Every one of us gets up in the morning and immediately thinks of the never-ending list of things that we should accomplish in a day. We're stressed all the time, running on caffeine and wishing that there were just a few more hours in the day. All of this chaos of daily life oftentimes makes us forget about what's really important. We interact with people every day and might be forgetting to let others know just how much we appreciate them. Check out this list of people that we forget to thank and consider dropping a note or sending a text just to say thank you!
1. Your Parents
Parents sacrifice so much to provide for their children and definitely don't enough hear how much they are appreciated. Give your parents a call every once in a while not because you need something, but because you just want to tell them how much you love them.
2. Your Siblings
Your siblings were probably your first friends and, even though you fought growing up, you knew that your sister or brother was going to be the first person to step in if someone was picking on you. You spent a lot of time with your siblings and, whether you realize it or not, learned a lot from them.
3. Your Teachers/Professors
You probably go to class each day knowing that your teachers are paid to do what they do, so you don't really think twice about sitting down in class and expecting to learn something from them. Many teachers, though, go above and beyond what they're really being paid to do, so just drop a quick thank you as you're leaving class or bring them a small gift at the end of the semester to let them know that their hard work is appreciated.
4. Mentors
Whether there's someone who helped you adjust to college, showed you the ropes at your new job, or gave you insider information about the new restaurant in town, we learn a lot from people around us who have more experience. Let the people who you've learned and grown from know that their tips and tricks made a difference.
5. The Cashier at the Deli/Cafeteria
Sure, the cashiers at the deli or cafeteria that you go to for lunch are being paid for their work, but there are still individuals who go above and beyond to be friendly and considerate to customers. Share a smile to let them know you appreciate it.
6. The Cafeteria Worker Who Makes Your Morning Omelet
Again, the chefs in school/business cafeterias are paid to cook your food, but there's a noticeable difference between the ones who just do that and the ones who ask how your day is going. Make conversation with the cafeteria staff and give them a sincere thank you before leaving their station.
7. The Bus Driver/Taxi Driver/Train Conductor
For people who use public transportation, it's pretty clear that you'd be stuck without it. Give the bus driver a smile when you leave; you never know what kind of day that person has been having or how much better a simple smile might make him or her feel.
8. The Drive-Thru Cashier
Managing a drive-thru (or any customer service job, for that matter) can be hard work, so make sure to thank the person who hands you your food through the window. At the very least, make sure you're polite and courteous; it makes a huge difference.
9. Your Best Friend
We all have that one person in our life who we know we can call any time of the day or night. Even if you don't see or talk to your best friend every day, you know that he or she will be more than willing to help you through tough situations. Send your best friend a handwritten letter, a flower bouquet, or even an e-card, just to let him or her know that you appreciate all they do.
10. Your Childhood Friends
Whether or not you're close with them now, your childhood friends made a big impact on your life and helped shape your character. Even if it's just an email or Facebook message to check in and see how everything's going, these people changed your life in one way or another and surely would love to hear from you.
11. The Facilities Workers in Your Building
Facilities workers have a tough job to do and are often ignored by the other people in the building. Consider leaving a baked good or handwritten note by the facilities closet just to let the workers know that you appreciate their efforts and realize that you wouldn't be working in a clean environment without them. Whether you're the CEO of a company or the night-shift janitor, every person in a building has a job to do that makes the building operate smoothly.
12. The Barista Who Makes Your Morning Starbucks
If you recognize the same barista working at Starbucks every morning when you get your coffee, chances are he or she knows your face, too. Take the time to learn his or her name and to use it when you say thank you before leaving. It's a small effort that makes a big difference.
13. Your Pets
Think about it: when you come home after a long night, your dog or cat is probably the first one to greet you at the door. Your hamster or rabbit makes you feel better when you've had a tough day. These pets might not understand a verbal "Thank you," but give Fido a couple of extra treats one day and I'm sure he'll get the message.
14. Your Sorority Sisters/Fraternity Brothers
There's a reason joining a particular Greek organization is referred to as "finding your home." Your sisters/brothers are there for you whenever you need them, even if you don't know them as well as other people. You can connect with members of different chapters and use these people as resources, regardless of if you've even met them before. Take the time to let your Greek family know how much you appreciate them and wear your letters with pride.
15. Your Boss
Sure, work can be a source of stress on a daily basis for a lot of people. But keep in mind that your boss is the reason that you have a job and are making money in the first place. A sincere note or batch of cookies goes a long way in showing that you appreciate him or her.
16. Your Coworkers/Peers
Think about all of the times your coworker has gone on a coffee run or given you advice on a big project you're working on. Think about your classmates who have let you copy their notes when you miss class. These people deserve, at the very least, a sincere thank you and a warm smile.
17. Your Second Mom/Dad
Everyone has that one person that they consider to be a second parent to them. Maybe you even call your best friend's mom "Mom because she's always there to remind you to do your homework or will cook you a hot dinner when you see her. These people are an important part of your support system and deserve a thank you for all that they do.
18. Your Extended Family
Some people are closer with their extended family than others, but the fact of the matter is the same: these people are family. You know that they'd support you whenever you needed them, even if it's been months or even years since you've gotten together. Why not send a Facebook message or a flower bouquet just to let them know that you're thinking of them?
19. Your Gym Buddy
You may say some pretty aggressive things to your gym buddy when he or she texts and calls you continuously until you get out of bed, but when you finish that morning workout and feel great, isn't there a thank you in order? We all have people that motivate us and help us look and feel our best, so why not treat your workout buddy to post-gym protein shakes or a new workout top? Even a simple thank you in the morning instead of your usual complaints about not wanting to go will make him or her feel appreciated.
