Growing up I was taught when you receive something you say with a thank you. When I got older I learned you can say it with a note, card, or phone call. Whichever response you choose make it personal showing your appreciation and respect for their thoughtfulness. This is the act of taking the warmth of a feeling and bringing it out for another to feel.
It appears that the practice of sending a thank you dates to early Chinese and Egyptian cultures when they would exchange notes of good luck and friendship. Although saying thank you goes back to the eleventh century, in early Anglo-Saxon ‘thanc’ meant ‘thought’ and the giving of gratitude came from thinking good thoughts. Saying “thanks” or “thank you” is a more recent development. Thank you did not become a common politeness until the 19th century.
Psychology Today, Posted November 20,m 2022. Valerie Fridland, Ph.D.
Today it seems this custom almost gone extinct. The mere act of saying those 2 simple words “Thank You” sets off a chain reaction in both the giver and the receiver. Gratitude is infectious. Gratitude is a positive emotion and when recognized (by both) adds goodness into one’s life. Thankfulness boosts the energy of the soul and when shared – that energizing power is multiplied. It is not enough to feel it. Say it!