hanks
It’s a common mistake to fail to acknowledge a kindness or favor. ChatGPT now promotes the idea that they can write you a thank-you note. A text is much easier than a written note. Yet, the level of “thank you” seems to be declining.
The problem is not that people are too busy to say a sincere “thank you”. They don’t acknowledge their obligation or relationship.
It’s easy to focus on our own thoughts when we minimize a favor, rather than noticing that there are other people around us.
The hustle culture has found that “asking for favors” often results in a positive reaction. The other person is doing this because they want to connect. When the recipient does not say thank you or minimizes the favor, it creates distance.
It is even more impressive that expressing gratitude takes so little effort.
A small hand-wave or nod is all that’s required if you are allowed to enter the traffic flow. It can be easier to claim that the gesture was yours, rather than accepting it as a kindness.
We make it more difficult for the next person when we don’t acknowledge the kindness. Why not be selfish if there is no connection to offer?
Civility is lost in the face entitlement.
A genuine expression of gratitude can benefit both the giver and the receiver.
