Two Magic Words That Improve Any Relationship

Just as what Mother Teresa said, “The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.” It is the same with appreciation. Most people yearn for words of appreciation or recognition and yet most do not lavish these words generously. What is stopping you from speaking words of appreciation or recognition? Could it be, “… it takes time and most people consider writing thank you notes a chore …” as suggested in the article? You may be screaming out aloud there, “I know this!” To know and not to do, is yet to know.

It doesn’t matter whether you are at home or on the job, you have to learn to get along with all types of people. Would you like to experience joy in these relationships instead of frustration?

THE MAGIC BEGINS

One of the most useful phrases in improving your relationships is, “I appreciate.” These two magic words will make others feel closer to you and create loyal relationships.

Wouldn’t you like a little more appreciation for what you do? The truth is, so does everyone. People crave appreciation. Nobody ever gets enough, and the most difficult people hardly get any at all. Show your appreciation to people at work or at home, and you will reap the rewards. When you show your appreciation, others will want to do more for you.

Obviously, you know to say “thank you” when someone gives you a gift or does something special for you. However, if you’re seriously interested in improving your relationships, you need to let people know how much you appreciate things that are not special, the things that we just take for granted because people are supposed to do them anyway. Start today by saying, “I appreciate” for all those little things.

FEELING VALUED

Appreciation makes people feel valued. It also builds trust and a feeling of acceptance. These powerful attributes act like a magnet to attract people to you and make them want to continue helping you.

To your co-worker, say, “I appreciate your pleasant smile. It makes me look forward to coming to work.”

To your husband, say, “I appreciate your taking out the trash, helping the kids with their homework, etc.”

BENEFITS

There are even more benefits. When you express your appreciation to others you will feel more peaceful because you are focusing on how others are making your life happier, not on their shortcomings. You will feel more successful because you will be living with an attitude of gratitude for what you have now, even though your life is not perfect.

If that’s not enough, here’s another reason. With your expression of appreciation, you will be creating an atmosphere of love and acceptance. It’s like spreading man-made sunshine into the lives of those who have, in some small way, given something to you.They will, in turn, spread it to others and warm the hearts of many people, just like a pebble tossed into the water spreads ripples far and wide.

GETTING RESULTS

Just think of all the results you can get simply by saying, “I appreciate.” If it makes such a difference why don’t more people show their appreciation?. It’s probably because it takes time and most people consider writing thank you notes a chore. However, it isn’t necessary to make a big deal out of expressing appreciation. A simple phone call, e-mail message or short note only takes a minute or two.

Don’t be like the husband who told his wife on their wedding day, “I’m telling you now that I love you, and if that ever changes, I’ll let you know.”

To help you remember to express your appreciation often, write the names of those you thanked on your calendar, review it each month and realize all the relationships you have improved. You will find out for yourself that saying, “I appreciate” really does create magic.