9 Ways to Show Gratitude: Incredibly Easy Methods That Work for All

“THANK YOU” These two words are one of the first (polite) words we’re taught during our childhood. These are the words that we’ve been hearing and using hundreds and thousands of times in our lives. Saying ‘Thank You’ is indeed one of the fundamental ways to show your gratitude and kindness to others. 

However, a very important question arises, “Do we really mean it when we say thank you?” We’ve been practicing saying ‘thank you’ so many times in our life, it’s almost become a natural reflex. Meanwhile, most people these days utter those words just for the sake of saying, and not for really showing their gratitude. 

When you show gratitude to someone, it not only makes that person feel good but also helps you. By feeling thankful, grateful, and happy in your life, you will find yourself wanting those unnecessary wants and desires less. Similarly, you will understand that you’re actually satisfied with the things that you already have in your life by showing gratitude.

9 Ways to Express Your Gratitude

These days, saying ‘thank you’ is just simply not one of the best ways to show your gratitude (by that I mean real thankfulness you feel). So, if you want to improve the quality of your life and the others around you, it’s very important to display your gratitude in an effective and meaningful way. So, here are the 9 easy and effective ways to show your gratitude that works for everyone:

1. Listen carefully

Gratitude is all about showing respect. And when you focus and listen carefully to what the other party is saying, you are telling that person that you respect them and are thankful to them. For instance, when your partner is telling you about his/her day, no matter how boring it is, listening carefully to them is one of the best ways to show your gratitude to your partner.

2. Pay compliments

How do you feel when someone insults you or gives a bad opinion about your body or personality? Not so good, right? On the other hand, how do you feel when someone compliments you or says something good about yourself? Pretty happy, I guess. Similarly, when you pay compliments to others, they will certainly feel that you are showing your gratitude towards them. 

3. Physical contact

Maybe you’re someone who often gets hugs and kisses from your loved ones. But, not everyone in the world has that pleasure of human contact. For instance, there’s a colleague who always helps you out and has your back in the office. He might be going through some rough period in his relationship or his life, generally. Show him that you’re thankful for what s/he does to help you every day by giving a warm hug, pat on the back, or just a friendly handshake.

4. Do something thoughtful

Your family does so much for you from the day you were born to the kind of person you are today. They’re an inevitable part of your life. For example, your parents have been there for you from day one cheering for your success, or your partner, who has never made you feel alone and filled your life with love. So, how to show you’re thankful for them? You can do something thoughtful like taking your parents to do the activities on their bucket list or taking your partner out on a date from time to time and make them feel the same love you felt when you first met each other.

5. Leave a large tip

When we go out to eat at restaurants or cafés, we usually don’t notice or don’t have that time to notice the waiters or servers. Most of them are working there to make their day to day end reach. So, when you go out, leave them a larger tip than usual. Now, that’s one of the ways to show your gratitude for their service. Who knows, next time you eat there, you might get a special discount or some exclusive service.  

Also Read: 7 Simple Creative Ways to Show Love Without Saying I Love You

6. Don’t get offended

Let’s admit, not all of us are happy with our lives every day. Sometimes, we all have some kind of problems in our lives, which make us act differently than our usual self. As a result, we might react angrily or offensively. So, when someone challenges your words or actions, don’t get offended and react to it irrationally. You never know what kind of day they’re having, if they’re happy or sad. So, instead, just listen to their opinion and show them kindness. 

7. Share other’s achievements

Another of the best ways to show your gratitude is to be a part of someone’s achievements. Maybe your friend just got married, your co-worker got a big promotion, or your kid got A+ in every subject. Show them that you’re grateful for them to be in your life by sharing their achievements and being a part of it together. Throw a small party or go out to celebrate their victory. 

8. Just be there

I want you to imagine you’re having one of the worst days of your life and there’s no one to support you or be there for you. How does it feel? Sad, Lonely, and above all ungrateful. Now you know how it feels when it seems like your world’s falling apart. One of your loved ones might be experiencing that feeling, too. So, one of the best ways to show your gratitude to them in times like that is just by being there for them and supporting them.

9. Give to charity

Also Read: 7 Easy Techniques to Reduce Stress at Workplace

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

How to show gratitude to others

1. Write to them some love
2. Give lots of hugs
3. Do someone a favor
4. Provide encouragement
5. Give a genuine compliment
6. Share your skills
7. Celebrate their achievements
8. Tip well for service

How to show gratitude in words?

1. “You’re the best.”
2. “I’m humbled and grateful.”
3. “You knocked me off my feet!”
4. “My heart is still smiling.”
5. “Your thoughtfulness is a gift I will always treasure.”
6. “Sometimes the simplest things mean the most.”
7. “The banana bread was fabulous. You made my day.”
8. “I’m touched beyond words.”

How to show gratitude creatively?

1. Send a handwritten card
2. Reach out for no reason other than to check-in
3. Send a “just because” gift
4. Lend a hand without expecting in return
5. Show that you remember a specific detail
6. Get a bit crafty
7. Write a thank-you note to a stranger
8. Make a donation

Some famous gratitude quotes

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” 

• William Arthur Ward

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” 

• John F. Kennedy

“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” 

• Eckhart Tolle

“If a fellow isn’t thankful for what he’s got, he isn’t likely to be thankful for what he’s going to get.” 

• Frank A. Clark

“Gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves, and spend without fear of bankruptcy.” 

• Fred De Witt Van Amburgh