How often do you say thank you?

NewShadow

badmemory wrote: »

Just as an aside - has anyone tried counting smiles?

I read about a jumper of the golden gate bridge in the 70's - not sure if it's a rumour or fact.

They'd written in their suicide note 'If one person smiles at me on the way, I will not jump'

Really stuck with me.

Now I practice the positive censorship idea - If I think of something nice about a person, something they're wearing, or how they look, or something they've done for me - I say it to them without hesitation and smile.

I'm fairly sure I only get away with it because I'm a reasonably harmless looking woman - but I get a smile everytime



And yes - I say thank you.

But only once for each thing - I also make sure I make eye contact to say thank you, not just on reflex, and try to add some words about why it helps/was nice when appropriate.

happyandcontented

I have just watched a clip on FB for Mental Health Awareness day and he was a jumper from the same bridge, but he survived.

He said people passed him and despite him looking upset no one spoke to him apart from one woman who asked him to take a photo...that reinforced his view that no one really cared. Yet, he also said that the moment his fingers let go to drop he wanted to live, as did the other survivors who had gone before him.

Kantankrus_Mare

I say it all the time to people that have served me, if someone does something for me, if a driver gives way to me, in restaurants, bars, shops.
I guess its something instilled into you by your parents whilst growing up.

I work in a small busy restaurant and whilst the majority of customers are polite.........as in any other service industry you get people that dont say please or thankyou. Its not a particular age group either. Really irritates me as manners cost nothing!

moneyistooshorttomention

Echoing the point above that it's a nice idea to give out a compliment if it's due. I will comment even to a passing stranger in the street that lurks around long enough near me if I think their clothes or hair or something look good. They've always "brightened up" and smiled to hear something like "You look elegant"/"You've got nice hair" or whatever. Someone who has made the effort to look good or is lucky enough to have nice hair is unusual enough to be worthy of note imo and will treat it as a compliment (because it is).

sammyjammy

catkins wrote: »

I also often mouth "thank you" at car drivers who stop at crossings for me. I do a sort of wave too. I often feel silly and bet I look silly but it would be rude not to acknowledge them.

Me too:D and I always say sorry if someone bumps into me or pushes past me. Sometimes I'll be on the bus and see the driver be rude to someone and I'll tell myself not to say thank you when i get off the bus but I really can't help myself.

NineDeuce

*max* wrote: »

The worst part of being ultra polite is when you run out of ways to say "thanks" in a lengthy transaction, like at the till. "Do you need a bag?" No thank you". *hands you your purchase* "Thanks!", *hands you the receipt* "Cheers!", *says bye* "Thank you bye!" *to the security guard on the way out* "Cheers then, thank you!".

It's mentally exhausting sometimes.

Just dont bother with all of that. Just add a collective 'thanks' when all is done. The shop assistant wont think any better of you for saying it 5 times, and therefore you have just wasted a lot of effort.

NineDeuce

moneyistooshorttomention wrote: »

Echoing the point above that it's a nice idea to give out a compliment if it's due. I will comment even to a passing stranger in the street that lurks around long enough near me if I think their clothes or hair or something look good. They've always "brightened up" and smiled to hear something like "You look elegant"/"You've got nice hair" or whatever. Someone who has made the effort to look good or is lucky enough to have nice hair is unusual enough to be worthy of note imo and will treat it as a compliment (because it is).

That sounds like having too much time on your hands. You arent supposed to talk to strangers....

maisie_cat

Pollycat wrote: »

Lots of times.
Probably too often - if that's possible.
When we order a meal, I'll give the menu back to the waiter and say 'thank you'.
When he brings the food, I'll say 'thank you'.
When they clear the table, I'll say 'thank you'.

I say 'thank you' when I get on a bus and show the driver my ticket.
I say 'thank you' when I get off.

I say 'thank you' when anyone holds open a door for me.
And if I do the same for someone else and they say 'thank you', I always say 'you're welcome'.
On the other hand, if I hold open a door for someone and they sail through without acknowledging me, I have been known to say - in a sickly-sweet voice and with a simpering smile - 'thank you so much for allowing me to hold the door open for you'.

I also say 'sorry' far too often.
When it's not actually my fault.

I'm exactly the same, it is automatic now

Former_MSE_Andrea

ska_lover wrote: »

Everyone claims to be the perfect example of manners IRL however many have no problem with talking to others like rubbish on forums

Yeah I see you people

That's not nice. Please make sure you use the report button if you see that happening on MSE.

Former_MSE_Andrea

Ironically I've clicked a lot of Thanks buttons this morning