Thank you, Thank You, Thank You, Why Say Thank You

Thank you! One of the most underused phrases of today.

First I'd like to Thank You, for taking time to read and comment on my hubs.

Thank you, at one time was as common as breathing. Somewhere along the way it has become less important, or even in some cases fallen entirely by the wayside altogether. When I was young we would be chastised for not saying thank you, for even the smallest action on our behalf. My husband, and I in turn religiously taught our children to always say thank you. A funny experience of how well the lesson was entrenched. Once our then 3 year old son let out a loud belch at the table, my husband, and I said in unison, "what do you say?" He looked up, and said, so innocently, "thank you." As we started to laugh, he said, "what." We then realized we needed to go further than the "thank you" lessons.

As I contemplate what has happened to common courtesy, my thoughts centers on this generation's sense of entitlement. By that I mean, somewhere along the way, we've begun to think we're entitled to everything that comes our way. The generation who worked for, and earned everything they received seems to have taken a backseat to the generation who gets everything they want without paying any of the required dues. It appears the self same generation that worked hard to get what they deserved, didn't see the necessity of having their prodigy put in the same time, earning what they received. As a result, thanklessness, instead of thankfulness, has become the order of the day.

• I just finished the hub, Show Someone That You Care, which listed some occasions to show someone that you care. However, saying thank you goes beyond that. You see, you don't necessarily have to care for the person you say thank you to. For instance, a big pet peeve of mine is drivers who don't give you the "thank you" wave, or nod when you let them merge ahead of you. It goes back to the sense of entitlement, they seem to think they are entitled to that section of the road, even if you were there first. If you're that person, how many cars did you have to wait on until you were let in? You just know some of them saw you, and kept right on driving. Then, along comes Mr. Nice Guy, and lets you in, what do you do? Go on give him that "thank you" wave or nod, what will it hurt.
• How about on the home front, husbands and wives seem to think whatever is done is what's supposed to be done. Say, for instance, whomever is taking the lead in working to support the family, if it's not a joint effort, even if it is their responsibility, what's wrong with saying thank you. Think of all the good-for-nothing household heads that aren't doing it. Of course, there are circumstances in which lack of support cannot be helped, but this situation relates to when it can be helped. Then, the stay at home spouse, what about a good hot meal prepared on your behalf, a clean house, clothes etc. Not to belabor this point, if you're fortunate enough to have someone in your life who cares, why not just say thank you.
• The Super Market checker, you don't have to care about her/him, after all you probably don't see the same one on every visit to the market, or even go to the same market for that matter. What's wrong with just saying thank you after she's finished with your order.
• Oh, and one of my all time favorites, you hold the door or elevator for someone, and they walk right in, and never say a word. Couldn't you just say thank you, once you got in. Haven't you been on the receiving end when someone walked in and let the door close in your face, or the person in the elevator pushed the close button vigorously so as to close the door before you got there? Okay then, think of those instances the next time someone is nice enough to hold the door for you.
• What about the bus, or taxi driver. I take public transportation occasionally, and I've actually seen bus drivers pass riders up. Don't get me started on the taxi drivers, some times I declare they can put on blinders as soon as they see you. So, when they do stop, and pick you up, say thank you. I know it is the bus drivers job, but think about this, they get paid whether they pick you up or not, (I'm just saying). Now the taxi drivers, I don't know what to say about them, ah just say thank you when you are picked up.
• When eating out, that hardworking server, say thank you, or else. LOL!
• Of course, there are ever so many more occasions to say, Thank You, however I'll just let you insert them here.
  

So, why should we say thank you?

Say thank you, because you are not always entitled. Just say thank you, because they didn't owe you. Just say thank you, because someone was kind to you. Just say thank you, because someone helped you. Just say thank you, because someone gave of themselves. Just say thank, you when someone was there when you needed them. Just say.............. THANK YOU!