What to do after you receive a gift

When you receive a gift or a favor from someone, you're probably going to say thank you. Some people say "thank you" very awkwardly, while others say it in a way that makes the giver think they did a good job. Do you know what the difference is?

You might think of ways to show your appreciation by saying "thank you" and sending a little gift icon, but personally, the best feeling I've ever had when helping someone is when they add a word to their "thank you." That one word is a short appreciation for a gift that is, in some ways, not much.

What's behind the word "thank you" is reciprocation. If you've ever given a gift to someone, you remember wanting to hear how they liked it. The same goes for the other person. They want to hear what you've been thinking about it since you received it. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. For example, if you're on a trip and a friend brings you a snack, you could tell them what you thought of it after you received it, or you could say that your family ate it really well and thank them for taking care of it.

A simple comment like this will bring to mind a happy scene of the person eating the snack with their family. Whatever gift you receive, make sure to say how you feel about it. A simple "thank you" or "I appreciate it" won't go a long way. But being specific, even if it's short, will make the gift giver feel appreciated. In the future, when you receive a gift, make a small comment to say thank you. Relationships are often built on a single word.