Thank You, You’re Welcome: Gee, that wasn’t too difficult, was it?

Here’s a story I heard on the radio that’s unfortunately become part of modern life: A DJ was at a convenience store and held the door open for a man who had his hands full. When the man walked right through the door without saying a word or even nodding in thanks, the DJ said: “you’re welcome. ” Instead of acknowledging his oversight with a “Gee, I’m sorry, where was my head?,” the guy told him to “#%&@- off.”

Really?

Unfortunately, yes.

Why, dear reader, does this happen? Since when have we forgotten to acknowledge, with a simple gesture of gratitude, the small acts of kindness that come our way from strangers – and that make life that much more livable? Instead of owning their rudeness and correcting it, why do some people choose to lash out?

I’ve had many experiences like the DJ’s over the years, but this one stands out: Once I was with my mom and had this same exchange with someone for whom I was holding the door open (without the #%&@ off part). Instead of getting annoyed by the person’s lack of gratitude, my mom told me that if I was doing something nice and expected someone to say thank you, then I shouldn’t do it. In theory, she’s absolutely right. I should be happy just knowing that I did something good (a “solid” as my friend Dave says) and move on.

I totally agree with Dave that kindnesses should be done unconditionally and I don’t consciously do them to get a “thank you” in return; I just don’t understand when it doesn’t happen. This is something I continue to work on.

Thanks to “Unknown” for the following quote: “It’s not happy people who are thankful. It’s thankful people who are happy.”