Is Your Appreciation Appreciated?

I was bringing my daughter back from what felt like the zillionth thing that I had needed to drive her to and from this week and we got into a discussion on appreciation. 

My point to my daughter was that it is critical to show your appreciation to those who help you out be they friends or family.

Often forgotten but even more important is to show your appreciation in a way that means something to the recipient. Mumbling thanks as you get out of the car really does not cut it even if in your own mind you have checked the proverbial appreciation box.

My example to my daughter was that when she had spent the day helping me with chores around the yard, by way of appreciation, I could have created an interpretive dance routine demonstrating my thanks in a highly artistic way. However, because I have the dance skills of Elaine from Seinfeld, my daughter felt much more appreciated by my taking her out for ice cream.

It seems to be human nature but we have a phenomenal ability to take for granted the help that others provide to us. Worse, we often act like that help is something to which we are entitled rather than privileged to receive. This seems to happen within families most of all.

Whether it is at home or at work, we are surrounded by people who make a difference for us every day. Without their help, we would not be able to accomplish much if anything at all in our daily lives.

Showing appreciation in a way that the recipient values is not only good manners, it also helps to ensure that they are willing to go the extra mile for you the next time that you need that little bit of assistance to get through your project or day.

So the next time that someone helps you out, be it at home or at work, remember, make sure to show your appreciation in a way that is appreciated.

Marc

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