Gratitude is a universal emotion. Regardless of our age, location or gender, saying thank you is one way we can ensure that we have acknowledged the acts of kindness of our friends and family.

The importance of saying thanks has been formally recognised with the introduction of International Thank You Day, held annually on the 11th January across the world. The day has been designed to ensure that we recognise the kind actions of others, and that we remember to thank our loved ones.

However, we should not save our thanks and appreciation until International Thank You Day. In reality, our busy lifestyles often mean that we rarely take the time out to show our appreciation, and it can be easy to take the kind actions of others for granted. In fact, it has become commonplace to respond with a wave, or a smile, than a more formal expression such as thank you. Alternative phrases to show our thanks such as; ‘cheers’, ‘wicked mate’ and ‘ace’ are also growing in popularity.

Gifts such as flowers and chocolates have been typically associated with thanking someone, as captured by the iconic 1980s Cadbury’s Roses advert. Whilst flowers and chocolates undoubtedly remain popular ways to show our appreciation, it is also apparent that personalisation has grown in importance, with many choosing to write an old-fashioned hand-written letter, or taking the time to make a home-made gift. This goes to show that it does not take an elaborate gesture to reciprocate an act of kindness, even the smallest tokens of appreciation, such as simply saying thanks can prove the most effective, and mean a great deal to all parties.

With an abundance of terms to express our thanks, from the more formal ‘thank you very much’ to a simple ‘cheers mate’, ‘ta’ or ‘wicked’, the important element is showing our gratitude in a polite and friendly manner.

Whatever the reason; whether it be for something as simple as being offered an umbrella in the rain or as dramatic as saving someones life, saying thank you is the best way to show your appreciation.