How to say thank you to someone special

Knowing how to say thank you to someone special can be easier said than done. Gratitude comes easy when someone goes above and beyond. But really, it’s those people that are there for you day in, day out that you don’t acknowledge enough.

We’re feeling inspired by our American friends, who are gearing up for Thanksgiving celebrations. Inspired to infuse as many foods we can with pumpkin spice; but also, to take part in the act of ‘giving thanks’.

Gratitude makes you happy

Studies in positive psychology consistently report links between gratitude and happiness. Harvard Health explains that “Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”

Saying thank you makes everyone happy

Thinking about what you have to be grateful works wonders for your own happiness. But if you want a double dose of happy, give your gratitude instead. How? By saying thank you!

It allows you to reap the benefits of thinking about how someone enriches your life. And you’ll be gifting the warm-and-fuzzies that come with being thanked. You’ll both look at each other with hands held on hearts and exchange ‘awwwws’, hugs and probably a couple more thank you’s. It will be fabulous!

How to thank someone special

For this to really work, you need to go deeper than a customer-service-thank you. This needs to come from the heart. The best way to do it is with a good-old-fashioned letter! Dr Tim Sharp (aka Dr Happy) is one of the many gratitude experts that suggests writing a gratitude letter. In fact, it’s a staple of positive psychology!

According to Dr Happy, a gratitude letter is “a written and specific expression of thanks to someone who has been especially kind or important to you who has never heard you express your gratitude.” Think of your co-worker, friend or family member. Anyone who makes your life better, and deserves to hear it!

Top tip: If you can deliver the letter in person so you can see how your words make the other person feel.

Start by explaining how this person has made your life better and why. Be specific! Describe specific situations and feelings that you’ve experienced. Talk from the heart and let this person know how much you value them and how you hope your relationship will be in the future.

Don’t fancy yourself a wordsmith? Don’t worry! We’ve created a pretty printable to help prompt you! Just pop your details in the box below and we’ll send it to your inbox!

Have you ever received a gratitude letter? Let us know your story below!