If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is “thank you”, it will be enough.
~ Meister Eckhart
Call me old fashioned but I think politeness and respect are the lubrication that keeps a society from becoming debased.
Now I have no way of telling whether North Americans are becoming more or less polite. For every unresponsive salesperson I encounter I also meet those who go out of their way to be helpful. For every horror story I read about someone’s pleas for help going unanswered there is a heartwarming account of people risking their lives to go to the aid of a stranger.
Over the years I’ve had many people contact me through this blog, seeking advice. And I’m happy to share what I can. That’s why I’m here. Most inquirers express their thanks.
Then there are those who ask for my help and once they’ve got it disappear without a “peep”. That doesn’t sit well and makes me feel used.
But I’ll not let a few spoil it for the rest of you who are appreciative. So please continue to send me your questions. I’ll try my best to answer them. In return all I ask is a simple thank you.
Life is short, but there is always time enough for courtesy.~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Photo Credit: the|G|™ via Compfight cc
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If I ever asked for your advice (which I have) and neglected to say thank you…I’m say it now! I appreciate you very much, and I love your column. Thank you!! Peggy
@Peggy Alessandri. Thank you for your kind words. Yes, you’ve always acknowledged my help and I’ve appreciated your courtesy.
I, too, have asked for your advice several times. Thank you! For me, a good day is the day I see your column arrive in the inbox. I have shared it with several people. Thanks. Helen
@Helen Chen. Thanks for taking the time to send me this welcome note. Very much appreciated!
Dan, Thank you for sharing your wisdom through your blog and posts. I utilized your information to contract with my local hospice agency to record life stories of hospice patients who are interested and it has been life changing–for me and for the 8 folks who have participated so far & their families who receive copies of the recording. Thanks again for your generosity.
@Ronda McLean. Thank you Ronda for your kind comments. I’m pleased to learn that you’re working with your local hospice and helping patients tell their Life Stories. It’s important work that you’re doing.
I have enjoyed reading your blog for the past 3 years. THANK YOU for all the information and advice you provide. You provide such valuable insight and your passion is always evident in everything you write. I always look forward to the next post.
@Tara. Thank you, Tara. Nice to hear from such a long-time reader.