DuckRabbit
Well-Known Member
Have you ever not been thanked for something that you did for someone, that actually cost you quite a lot, and this has soured your attitude towards that person?
Conversely, have you ever received a deliberative expression of thanks and appreciation that has boosted your mood and encouraged you - enabled you to cope with more of what life has to throw at you?
Has anyone taken to heart psychological insights about the benefits of feeling and expressing gratitude such as these:
https://www.uclahealth.org/news/health-benefits-gratitude
• Sharing your gratitude: Send a quick note telling someone why you are thankful for them or encourage your family to share something they’re grateful for each night at dinner.
The power of saying thank you
.... only to find that upon expressing one's gratitude and appreciation, something untoward happens, such as the dynamic of the situation shifting or, instead of nice feelings being generated, an unforeseen political response is triggered? Far from "Expressions of gratitude create strong, collaborative ties and pave the way for greater influence", one damages ties and LOSES social capital?
My experience is more 'Share your gratitude at your own risk!" More often than not, I wish I'd just kept mum and just silently sucked up the benefit of what the other person was doing, rather than try to spread positivity ("empathy, sharing, open-mindedness, a focus on others") by reflecting it back to them. SOOO not what the literature says... Maybe it's positive to express your gratitude - just not to the person who generated it?
Conversely, have you ever received a deliberative expression of thanks and appreciation that has boosted your mood and encouraged you - enabled you to cope with more of what life has to throw at you?
Has anyone taken to heart psychological insights about the benefits of feeling and expressing gratitude such as these:
https://www.uclahealth.org/news/health-benefits-gratitude
• Sharing your gratitude: Send a quick note telling someone why you are thankful for them or encourage your family to share something they’re grateful for each night at dinner.
The power of saying thank you
.... only to find that upon expressing one's gratitude and appreciation, something untoward happens, such as the dynamic of the situation shifting or, instead of nice feelings being generated, an unforeseen political response is triggered? Far from "Expressions of gratitude create strong, collaborative ties and pave the way for greater influence", one damages ties and LOSES social capital?
My experience is more 'Share your gratitude at your own risk!" More often than not, I wish I'd just kept mum and just silently sucked up the benefit of what the other person was doing, rather than try to spread positivity ("empathy, sharing, open-mindedness, a focus on others") by reflecting it back to them. SOOO not what the literature says... Maybe it's positive to express your gratitude - just not to the person who generated it?