Appreciation is of three types. First, appreciating honestly from the heart. Second, for flattering someone. Third, so that the other person doesn’t feel bad. The second type is definitely not advisable as its as good as cheating someone. Talking about the third, depending on a situation one may opt for it only and if only required. After all its again not an honest approach. So better avoid.
I admire the virtue of appreciation among the rest. Since childhood we are taught to appreciate or praise. It can be a gift from someone, or food made, or a gesture. When we grow up, life speeds up so fast, we tend to forget these golden virtues. When you praise someone for a help done, we not only acknowlede the person but also make him/ her feel good about himself/ herself.
Its said that point out someone’s fault in private, but apprciate publicly. So true. How many of you there appreciate the person who has made the food, when you have liked a certain dish?

I try to do it.
when I like food made by someone. The last time I did it was for a sandwich maker on street. The taste and composition of the sandwich was just yummy. While eating itself I gestured a wow sign to the maker. He smiled and nodded his head, accepting my appraisal wholeheartedly. When Mummy makes parathas, I just tell her, they are very nice and soft. Its a usual dish all mothers make. But appreciating her, gives me a pleasant everlasting joy. Joy of making someone feel good.
Recollect the moments with your family and friends. Is there a friend who brings your favourite food at times? Do you appreciate the person who cooked that food? If no then please do it next time. Do the same when any family member cooks your favourite food next time.
The same goes for a gift.
If you have not liked it, convey it if you are close to the giver. Or else, accept it with grace and good heart. After all the giver has spent time and energy for choosing a gift for you. But if you liked the gift, praise generously from your heart. Agree that some people are introverts and shy. They are not open enough to express themselves. But try. You never know. A word or gesture of appreciation from your end might make their day.
When you use a public transport like taxi or auto rickshaw, if the driver has taken you to your destiny on time, safely, appreciate. If a watchman has opened a lift door for you, appreciate. If the food or grocery delivery person has delivered the items before time, appreciate. A thank you also works wonders for people. Everyone who has helped you in some way or the other, appreciate.
If a family member
has solved a matter peacefully, appreciate. Do not take people around you for granted. When someone stops doing special things for you suddenly, first ask a question to yourself. Have you treated him/ her right? Then come to conclusions. Many family members like our parents, siblings serve us without getting a single word of appreciation from us. If you have not done it yet, do it now. Get up. Appreciate that sandwich your sister made for you, which you gulped licking your fingers. But forgot to praise her for making and feeding it to you. Appreciate when your wife keeps a fresh clean towel for you when you return tired, exhausted from work. Tell her that this gesture means a lot to you.
We humans have a biggest blessing, we can ‘think’. This blessing turns to a curse when we do it before appreciating someone. Shed those excuses of being an introvert. Break that wall of ego. Open your mouth and appreciate, praise, hug. It will make someone’s day but it will make your soul, happy and smiling.
Thank you for reading this article.
If you are an ardent story lover, do vread my latest story only here 👉 https://pieces-of-life.com/2023/03/22/the-moon-naturally-draws-some-blessed-souls-towards-himself/
1 thought on “Appreciation : An underrated Virtue”