A grateful response is worth a thousand words

With Thanksgiving and the Christmas season around the corner, it seems people are being kinder and more giving than usual.

It is like their ‘do-gooder’ sense kicks in instantaneously around this time of year. But is that a bad thing?

The thing that baffles is not the generosity of others, but the reaction some people have to kindness. They are either alarmed or suspicious.

Say that your mom packs you a lunch with all your favorite foods. She even includes a cute little handwritten note on the napkin, “Have a nice day sweetie! I hope you enjoy your lunch. Love you!” The fact that some would react with blowing their nose in the napkin and throwing it away, embarrassed, before anybody can see it, is preposterous.

What if your friend gives you a random compliment. “Oh my, you look so pretty today!” Is it really necessary to reply with, “What do I look ugly every other day?”

Or how about when you are sitting in class and you get that grumbling in your stomach. Lunch time is too far away to wait for food. So you say out loud in hopes of an answer, “Oh I am STARVING…” Your good friend turns and generously gives you his granola bar that he was saving for after school. Instead of thanking him, you scoff that the granola bar does not satisfy your needs given ask if he has anything better.

When someone does something nice for me, it gives me a fuzzy feeling on the inside. It makes me feel good about myself and drives me to do nice things for others. Sometimes it is not about the act of being generous, but the way you respond that matters.

So keep in mind, when being lucky enough to receive a compliment or unselfish offer, respond in a positive, grateful way. You’d be surprised at how good you feel and how contagious that positive energy can be.