Thanks.  It is a word that often gets overused or not used enough, kind of like Swiss cheese where there are only two options:  you either like it or you don’t.  The simple act of saying thank you is easy.  You are recognizing that someone went out of their way to assist you with something.  You are showing that you value that person and your relationship together. Meaning it? Maybe not as easy.
If you consider the different ways we can thank and be thanked, the opportunities presented every day to say, “Thanks,” or, “Thank you so much,” you’ll notice there’s some nuance. There’s doing it, but then there’s meaning it. To me, there are three different stages of thanks, like Goldilocks and her porridge or mattress preferences. Some are, you know, porridge. But some are just right.

• Overused: The one who says thank you for everything.
  • Even the simple act of handing them a pen, this person decides that they will overuse thanks. Almost to the point where their use of thanks goes in one ear and out the other.  Their version of thank you doesn’t hold any meaning.
• Underused: The one who never says thank you.
  • This person takes but does not give. Acts of kindness, generosity, and positivity are lost on this person as they do not communicate their appreciation for things that other people do.
• JUST RIGHT: The one that thanks with ease.
  • The time in which you use this is to show gratitude to the other parties involved. You want them to know you truly value the relationship you have and want to keep growing it.  A simple thanks can help to solve heated situations, make people feel of value, and make people smile.

On behalf of our work family, I would like to take this time to say a true and thoughtful THANK YOU.

• Thank you for being our customer, our partner, our readers.
• Thank you for helping us on our REMAN U Journey.

I often hear about the bad that has happened, especially on the local news. When I have an unfortunate customer service experience, I either ignore it or write a bad review. What would happen if I took the time to write or talk about the positive? I’ve set myself a goal for the remainder of 2017 – and I’m invited you to join in: at least 1 time during each day, tell someone thank you for something they have done. That simple act could make that person’s day, and probably yours, too.

The Trans Detective loves the holidays. A lot. And as they grow closer, she finds herself both thanking and thinking about how we thank. Do you do it enough? Too much? From the heart? Thank with ease this season. Grateful? Comment below or email Megan directly!