How About a Thank You?
Monday, July 29, 2013 at 6:05PM By: Donna Martin
I was at a basketball tournament this weekend, and a little boy was sitting in front of me. He had just purchased some delicious looking nachos and a bottle of water. As he was climbing up the bleachers to take his seat he dropped the bottle of water, and it rolled my way. I reached down and managed to retrieve it from below the seat in front of me. I handed it to the boy who took it, sat it on the seat beside him, and continued to munch on his nachos. He barely made eye contact with me and never said “thank you.” In fact, he never said anything.
I was a little taken aback by his behavior. The teacher/mother inside of me wanted to remind him that he forgot to say “thank you.” I refrained from correcting him. I just decided he was a kid with bad manners. I shook it off and continued to enjoy watching my grandson play ball.
However, it did make an impression on me. It seems that a lot of people today are just like that little boy. They are consumed with themselves, their own comfort, their own needs, their own wants, and are often unaware and unappreciative of other people.
This often occurs in marriages. Couples get wrapped up in the worries of the world and busy schedules. They take each other for granted, and they forget their manners at home. They sometimes fail to show appreciation to each other. Those two little words, “thank you” are often as important as the three little words, “I love you.”
When was the last time you thanked your spouse? How would it make your wife feel if after dinner tonight you said, “Thanks for preparing that great meal. I really appreciate it.” Or how would your husband feel if you greeted him at the door with a hug, and said, “Thank you for working so hard today to provide for us. I really appreciate you.”
This week look for opportunities to thank your spouse. Be sincere and see what a difference it can make. Oh, and please also teach your children to say “thank you.”
The Martins currently present “Happy Together” marriages seminars for churches and organizations. To schedule a seminar call Michael at 940-735-1515. They also publish a weekly “Happy Together” Blog about family and marriage issues. You can order copies of their new books Dancing With Death and 366 Tidbits We Have Learned in 14,610 Days of Marriage, read, and subscribe to their “Happy Together” Blog by logging onto the Martin’s website at www.happytogethermarriage.com.
Reader Comments (1)
it appears manners are not just forgotten but never taught. Please, thank you and excuse me were by words that were taught to me by parents who themselves led by example. Kinda sad to think that the world feels entitled to whatever without acknowledging what Mom said was 'good manners'. Sadder still when we know we should be appreciative yet refuse to acknolwedge kindness that was extended to you without obligation. Maybe if children could see parents (Moms & Dads) practice what they expect their children to do ... maybe ... just maybe little boys that Donna mentioned would say thank you ... maybe even offer her a chip (ha). Good advice Donna.