you think the whole world should know about, why not put out a social media blast? Use your blog, your Facebook, your Google+ account, and your Twitter to spread the word about why this person is someone your friends and connections will want to know too!
3. Make your own digital greeting card. While an email isn’t always the best way to go when saying thank you, a digital greeting card that you put time and effort into creating can really brighten someone’s day! Make the card reflect the recipient’s personality and compose a short message of thanks for their generosity.
4. Make a video. Sometimes, hearing someone say, “Thank you,†can make all the difference. Why not take it a step further and create a special video of thanks for your friends, family, and those special people who helped make your day so important…or who helped you through that rough time?
5. Say it with flowers, chocolates or cake. A gift of a bunch of flowers or a treat with a thank-you note is an excellent way to brighten someone’s day and show you appreciate them.
6. Take a picture. Sometimes capturing the moment is the best way to put a smile on someone’s face. Have someone take a picture of you receiving that special gift or opening that surprise package and send the giver a copy with a quick but sincere note to say thanks!
7. 10. Reciprocate their help. Everyone needs help sometime. Whether it’s holding their hand through a particularly traumatic incident or helping them when they need a favour, being there when they need it shows you remember what they did for you and how much it meant. It also shows that you’re willing to be just as good a friend to them as they were to you!
8. Be there for them.
In my view, whenever in doubt, just say thank you. There is no downside. Say thank you, more often and let’s make the world a happier, kinder place.
When was the last time you said thank you? Do you think you say it enough?
Strategic Partnerships Director @tmgroup | Sales, Marketing
4 年Alike you Clare. I’ve been brought up to always say please and thank you. I am aware, more now than ever, of how frequent I use it through seeing my children do the same. Sorry is another potentially over used word in our home. However, I really believe sorry is a word used less frequently. I’m trying hard to teach my children that it’s okay to admit your wrong and apologise.
Director of Prices & Data at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence
4 å¹´I think I agree with your Spanish friend! Most people use it as a polite filler, opener or close and this makes it actually quite difficult to convey genuine gratitude without getting very wordy. If, like we are all taught, we say "thank you" to a cashier (respectfully, for completing the functions of their job) then we have no choice but to employ even greater expressions of gratitude for people who have gone out of their way to do something good.
Commercial and Real Estate Director at tmgroup, specialists in searches and software solutions for property professionals.
4 年Great read Clare. I agree with you and it’s something I’m trying to teach my kids. Little things like a thank you when we give them dinner in the evening and in turn us saying thank you to them when they tidy their toys.
Commercial and Real Estate Account Manager at tmgroup, specialist in searches and software solutions for property professionals.
4 å¹´As long as it is heartfelt and genuine I don't think you can say thank you too often and as you say, it is lovely to be acknowledged. It's especially lovely with chocolate and cake!