gratitude

How Do I Thank Thee?

Whether you had a huge, lavish affair or a smaller, more understated gathering, your wedding was a special day. You tied the knot with the love of your life surrounded by your closest friends and family. Your heart is overflowing with love and excitement about the journey ahead, but you’re also brimming with gratitude. Between wedding participants, guests, gift-givers, well-wishers and even professionals, other people helped to make the day one to cherish. Here’s what you should know about expressing your gratitude to others.

Develop a Plan

When you consider all the people to thank, it can be overwhelming to address everyone. You may be tempted to send an e-mail or a text message to friends, but a thoughtfully written note, thank you card or some other token of appreciation is usually best. Crack open an Excel spreadsheet to make a list of everyone you want to acknowledge. You can organize your lists according to the various parts that people played. A handwritten note to gift-givers might be one approach, while you also include a small gift to the people who were in the wedding party or offered services. Coming up with a plan is the best way to make sure that you don’t forget anyone.

Thank Thee Right Away

Many couples follow up a wedding immediately with a honeymoon that keeps them from working on writing thank you notes. As soon as you are back home, you should get started immediately. Start with your wedding party and anyone who played a role in the planning, marriage ceremony, reception and pre-wedding events, such as a stag-and-doe or engagement party. Proceed with those who sent gifts ahead of and on the big day. You may continue to receive presents in the following months. Make a habit of immediately preparing a thank you note upon receipt of future gifts.

Several To Thank, Don’t Go It Alone

It took two to tango, or in this case, get married. Divide up the work between you and your spouse. Consider splitting the work down the middle or divvying up the task based on your strengths. If you’re the one who has the words to say, take care of the notes and let your partner be responsible for stuffing, stamping and sealing envelopes. Gratitude is something that comes from both of you, so it should be a group thing when it’s time to give thanks.

Personalize Your Note

When writing notes, it’s important to tailor them to the recipients. Be specific about the role they played or the gift they gave when you’re handwriting (yes, handwriting) your note. For gift-givers, consider taking a picture of their present so that you can talk specifically about their contribution and how much the two of you appreciate them, their thoughtfulness and their generosity. If some sent money or gift cards, be sure to mention the amount. No gift is too small to acknowledge!

Develop Templates

Coming up with an individual note for everyone who supported you may not be the best use of your time, energy and creativity. It’s ok to use a template or outline based on the people you’re thanking:

  • Wedding party: Thank them for supporting the two of you on the big day and acknowledge the time, energy and resources that they invested.
  • Ceremony participants: Tell them how special it was that they lent their talents in making the ceremony special.
  • Guests: Mention how much their presence and love honored you and your spouse.
  • Gift-givers: Acknowledge the gift they gave. Be sure to mention details about the present, including its benefit to your lives moving forward. In the case of gifts from couples and families, make it a point to mention everyone involved.

Expressing gratitude to all the people who helped make your nuptials can be a daunting task. It’s important to be organized, intentional and thorough when you’re showing appreciation. Tailored, handwritten notes or cards are always preferable to digital communications such as emails or texts.

How To Express Gratitude in Your Relationship

Valentine's Day provides the perfect opportunity to reconnect with your partner, express gratitude, and strengthen your relationship.

Valentine’s Day provides the perfect opportunity to reconnect with your partner, express gratitude, and strengthen your relationship.

The longer you’ve been in a relationship, the more likely it is you are taking your partner for granted. This is common with all connections, from romantic to familial. Still, a failure to appreciate your significant other can lead to lasting ramifications. It is important to express gratitude to your partner whenever possible. If you’re trying to get better at this task, now is the perfect time to consider some new ideas. Look over these tips and learn how you can show proper gratitude and strengthen your relationship.

Say It

Perhaps the easiest option available to you is simply telling your partner you are grateful. When you aren’t someone who expresses these sentiments often, the act of stating your appreciation can have a big impact. Still, many people believe actions speak louder than words. While saying it can be a good start, you also might find it beneficial to look at additional ways to nail the point home. A small gift or card can be a nice token of affection that adds an extra emotional kick to your attempt at expressing appreciation.

Talk Your Partner Up

Gratitude goes beyond simply saying it to the person you are thankful for. You also want to let the world know how much you appreciate what your partner does for you in your relationship. The more you get in the habit of talking your partner up to friends and family members, the more likely it is your significant other will be viewed favorably by the people who matter to you. What’s more, your kind words are likely to get back to your partner’s ears and provide a nice boost of confidence.

Keep the Romance Alive in Your Relationship

Falling into a routine with your partner is an easy way to allow bad habits to take control. After living together for years, you might feel like the romance in your relationship is dwindling. When you’re looking to show some appreciation, there are few ideas as invigorating as taking your significant other out for a night on the town. A date night involving a meal, a movie, and some dancing can be a wonderful way to break free of your routine and engage with each other the way you did when you first met.

Adjust Your Behavior

You might feel appreciation within, but it stands to reason your behavior does not always show it. When you’re in a bad or low mood, you might take it out on your significant other in small ways. If this happens, your partner might feel he or she did something to upset you. To keep showing gratitude when you’re in a foul mood, be sure to check yourself and adjust your behavior. Thank your partner for being there, and talk about what’s really bothering you to avoid a pointless confrontation.

Do the Work

You and your partner may split the responsibilities related to maintaining your home. One way to show appreciation that is sure to have a positive impact is taking on some of the chores your partner normally handles. When your significant other comes home and discovers the kitchen is already clean and sparkling, it can bring about a sense of joy that is hard to beat. Plus, your partner will likely be impressed you took on the responsibility without being prompted.

Engage in Physical Intimacy

Finally, never turn your nose up at the power of a gentle kiss on the cheek. Studies have shown most people feel appreciated when there is some type of physical affection involved. A loving hand on the shoulder or kiss when you’re about to leave for work is an easy way to keep the connection you share strong. Plus, it always feels nice when your partner wants to touch you in a comforting way.

To make your relationship work, you need to show gratitude. Think about these ways of expressing your thankfulness to improve your relationship.