The Importance of Gratitude: What Men Should Remember
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Chapter 1: A Simple Request
There's something incredibly meaningful that I wish to hear more often from men, and it's just two straightforward words.
Last year, I invited a gentleman to join me for an event. Grateful for his company, I proposed we enjoy dinner at an elegant bistro nearby. Since he had driven an hour to see me, I intended to treat him as a gesture of thanks. I was genuinely pleased to do so.
When the bill arrived, I expressed my desire to cover it to show my appreciation. His reaction was one of surprise, followed by a nonchalant, "Oh. Okay," as he continued sipping his tea. Signing the $80 bill for a meal he thoroughly enjoyed stirred an unsettling feeling within me, although I struggled to articulate it.
He didn’t express any gratitude.
As we left the restaurant and headed to the event, he failed to acknowledge my gesture at all. It felt as if the entire dinner had been forgotten. Personally, I always convey my appreciation when someone treats me. I make sure they hear my gratitude when the bill comes, while leaving the restaurant, and even as we say goodbye at the end of the evening.
After that night, I couldn’t shake the discomfort of his lack of appreciation. It altered my perception of him. I shouldn't have to remind a grown man to express basic manners like saying "thank you" when someone does something unexpectedly kind for him.
Section 1.1: Common Courtesy
Sadly, this lack of gratitude isn’t an isolated incident. Over the following months, I realized he wasn't the only man who overlooked expressing thanks when I did something nice. I had an extra ticket to a show and invited a man I liked, took a friend out for his birthday, and even treated a new boyfriend to brunch at my favorite spot. Not one of them said "thank you."
This prompted me to stop these gestures altogether.
Subsection 1.1.1: Understanding the Mindset
The absence of gratitude from men genuinely perplexes me. Is this their standard behavior? When they receive promotions or raises, do they merely respond with, "Awesome," and walk away? When friends assist with chores or projects, do they just say, "Okay, see you later," without any acknowledgment?
I understand that men are often seen as providers, which might limit their practice of expressing gratitude when someone treats them. However, I won’t excuse their behavior. Every man had parents who taught them the importance of saying "please" and "thank you."
It’s disheartening to see men neglect such fundamental manners, and it saddens me that some feel so entitled that it doesn’t occur to them to express gratitude. If anyone deserves it, it’s the feminine energy, which naturally embodies appreciation. Every woman I know exemplifies gratitude for what is offered to her. Perhaps this is why men are so eager to provide for women—appreciation goes a long way.
Chapter 2: The Good News
Fortunately, it’s never too late to express gratitude. If you realize you haven't been vocal about your appreciation, take a moment to reflect on the kind gestures others have extended to you. Reach out with a simple message: "I was reflecting on how you helped me with my resume, and I want to express my gratitude for that—it truly made a difference for me."
Even if you’ve already expressed thanks, reiterating it can reinforce your appreciation. We often fall into transactional exchanges of gratitude. A simple "thanks" is inadequate for a meal that cost someone $100. Save "thanks" for small gestures, like passing the butter or complimenting someone.
Use your words. Women appreciate hearing more than you might think necessary. Tell them exactly why their gesture meant so much: "Your help saved me so much time," or "I was genuinely touched that you wanted to treat me to dinner." Such expressions warm the giver’s heart and foster deeper connections between individuals—ultimately, what truly matters in life.
I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments — feel free to share!
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