A Simple “Thank You” Would've Been Nice

Last night, I was about to cross a busy road when a kind security guard raised a light stick to signal the cars to stop. He then gestured for me to cross, so I ran across the street and said “thank you”.

Like two peas in a pod, I always make sure to say “thank you” whenever a waitress finishes taking my order or brings me food. Even though it’s a part of her job, I appreciate that she does it with a smile. 

Saying “thank you” should be as seamless as breathing—or at least, that's how I feel.

Someone holds the door for you? A “thank you” would be nice.

A friend lends a hand? Thank them.

A barista hands you your steaming hot order? Don’t forget to smile and say “thanks”. 

To put it simply, saying “thanks” costs us nothing.

I think what I'm about to write today might be a bit... controversial. I’m not sure if it’s a good idea to post this, but I feel like I need to be honest—something’s been bothering me lately.

I’ve started to notice a disturbing pattern around me, where some people act like kindness is something they’re automatically entitled to. I’m not saying they don’t deserve it—I truly believe everyone does—but they take every small act of kindness for granted, and the negative vibe has started to take a toll on me.

In my defense, I've tried to be the bigger person by doing favors for them. It wasn't easy, especially since they didn’t even ask for them—they just expected them. What really bothered me was that, after everything, I didn’t even get a proper “thank you”. I know I shouldn’t have expected anything (especially after doing something meant to be kind), but… a “thank you” would've been nice, you know?

I hope I don’t come off as petty. Believe it or not, I don’t usually care much about this kind of thing. I get uncomfortable when people show me too much gratitude. But this situation feels different! It really bothers me that some people mistake kindness for weakness. How is it possible that a simple “thank you” costs nothing, yet they treat it like it’s a thousand-dollar mantra reserved for a select few?

But then again, I know I shouldn’t expect anything in return—after all, kindness is supposed to be selfless.

Still, a “thank you” would’ve been nice, you know? Otherwise, we risk creating a world where kind gestures begin to lose their meaning.