By Kelly Carr

One podcast I enjoy listening to each week is Awesome Etiquette. Hosts Lizzie Post and Dan Post Senning are cousins and the great-great-grandchildren of famed etiquette guru Emily Post. They answer questions regarding how etiquette applies to modern-day scenarios.

Dan said they often get asked if thanking people is still important. Lizzie then talked about a thank-you survey sponsored by TD Bank. When more than 1,000 people were asked, “Is a thank-you important?” and “Is hearing it often important to you?” they got the highest positive response rate a survey can record—almost 100 percent yes. And 90 percent of respondents said that being thanked made them feel appreciated, happy, or satisfied. Upon hearing how good it makes people feel, Lizzie asked, “Why wouldn’t you make sure that you extend that thank-you?”

Why wouldn’t we, indeed? For some people, saying thank you comes naturally—they may eagerly send notes, emails, or texts to let others know their deeds are appreciated. Other people need reminders to express their gratitude—even though they feel it inside, they may forget how important it is to let folks know that their actions were highly favored.

Just last week I got a phone call from a regular reader of The Lookout to say that an article had particularly inspired him; he wanted to say thanks and keep up the good work. That brightened my whole week! I then passed along the encouragement to the writer of the article.

If someone has said or done something that uplifts you, thank them. Thank the grocery store worker who lifts your spirits each visit. Tell a restaurant owner how great the food is. Tell church volunteers who humbly serve every week that their hard work is noticed and appreciated.

We thank you for reading. That’s why we do what we do. Have a lovely Thanksgiving week.