Would It Kill You to Say Thank You??

My parents ran a tight ship. My mother believed that the word “no” should be taught early to keep young children safe and well disciplined. She also believed that “please” and “thank you” were just as important as “no”.

So naturally I’m the maniac screaming in my car, “YOU’RE WELCOME, YOU *#@!” when someone merges in front of me and doesn’t bother to give a wave or some recognition. I was the crazy teacher getting nose-to-nose with my elementary and middle school students and saying, “You’re welcome” if I felt a thank you was warranted either to me or any other person. I believe in manners.

I also believe in service. I believe in offering support and encouragement to others so is it any wonder this is my seventeenth year as an educator. I’m happy to read drafts of theses, stay late after class, share my cell phone number with students, conference by phone – because this is in the same spirit in which my mentors have supported me. And (here comes the rant), after the hundredth pep talk, returning the fiftieth draft and gazillionth email – I’m wondering about some students. Sure enough, the crazed voice in my mind bellows, “Would it kill you to say thank you?!” These are not children. These are college students, many who hold bachelor degrees, professionals, parents and future educators. They are members of society.

Maybe I’m old-fashioned and shouldn’t expect a thank you every time. I don’t. But after so many interactions with a small percentage of students, I’m certain that at some point a whisper of a “thank you” will slip past their lips. It’s a simple gesture. When done with sincerity, “thank you” can mean a lot.