LETTERS: EXPRESS YOUR APPRECIATION

To the editor:

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it can be a reminder to us of the role appreciation plays in our lives.

While appreciation is one of the things we most like to receive, it can also be one of the things most difficult to express -- not usually because we don't want to give appreciation, but because we don't know how to express it or it feels awkward or we're not sure how it will be received.

Here are some suggestions on how to express appreciation. And remember, the more you practice, the easier it becomes.

Be clear and specific about what it is you appreciate about someone. Secondly, let the person know how his or her act affects you. Some examples:

-- "I appreciate your calling when you're running late. It keeps me from worrying."

-- "I appreciate your baby-sitting on such short notice. It allowed me to attend a very important meeting."

-- "I appreciate your extra work lately. I has really helped us get caught up."

-- "I appreciate your organizational skills. It really keeps the office running smoothly."

-- "Thanks for the ride to the game. It kept my dad from having to make an extra trip into town."

Expressing appreciation to others not only lets them know how valuable they are to us, but it also helps us feel good.

Express a feeling of appreciation to at least one person each day. Express appreciation to your spouse, kids, parents, friends, co-workers, caretakers, grocery checkout clerks, bank tellers and waitresses. Express appreciation for small as well as large things, and for qualities in others as well as tangible items.

We all like to feel appreciated, and it is so easy for us to help others feel appreciated too.

TARYN LeGRAND-LOVETT, Clinical Director

Bootheel Counseling Services

Sikeston