25 Easy Ways to Thank Others

BY: Euginia M Orr, EdD

Is 2020 an expletive for you yet? Our world has been turned upside down as we live through the first global pandemic in over a century. We have been navigating life without any true context because this is truly unchartered circumstances for all of us. As we stayed home to save lives and prevent the further spread of COVID-19, what many of us have missed the most are the people who keep us sane and grounded. Sure, we missed parties and concerts, theatre and dinners, but what was really so special about those outings? The people we shared those experiences with.

Especially now, our friends and family are the ones we reach out to, even as we remain physically distant, and it’s these incredible individuals who we appreciate the most. For those who have been your anchor through these unprecedented times, now is the perfect time to say thank you and show your appreciation. So many of us have lost loved ones, don’t let another day go by without thanking the special people in your life!

1. Pick up the phone – texting is common but not the same as someone hearing your voice. Say thank you by letting someone hear you say the words.

 2. Send a card or handwritten letter – it used to be a thrill to receive a letter in the mail – say thank you to someone special with a card or letter like the old days.

3. Send flowers – flowers still say so much, even to men. So, say thank you with a bouquet of fresh flowers. Every time they look at the blooms, they will think of you.

4. Give the gift of wine – or another favorite libation.

5. Not a drinker? Then try a favorite tea or coffee.

6. Send a gift bag filled with your friend or family member’s favorite things. This also shows that you know them and the things that bring them joy.

7. Offer to babysit or stay with an aging parent. For those who care for others, nothing says “I see you,’ than the gift of me-time for self-care.

8. Don’t know what they like? Gift cards say “Thank you for all you do, go treat yourself.”

9. Arrange some self-care with a massage certificate or pedicure.

10. Send a special message on social media to tell the world about someone special.

11. Make a TikTok video – the popular platform will let you tell the world how someone helped you through a rough time.

12. Nothing says thank you like baked goods – cookies, candies, cakes – say I love you with sugar!

13. Say thank you by spending time just listening to them. Make the conversation all about them, especially those friends who always listen to you.

14. Offer to clean something – their car, a room, their office.

15. Groom their favorite fur baby. Well you don’t have to do it yourself, but show your appreciation by helping to care for a loved pet.

16. Pick up the bill – whether just coffee or a meal, everyone appreciates a treat.

17. Donate to their favorite charity. Helping others shows kindness.

18. Create an award, certificate or trophy that says just how special someone is.

19. Make a recommendation or endorsement of a person’s skills on LinkedIn.

20. Write a poem that expresses why someone deserves appreciation.

21. Send a digital thank you card. It is quick and easy.

22. Plan a day to binge-watch someone’s favorite show – even if you hate it.

23. Plan a virtual party with others to celebrate someone who goes above and beyond.

24. Send them a book by their favorite author or from their favorite genre.

25. Send a journal and a favorite pen.

There are so many ways to say thank you – what’s most important is that you say it and say it often. You never know just how much someone you love needs to hear it!

Native Chicagoan, Dr. Eugenia Orr is a nationally published freelance writer and journalist, an enthusiastic speaker, a devoted daughter, and a lover of all things beautiful. Dr. Orr loves to deliver messages about community, empowerment, beauty, tranquility, and leadership

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