Expressing gratitude is polite and it will also make the person feel appreciated. Discover how to express graitude with our template gratitude list.
Saying ‘Thank you!’ is one of the easiest ways to brighten someone’s day. You might remember the words ‘What do you say?’ frequently ringing in your ears when you were younger. It’s a phrase that parents and guardians use quite often to get children to express words of gratitude.
— Jump to the thank-you note template printable
Said with a smile, ‘Thank you’ makes the person who cooked your dinner feel it was worth the effort, the aunty who gave you a birthday present feel appreciated, and the grandad who took you out for the day feel certain that it’s worth doing again.
As the years go by, however, and weeks become full of homework, after-school clubs, and a part-time job, it can be easy to forget to acknowledge someone’s efforts to help you, or to voice your appreciation for their time or a gift.
Do you think you’re an expert in appreciation? Or does giving thanks make you feel a little awkward and unsure of how to start? Sometimes, it’s hard to find the right words or gestures, so here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling.
UNDERSTANDING WHY ‘THANK YOU’ IS IMPORTANT
Expressing gratitude is polite and it will also make the person who’s given you their time, money, or a gift feel happier and appreciated. They are also more likely to want to help or treat you again in the future. If they don’t hear anything from you, they might think their act of kindness has gone unnoticed.
KNOWING WHEN TO SAY IT
Sometimes it’s obvious when to say thank you, such as when you’re given a birthday present. But it’s also important to thank people for their time or help. It could be a school bus driver, a shop assistant, a teacher, a cleaner, a classmate who lends you a pen, or simply someone who moved out of the way so you could pass – however normal their gesture might have seemed, it’s thoughtful to recognise their kindness.
RECOGNISING THE EFFORTS OF OTHERS
If you’re the captain of a sports team or lead an after-school club, try to take time to thank your teammates as it’s likely to make them feel appreciated and more motivated to work harder for the group next time.
If you thank those who are doing something for you – whether it’s a teacher helping you to solve a science problem or a friend taking the time to listen – they will remember you for being polite and for acknowledging that they’ve supported you.
WORKING OUT HOW TO EXPRESS THANKS
The important thing when demonstrating your gratitude is to be genuine and sincere, ensuring that it doesn’t come across as too over-the-top, forced, or even sarcastic. Sometimes, this can be hard if you’re feeling nervous, so just try to be your natural self.
You could try to think about the situation from the other person’s point of view. For example, a classmate you don’t know would probably be fine with a quick thumbs up. A sibling is likely to be happy with a text or a passing ‘thank you’ at home, but an older relative who’s given you a gift or money for your birthday might be happier to receive a phone call or a thank-you card.
Don’t worry if you think too much time has passed and you’ve left it too late, either. When it comes to saying thank you, it’s always a case of better late than never.
STUCK FOR WORDS?
A handwritten thank-you card might seem like a chore, but it shows your family and friends you’ve taken time to think of them and appreciate what they’ve done for you. The hardest part is starting, so here are a few ways you might begin:
1. ADDRESS THE PERSON
Dear…
2. SAY THANK YOU
Thank you so much for…
I am just writing to say I was so grateful for…
3. EXPLAIN WHY THEIR GIFT OR TIME MADE YOU HAPPY OR RELIEVED
The gift card you gave me is so useful because…
I really appreciated your help because…
4. IT’S A NICE TOUCH TO ADD ANOTHER PERSONAL LINE OR A COMPLIMENT
I hope you are well.
It would be great to see you soon. You are fantastic.
5. SAY THANKS AGAIN
Again, thank you for…
6. SIGN OFF
For someone you know: Love from,
If you are being more formal: Best wishes,
Your name
Download our template gratitude list to tap into your own sense of gratitude below.
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Words: Donna Findlay
Illustration: Trina Dalziel
