Nuff Nuff

Monday, September 28, 2009

Thank-you

Thank-you – This is another word that has the strength of Superman. It is such a simple word, made up of 8 letters.

It can be so powerful, it does, has and will bring tears to the recipients eyes. Now this isn’t always the case, but it cases of heightened emotions, these 8 little letters can do exactly that.

A child receiving a gift for their birthday, says thank-you in acknowledgement of the gift.

A person who receives good news, says thank-you, knowing that their prayers have been answered.

Often though, a person will not say thank-you to the person who makes the coffee, who clears the tables, or even mops the floors. These people are considered ‘invisible’. They are there to serve. Not to be acknowledged.

I find this attitude very disturbing. Just because someone is paid to do something that involves face-to-face contact in providing that service, does not that make them any different to the person behind the phone, who answers your questions?

I make a point of saying thank-you to those that ‘serve’ me – I make a point of saying thank-you to those that clear the tables. They are human just like you and me. I have taught my children to say thank-you for a service rendered, no matter how small.

My husband and I went out for dinner the other night and we sat down at the table. The meal was nice. The food was good. When the crockery was cleared from the table, both my husband and myself said thank-you and we did it together.

When the meal was finished, we said thank-you for the nice meal, please pass our compliments to the chef.

The waitress seemed a little stunned. – I can’t say I blame her, the tables around us – I don’t believe I heard the word, please or thank-you pass the lips of other diners.

It doesn’t matter if you are eating in the local café or the most expensive restaurant in your area. A good meal, just like at home needs to be acknowledged and the person who cooked it should be thanked. The person who clears the tables and the person who washes the dishes also needs to be thanked. It’s a simple word that goes so far.

Next time someone holds that door for you – say thank-you, make the giver realize that their efforts are appreciated and next time perhaps you could hold the door open for someone else.

A simple 8 letter word can mean so much.

2 comments:

Minerva's Mind said...

Oh how true! I learnt the art of acknowledging the services of others from my father who always makes a great effort to engage with people whoever they are. In particular I remember the special effort he always makes around Christmas time. Different but similar to what you are writing about here.

Heather said...

So many people forget. It could be their daughter, it could be their son, perhaps working part-time to make some pocket money. It doesn;t hurt to say thank-you. It makes the person realise that their task is not thankless and might give them a smile to carry with the rest of the day!

And Kate - thank-you for the comment, greatly appreciated!

HS