Sometimes A Thank You Can Go a Long Way

The Split Second-In Consideration of Others in These Trying Times or Look Up from the Phone

 I am back trying to get my unpublished book “The Split Second:  In Consideration of Others or Look Up from the Phone and How to Deal with Rudeness in Others” published. I will not give up for right now whatsoever; however, I find there is enough “pushback” against my concept of a society where we all get along and are nice to each other. Oh well.

I was taught to say “thank you” for nice comments made to me, favors, and other kind acts that come my way. I find myself at age 67 saying “thank you, kindly” to everyone who is indeed kind to me. This would include a waitress/waiter every time she/he comes to the table and brings food, refills my glass, or asks if everything is all right. A thank you is always a wonderful way to go. But they must be sincere like we really mean them and no good whatsoever if they are not meant with genuine feeling. A little warmth (with me, I have to say it is said with lots of warmth). While I am not trying to appear as if I am better than everyone else or “holier than thou,” I think my thank you comes across with much earnestness as if I really mean it. Out in the world and with social media, I find many people who would never bother to show their appreciation for the kindness that has been afforded to them.

When I was about five years old, my mother took my brother and I to see the well-known children’s television host, Captain Kangaroo. I remember the Captain (as well as Mr. Green Jeans) telling us children to always say, “please” and “thank-you.” When the Captain said that as well as my mother (constantly), it left an impression. Kindness can be simple, as simple as a warm thank you to someone. It shows appreciation and thoughtfulness. Those are qualities I think we need more of in society.

My book is about thoughtfulness for others. Many have told me that this is slipping away in society. I believe that we can truly become a society where we can all think of others as we “go out in the world.”  It must start somewhere.