Gratitude Will Strengthen Your Relationships
Relationships thrive on strong emotional connections. Like a fire, they need to be stoked regularly to maintain their force. Taking time to check in with a family member, friend, client or business associate or to say hi to a neighbor helps to keep those bonds intact. Even better is to let them know how much you value them by making the effort to acknowledge the care, help and support they provide.
One of the easiest ways to improve a relationship, recommends psychologist Dr. Benjamin Hardy, is to send that person a hand-written letter expressing your gratitude and appreciation for the contribution they make to your life. Unlike a thank-you text, email or small gift, a hand-written letter is more personal and shows the recipient that you have taken the time and care to thoughtfully and sincerely convey your genuine thoughts and feelings. It is a powerful way to stoke the emotional connection between the two of you. Dr. Hardy calls it a “transformational” gesture, one that seeks not to be reciprocated but to deepen the relationship for its own sake.
We all depend on others for our growth, success and happiness. As we go about our daily activities, we are accustomed to say “please” and “thank you” and hope that will suffice to let the other person know we appreciate their help or act of kindness. Yet, we should never take that assistance or attention for granted. Especially with those with whom we have ongoing relationships, we need to let them know we are aware of and appreciate the many things they do for us.
For many of us, this is the time of year when we look forward to a raise, a bonus or a gift. If we have done our jobs well or kept up our relationships, we may feel that we are entitled to our reward. The truth is, though, that, custom notwithstanding, our employers or loved ones are not obligated to do anything for us. Whatever we receive is due to their generosity and sense of appreciation. Show them your gratitude in return with a handwritten note or some token of thanks.
Whatever form your gathering takes this Thanksgiving, whether it’s around the table or via Zoom, use this opportunity to express your gratitude to others. We’ve focused so much on keeping our distance this year. Let this be a time for coming together and reinforcing relationships.
All of us here at Gail Doby Coaching & Consulting are truly grateful for all of you, our clients and readers, and wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Listen to our Creative Genius Podcast as Gail and Erin interview Dr. Benjamin Hardy to learn more about his work, his thoughts and his books.
