Friday, February 28, 2014

Why, Thank You......Thank You Very Much

One negative thing about spinning or knitting....it causes me to think.  Too much.  And not just about what's being spun or knitted.

One of the "golden rules" when we were growing up was always saying "please" and "thank you".  Everyone of my generation was taught this; all my children and grandchildren were taught this.  What the hell happened??

Even those of my generation seem to have forgotten those magic words.  Magic because they went to the heart of those spoken to; magic because they could lift a person's self esteem, lighten their heart, validate their existence as a fellow human being.  They also related appreciation for another's time, money, thoughtfulness.

It irks me to no end that those 2 magic words are becoming less and less of our daily lexicon.  No.  Actually, it pisses me off royally.

"Please" is still pretty much spoken.  But "thank you" seems to be fading into oblivion. 

In our own family, graduation gifts.....no "thank you";  shower gifts....nada; wedding gifts.....not a word.  Even Christmas gifts are passed over with as little comment as possible.  I'm talking handmade gifts, hours and hours of creation;  I'm talking wracking my brain to figure out the perfect gift for someone....something that has meaning to that particular person.  And if it needs to be purchased, money is (almost) no object. 

It's gotten to the point that I really don't want to be part of anyone's celebration.  I will say a silent prayer, a blessing for you and think of you on your special day.  I believe that's enough.  No thanks needed.  Not that any would be forthcoming anyway.

I always thanked the kids for doing the dishes, cleaning their rooms, taking out the trash, etc.  This would irk BH..."you don't need to thank them for doing their chores"  he would say.

Ahhh....but, I would retaliate,  "everyone needs to know their appreciated, whether it's something expected of them...their job, their chore, their responsibility....or just of their own doing".   Everyone needs to be validated.  Everyone needs to know they matter.   In this crazy, impersonal, dangerous world.....everyone should know they matter.

Sorry for the rant; I feel much better now.   Thank you for "listening".....thank you very much.

5 comments:

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

From a person who puts lots of thought, time and energy into choosing a gift, I totally agree with you.

Unknown said...

You are 100% right, and I agree too, that it seems those few little words, that mean so much, are fading from everyone's memory, or not being taught to the youngest generation any longer. I too, still say "thank you" when my middle aged son, who is now living with me again, does something to help me out. He will turn around and "poo poo" my thanks, but I tell him I thank him because I appreciate what he's done. So he goes all funny, but I know he is feeling better because I've said "thank you." I mean, just how hard can it be to say "Please" or "Thank you?" Good post Linda. :) Thank you for posting it.

Linda said...

Thank you, Sandie. We just have to keep up the good fight and insist on "please" and "thank you's" from everyone, adult or child. Hope your weather is acceptable and your having a great week/weekend!

Linda said...

Thank you. I think this irks me the most in this crazy world. Hope you're having a great week!

Anonymous said...

Amen. I kinda thought I was just being a fuss-budget, but I completely agree with you. Civility seems to be "old hat".