By Lindy Earl
Dear Lindy,
How can I express my appreciation in ways that mean something to others? Just saying thank you seems insufficient.
-Grateful
Dear Grateful,
I understand. I would try to find their love languages. If they appreciate acts of kindness, then do something nice for them to let them know you appreciate them. If the person’s love language is touch then be quick to offer hugs with every spoken Thank you. Once you know a person’s love language, be it your child’s, Significant Other’s, or siblings, you will be able to show your gratitude in a way that makes them feel appreciated. If you know that their love language is gifts, then purchase a small item that will be special to them. If attention, then invite them out for coffee or lunch and lavish attention on them. Last, if their love language is words of affirmation, then be careful and quick to tell them how great they are. These will show your gratitude in ways that the person will appreciate most.
Dear Lindy,
Sometimes I feel like I take too many things for granted. We are a month from Christmas and, like so many others, I have a long wish list. Yet, I KNOW how many blessings I have – a house, food, heat. There are so many times that I am thankful but too often I fear that I’m taking it all for granted.
-Truly Grateful
Dear Grateful,
Please do not beat yourself up. I think this is normal and you’re fine. We can appreciate what we have even while we would like something more. No guilt trips. You obviously appreciate your blessings. That’s sufficient!
Dear Lindy,
If you knew what I have been through this year, you would not expect me to be grateful. Divorce, deaths, and more. How can I expect to be thankful after the year I’ve had?
-Not this year
Dear Grateful,
Maybe you can be thankful it’s all behind you. If you’ve truly hit rock bottom the only way to go is up.
Lindy is a Speaker, Columnist, Author, and Consultant.
* Contact her at Ask@LindySpeaks.com to submit a question for her Advice Column.
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* Purchase her latest book, Surviving Holidays and Events After Divorce at
http://www.lindyspeaks.com/Products.html for $8.00 (half off Amazon’s price).
