What you appreciate appreciates. If you appreciate someone in a relationship with a compliment or in some kind of demonstrable manner, you strengthen the relationship. You increased the value of the connection. A chief complaint with intimate partners is that they feel unacknowledged and unappreciated. This issue is relatively easy to correct if there is regular recognition given to one another.
Being appreciated feels good, particularly when it’s unexpected. Acknowledgement doesn’t require extravagance although it certainly can. It may be as simple as a smile or a hug. Being seen and understood is a desire of a great majority of people. How do you feel when you are seen and understood?
How would you rate yourself in terms of sharing your appreciation with those you love or work with? If you find yourself lacking in giving acknowledgement, what is the obstacle? It may feel awkward to be vulnerable, but it could be well-worth it to overcome that awkwardness with someone you care about.
How about work situations? Does giving appreciation to those you work with seem too touchy-feely? Exit interview research shows that countless employees leave their jobs not necessarily because of pay issues but because they feel unappreciated.
If you recognize clerks, wait staff, baristas, and others in your daily world, you will make a positive impression on them. When they cross paths with you again, there’s a very good chance that they’ll likely acknowledge you in return. It’s a win-win.
Have you had the occasion when someone unexpectedly appreciated you? Perhaps you felt a warm glow and were boosted. Be assured that others you bestow appreciation on probably feel the same way. If you survey your everyday activities, you have so many opportunities to shine your light on what is good in others. Where will you share your appreciation today?