Manners Matter: A Little Appreciation Goes a Long Way

Dear Mary Pat,

My wife asked me to go to the grocery store to get a very detailed list of items for an upcoming dinner party we’re hosting. I got everything she asked for on the list and waited for a thank-you. I didn’t get one. In fact, I got an eye roll when I asked her whether she’s proud of me for getting all the items as requested. Would it hurt for my wife to show a little appreciation?

Signed,

Honey-Do List

Sister Bay, Wisconsin

Dear Honey-Do List,

In order to get to the root of the eye roll and your wife not giving you a medal, let me ask you a few questions:

1. How often does your wife go to the grocery store per year? Is it 50 times? 78 times? 120 times? How many times have you thanked her?

2. Who is responsible for keeping the house clean? Is it your wife? If so, how many times have you thanked her?

3. Who typically cooks most of the meals in your household? Is it your wife? If so, how many times have you thanked her?

I’m sure your wife appreciates you going to the grocery store, and it would have been nice if she had simply thanked you, but I hope my questions have given you something to think about. A little appreciation goes a long way, and it’s definitely a two-way street.

Good luck,

Mary Pat