+++ I once read a story about a young lawyer who was joining a prestigious firm. She was spending a quiet evening with her grandmother and she told her that she was going to do all that she could to advance in her new organization. She would take a night school course to become an expert in her specialty, and join community organizations to bring in business. She was determined to do everything and 'learn it all'. To her mind, picture she was painting was one of perfect employee. Doing all those things would win her recognition, acceptance and an elevated career path.

There is little that goes further towards improving relationships than a genuine 'Thank you." You know that. Why, then, do so many folks have difficulty with it?

Are we moving too quickly to notice what others do for us? Do we just expect so much that we fail to acknowledge little things? Is there some small part of us that refuses to give what we're not getting?

You have probably heard "It's part of your/his/her job. It's your responsibility. " Sure, it may be. Does that mean that it does not deserve acknowledgment? You can bet it would be acknowledged if it was not done!

At home, we often take each other for granted. We 'expect'. We say things like, "If you really loved me, you would _______." Those are expectations delivered in a bartering mode. Where is appreciation for what they do? Do you expect that garbage will go out or dishes will be put away? Why? Because it's their job? How about saying 'Thank you'? Everyone likes recognition for things they do. It's a very easy habit to acquire.

Ever lived with teenagers? The easiest way to engage them is to catch them doing something right. That means saying 'Thank you' when they do it, too. If you think this is too easy, try it for a month. Tell them what you see that you like, what you like about what they are doing/wearing hinking. Forget about adding anything about what you don't like. You'll see relationship change positively. Still sound too easy? Try it!

Simply look and you'll find many things each day worthy of acknowledgment. Stop and appreciate what IS being done for you...and, say so.

William James, great American psychologist, said, "The deepest principle in human nature is craving to be appreciated." Is there a part of you that longs to be seen, recognized and acknowledged? Every person feels better when they are appreciated.