“Appreciation is the joy felt in seeing the good in something or someone. It is a mental state that imparts happiness and motivates you to act. Gratitude means, “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” -Gustavo Razzetti

When queried, “is it rude to not say thank you,”, John Strecker a VP with his company noted, “in a word yes. For someone to do something for you is a gift and any gift should be both appreciated and acknowledged with a heartfelt thank you. To avoid expressing your appreciation, and or not being appreciative of a gift in the first place, reveals you as either a troglodyte or a Narcissist. Neither of which is generally considered a positive trait. On the other hand, to be kind and considerate enough to do something for another human being is exemplary human behavior and deserving of recognition. If someone is fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of a kind effort, they should consider themselves blessed.”

As previously stated, research on appreciation, gratitude and the ability to readily offer “thank you”, could fill hundreds of pages. These are not only traits of appreciative and caring people, but a philosophy embraced by many as a component of a gratified life. Repeatedly, studies validate that cheerful individuals possessing self-confidence are most readily those willing to extend gratitude to others.

Dr. Susan Whitbourne, PhD cited “research on gratitude training shows even an ingrate can change.” Dr. Whitbourne, shares research from Ruppin Academic Center; Israel. “People who don’t express gratitude are missing out on an important potential source of fulfillment. As they note, gratitude correlates with positive feelings, prosocial behavior and physical health.” The study consisting of 150 participants was comprised of different types of situations which would cause varying degrees of appreciation or lack thereof.

The research validated what I have found to be factual with some of the individuals in my own life, “they’re high on entitlement, and they expect others to go out of their way to offer assistance.” However, realizing that people don’t owe us, and that each kindness is not required, is a gift which  certainly instills more peace and happiness.

I will continue to do for others and there will be those ungrateful and unappreciative individuals, who will offend me with their rudeness. However, this won’t negate me from doing what God instills in my heart. My acts of giving can be as simple as allowing a person to “cut ahead of me” in a shopping or traffic lane; to going out of my way to assist them emotionally and/or financially. I’m not seeking a “thank you”, but offering a gift. E. Hubbard quotes, “I would rather be able to appreciate things I cannot have than to have things I am not able to appreciate.”

I Thess. 5:18 NKJ “In everything give thanks for this is the will of God…”