One of our first lessons in life is the importance of saying “thank you”. As children we were often reminded (and scolded) by our parents and teachers to say thank you when needed. God forbid you consumed a meal cooked by your busy mom without thanking her for it!

While we are better at appreciation when we’re younger (thanks Mom), unfortunately, things change when you’re an adult. The importance of giving and receiving thanks somewhat loses its shine and expectations creep in.

Expectations work both ways. The husband whose wife cooks the dinner may be expected to wash the dishes but this does not replace the importance to thank her for cooking. The wife who has cooked the dinner may be happy that her husband washes the dishes after every meal, but she is not wrong to expect a thank you that is not forthcoming.

While we would all love to be appreciated, we somehow have trouble expressing it. So what prevents us from asking for the things we need? Sure, asking for thanks can sometimes bruise the ego or cause an argument – but it is worth it.

The father told everybody else that he was proud of him, but he never told the son. It’s because he didn’t know that his son needed to hear it. So my question is, why don’t we ask for the things that we need? (Laura Trice)

According to Dr. Laura Trice, the power of these two words is incredible and worth remembering; they strengthen all relationships and repair bonds. Watch the 3-minute video above and remind yourself how important is it to give and receive thanks.