Thank you

Thank you.

That is a very common thing to hear. You hear it everyday somewhere. But what does it mean?

With something used so common, it is very likely that it loses all meaning after a while. It becomes something automatic. You don't think to say it. You just say it.

According to Merriam-Webster's online dictionary:

Main Entry: thank-you
Pronunciation: 'tha[ng]k-"yü
Function: noun
Etymology: from the phrase thank you used in expressing gratitude: a polite expression of one's gratitude


Has a polite expression of one's gratitude become just an automatic thing? Used thoughtlessly and without true emotion behind it?

Probably.

Have you ever noticed how often people say "thank you"?

Have you ever watched their actions and their faces when they say it?

People often do not mean it.

What about when you do something nice for someone? Give someone something? Or something of that nature?

Ever notice that they say "thank you" and continue on with their life?

They don't offer anything in return. I know that isn't what doing nice things is about, but there is a point when you are just hurting yourself by doing these nice things.