What should we do when someone does something nice for us? Express gratitude, thankfulness or appreciation to acknowledge the benefit we received. It is a positive emotion that benefits both the giver and receiver. 

A recent study has suggested that people who are more grateful have higher levels of well-being. Grateful people are happier, less depressed, less stressed, and more satisfied with their lives and social relationships and even sleep better.  In another study, regular patrons of a restaurant gave bigger tips when servers wrote “Thank you” on their checks.

How can we express gratitude? A few simple ways:

• Smile and say thank you.
• Tell a loved one you love them.
• Give a friend a hug.
• Write thank you notes.
• Tell someone who has helped you in the past how much it has meant to you.
• Do something nice for someone.
• Perform a random act of kindness.
• Give a thank you gift to your host. 
• Do volunteer work.
• Visit a shut-in or some one in the hospital.
• Call a friend, just to say hello. 
• Spend time with an elderly person.
• Tell your boss you appreciate his/her support.

 Louise, The Etiquette Lady