When appreciation doesn’t cost anything

Have we ever been in a situation where we feel unappreciated despite our effort in trying to put a smile on someone’s face? Many forget that a simple ‘thank you’ can go a long way in changing things. 

“My husband bought something for me few weeks back, but deep within me I didn’t like the gift though I didn’t say anything at that moment. After he had left, my friends who were around suggested that I tell him I didn’t like it and preferred the money so I could buy what I really desired. Just one friend kicked against the idea and told me to thank and appreciate him. She said I should not be a bad wife because I will dampen his spirit by telling him I didn’t like the gift. I thanked and appreciated him as my friend advised but surprisingly he asked that I tell him if I truly liked the gift. I told him I liked it but would have preferred another brand. Two weeks later, he got me the brand I wanted. I told my friends and they were surprised. This way, I’ve learnt that appreciation goes a long way.”

Rukah Salami, 39-year-old accountant, says “Appreciation is something I learnt from my late dad. He always encouraged me and my siblings to be appreciative even if we didn’t like whatever we received. He taught us to always put into consideration the effort of the person who gave the gift. He always stressed that it was the intention behind the gift and not the gift that matters or the quality and quantity of the gift.  Appreciation has never gotten anyone in trouble, so I find it weird when people find it hard to even say a simple ‘thank you’.”

Anne Dase, 40-year-old manager, says, “I have always been encouraged to be appreciative no matter for what, to whom or how, and I have lived with that mentality for years now. Till date, I always show appreciation no matter how tiny the gift or whom it’s from. I would say appreciation has been the secret to my happiness and progress in life. Mind you, appreciation doesn’t only come to play when it comes to gifts; it also applies to gestures and kindness. A smile towards a maid or market woman is also a form of appreciation. Appreciating peoples’ lives is the greatest form of happiness you can give to them.”

Nana Fatima Ahmed, 41-year-old pharmacist, says “A simple thank you goes a long way. But many women don’t know. Most women who could have been in the lady’s situation would have immediately told the husband that he was cheated or the gift was expensive.  I always get angry at my friends whom, when their husbands give them a gift, the first thing they ask is ‘how much did you buy it?’ that is the greatest form of ingratitude for his efforts. We mustn’t always quantify his love and effort on monetary terms. I am talking from experience, if you appreciate a man’s little gift, trust me the next gift he will give you will be mind blowing. For me, thank you gives you more rather than less. It’s always a rain of ‘thank you’ in my home and the gifts keep flowing.” 

Hajiya Asmau Ali, 40-year-old nurse, agrees with Nana and says, “Being appreciative has paid off for me in my marriage. Once in the past I nagged about my husband buying something very expensive and not saying thank you. It was not easy but I learnt my lesson and became appreciative no matter the circumstance. Even after eating, I tell my husband ‘thank you’. Even when I buy something for myself and show him and he says it’s beautiful, I still appreciate him like he was the one that gave it to me. This singular act has made my marriage stronger. You see, patience pays a lot and appreciation is the key to open every hard door.”