Comments on: Gratitude and Generalization: Thanks for Everything

By: Josh

Josh — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 22:43:21 +0000

I feel the same way about acknowledging thanks. I remember saying, “Don’t mention” or “It was nothing” when I was younger, and someone told me they didn’t like that because it minimized what they were thanking me for. The sentiment was, “but it was something, and I want to thank you for it.” I don’t say that anymore, but I don’t totally agree.

I think “You’re welcome” tends to do the job. Other options, which maybe feel over the top, could be “Happy to help,” “Anytime,” or “Indeedily weedily” (if you’re Ned Flanders). Probably, you’re doing alright as long as you stay away from no response, or just, “Whatever.”

By: Rebekah

Rebekah — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 01:59:30 +0000

I, too, am often general when expressing my thanks verbally. My default expressions are “You’re the best” or “Thanks!” Depending on the situation, I may use a few more words.

I agree that at first glance, generalities would prevent us from simply making a thank you list. However, I am reminded of times someone has mentioned specifically why they were grateful for me or my actions. I felt noticed. I felt appreciated. I felt loved.

On the other side of this, I often struggle with how to respond to a thank you. I have had several students express that my go-to “sure” seems like a rude way to react to their gratitude. Maybe they were expecting the Chick-fil-A style “my pleasure.” Or maybe I should stick with the traditional “You’re welcome.”

By: Josh

Josh — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 00:58:04 +0000

Melanie us pretty good about getting think you cards out for gifts. I like the idea of doing the same just when people help you out with stuff.

By: Josh

Josh — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 00:56:27 +0000

I think that’s a good call. If you list every item, I’m sure it comes off as more if a checklist than a thank you note.

By: Carol

Carol — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 22:34:56 +0000

I love the idea of a personal note with heartfelt thanks. I know I love receiving one.

By: Melanie

Melanie — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 22:26:17 +0000

I was just debating this as I wrote thank you notes for our baby shower gifts. My default for lots of gifts or nice gestures is to say a blanket thank you and then mention a few specific ones and what they meant to me/us.