When “thank you” would have been nice

“See ya,” said my passenger, on whom I’d just spent a considerable sum, before exiting the car and disappearing down the walk.

I looked at the now empty passenger seat. “You’re welcome,” I told it. It said nothing. Off I drove, unthanked.

Yet it was fine. I was fine. My goal had been to treat someone I care about to a positive experience. Mission accomplished. Sure, a “thank you” would have been nice. But even so, well, mission accomplished.

I bring this up because it’s that wonderful time of year when advice columnists publish letters from people expressing outrage at gift recipients who fail to say “thank you.” 

Don’t get me wrong. For lots of reasons, “thank you” is important. If you expected and didn’t receive a “thank you,” I understand your disappointment or even hurt. You might even discontinue giving. Totally up to you.

But it’s not worth getting incensed. Why? See Paragraph 3 above.

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