The Power of Thank You

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The Power of Thank You

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My wife called me at work yesterday and asked me if I would take her out to dinner. We had not had the opportunity to dine together for several weeks since she had foot surgery. I consented and off we went.

People watching is an intriguing hobby for many. Though I am interested in people, I will only people-watch to pass the time. It was interesting to see how the many different employees worked and interacted with each other. The Hostess politely took guests back to the dining area and gave instructions to the waitress. The waitress came to our table and politely offered to take our drink order. Within a short time she came back and once again politely sat our drinks down and proceeded to take our order. Soon dinner came and we were enjoying a few minutes alone eating, talking and watching those who were near.

The whole night the employee staff were polite and accomodating and I appreciated it. One act, however, caught my attention. One young lady had apparently asked another to assist her with something. Within a few minutes the young lady saw the other who was standing near our table. I could plainly see both of them when it happened. I heard a sincere "Thank you" from the first lady! All night I had heard people being polite to one another, so what was so unusual about this time? This one was sincere, not plastic or planned. Employees are supposed to be polite to customers and to others, but so often it sounds rehearsed or scripted. This "Thank You" was warm and sincere. It invited one to see the heart of the person saying it. She truly appreciated the assistance and you could hear it in her voice.

You might think this unusual for me to write about this simple gesture, but it was impacting. In that moment I realized that our society follows many rules of etiquette that are good rules to follow. We say Please and Thank you and You are welcomed all of the time. But do we say it with sincerity? Do we say it warmly? Or, is it simply a programed response to certain stimuli? 

I was challenged by this sincere act to be warmer and more caring towards others and not in a New Year's Resolution way. I do not want to be warmer for others to see, but to be more of a caring human being that can make a difference, even if it is a small one. That "Thank You" was not given for my behalf, but it made an impact on me. Perhaps I can follow her example and make someone's day a little better.