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Showing Appreciation

Do you ever feel unappreciated? At work, at home, by a friend, or by your significant other? Can you remember a time that you felt like you were being taken for granted? Are you feeling that way now?

Is it possible that at some point you've made someone else feel that very same way?

We are often taught to be self-assured, self-motivated, self-reliant, and self-aware. That it shouldn't matter what others think of us. While we must never rely on others to "make us happy", it sure is nice to have notice applied to efforts given within our life circle.

Sometimes we are guilty of not showing the very notice and appreciation we seek. We may feel too busy to take the time. We may think they already know how we feel. Maybe we are just not sure how to show that appreciation.

I think it's important in life to take the time to make sure that those in our lives know just how important they are to us.

Here are some steps to help all of us to better communicate that.

8 Ways To Show Someone Appreciation

1. Say "Thank You"

If you think it should go without saying, you are wrong
Be specific about what you are thanking them for
Mention what they did, said, or how they made you feel
Be prompt. Thank them while the memory is still fresh and feeling authentic

"If not shown appreciation, it gets to you."

-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

2. Write "Thank You"

Thank you cards are still a nice touch for someone that's done something special
A "Thank You" text is appropriate for someone within your close circle
A post-it note on the mirror, laptop, dashboard, etc. is a welcome surprise
Write thank you on the fridge door, car window, etc. with a dry-erase marker

How to write a Thank-You note

"So I show appreciation for the little gifts that have been handed to me."

-Terrence Howard

3. Be Present

Make eye contact and pause what you're doing while they are speaking
Pay attention with sincerity and listen empathetically
Allow them to tell the whole story without interruption or judgment
Turn down the TV or radio, close the laptop, or put down the phone to make them the priority

"People will never forget how you made them feel"

-Maya Angelou

4. Make Small Sacrifices

Watch "their" show together even though you would never watch it alone
Eat Italian when they choose it even though your heart was set on Chinese
Let that co-worker go to lunch first even though your stomach has been rumbling since 8 am
Give them that last piece of [you fill in the blank]

APPRECIATION IS BETTER SHOWED THAN TOLD!

"I think for any relationship to be successful, there needs to be loving communication, appreciation, and understanding."

- Miranda Kerr

5. Be Reliable

Keep your promises
Be on time. Value their time
Deliver on your word rather than relying on excuses
Schedule their needs as you would your own and prioritize

"It only takes a moment to say, "Thank You", but your thoughtfulness will be remembered for a long time.

6. Display Your Appreciation

Actions speak louder than words
Do a task that they normally do because you know they've had a rough day
Complete a random act of kindness, fetching Starbucks, having their car washed, etc.
Help. Doing the dishes, running the vacuum, filling the gas tank, submitting an assignment, etc.

7. Compliment Them

On a task or project completed at work
On that new haircut, outfit, or flower garden
On the person that they are
On the way they make you feel

"Silent gratitude isn't much to anyone."

-Gertrude Stein

8. Keep Them In Mind

Let them know during the day that you are thinking about them. A quick text, call...
Let others know how much you appreciate them
Recommend a book, article, website, or movie that you know matches their interests
Gift them a plant, flowers, or another item that comes from the heart

There are many ways to show someone that you appreciate them. These 8 are just to jump-start the process for you. Apply sincerity and a personal touch and you'll be on the right track.

My biggest recommendation is to do it. Don't delay. Show gratitude and love at every chance. Things left undone and unsaid fill most of the big basket of regrets. Tomorrow is never promised so take the step today and let someone know what they mean to you.

That you won't regret.