It goes without saying, that at some point in everyone's life, someone has done something for us. It would be a difficult life to live, if we did not do things in service of each other. Unfortunately, several of us do not how to show our appreciation and gratitude for those who do things for us, especially when it comes to our ongoing platonic and non-platonic intimate relationships.
1. Acknowledge
One of the first steps is recognizing that someone has actually done something for you. It is not uncommon for us to be occasionally oblivious to acts of service others do for us, and sometimes we become so used to it, that those acts can go unnoticed. It is respectful to be observant of such acts, because those acts were in service of you. We should be bringing some level of attention to what they have done.
2. Receive
Allow people to do things for you if they want to. Some people do not realize that not receiving an act of service given to you, is just as disrespectful as receiving said act of service without acknowledging the gesture. Even, if, what is done or given to you is not exactly what you want, it is courteous to receive it nonetheless. The mere gesture should be accepted.
3. Express Feelings
There are those who acknowledge and receive acts of service, but appear expressionless when it occurs. Appear is the key word here, because some people are very appreciative, but just do not show it. Try to show it. Let the person know how you feel about what they did or what they gave.
4. Thank Them
It is important to actually thank the individual when they do an act of service for you. It is one of the clearest and universal ways of demonstrating gratitude. A thank you can go a long way, so do not shy away from doing so. It is possible to you, that a thank you may not mean much. But to some others, it could mean a lot more than you think.
5. Return The Gesture
This is not required, but it is common for people to try to do an act of service in return, as a way of showing gratitude for the act of service originally imposed on them. Do not view it as a competition, but a desire to do something for someone you really want to do something for. And do not place pressure yourself, but return the gesture in your own special way. If others are following tips like these, they’ll be grateful no matter what.
Acts of service is considered one of the five love languages outlined by Dr. Gary Chapman, and people express love through this language. Allow them to communicate it to you, and try to understand, and communicate back.
Thank you.