The Feeling Added to Thank You
I don't think there are many people who feel bad
when someone says "thank you" to them.
Conversely, there are surely many people who have felt
their spirits lifted when someone casually and naturally
said "thank you (very much)" to them.
Of course, a "thank you" filled with malice and sarcasm
is out of the question.
I say "thank you" many times every day,
and in return, I also receive words of "thank you."
The people who say thank you to me are
my colleagues and those I interact with at work.
When working in a hospital ward,
I often cannot leave the side of the baby who is an inpatient,
so there are many times when I need to ask for help.
"Kururi-san, could you please get that for me!"
"I'm going to treat the baby, so please calm them down!"
and so on...
I receive words of thanks after I respond, and
it is the same when I ask someone else for something.
Situations like this are common in daily life.
Asking a family member to do something for you,
or asking a shop clerk for help when you are out...
If someone has helped you, you should be able to
say a word of thanks,
"thank you,"
quite comfortably.
That said, whether at work or in private life,
there are unfortunately some people who stubbornly refuse to say "thank you,"
or who seem like they don't want to say it at all.
A long time ago, there is something I was taught by a supervisor
who took great care of me,
and I still practice it today.
It is:
"If you want to convey your gratitude,
add one more word."
Not just thank you, but
"Thank you very much. That was a big help."
or
"I appreciate you always looking out for me.
Thank you."
and so on.
That supervisor at the time used to say such things
to everyone,
and as I watched that,
I realized deeply that by expressing it casually without being overly formal,
the atmosphere would soften,
and the way one expresses gratitude is one of the factors
that makes human relationships with those around you go smoothly.
Many years have passed since then, and I have changed jobs,
but I use the word "thank you"
many times every day
with the babies I face daily.
"Thank you for telling me by crying."
"I'm so happy that you're smiling, O-chan!
Thank you."
and so on.
The babies don't say anything, but
they stare at my face as I talk to them,
or glance at me,
or even if it looks like they aren't watching,
the corners of their mouths actually lift up a little,
their expressions become gentle,
and I feel like they are smiling.
Unfortunately, I cannot say that the human relationships
at my workplace are good.
That is precisely why,
when I convey my gratitude,
I make sure to remember to add that extra word.
Of course, depending on the person,
there are those who ignore my gratitude,
but that is their problem.
Most people accept my gratitude happily,
"Oh, it's nothing..."
they say with a smile.
I will spend today
without forgetting "the feeling added to thank you."
Another day has begun.
I will manage my own mood
and have a pleasant day.
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