A Story About Pie

I want to share a story with you about being grateful.

There was a woman who knew that her next door neighbor loved pie. So one day she baked her one and took it over. "Oh this is great! thank you so much, you are a great neighbor" the woman replied.

Knowing how much she liked the pie, the woman decided next week to take another one. "thanks very much" was the reply. Same thing the next week. "thanks" the woman said.

The following week when she delivered a pie the woman said "hey you're a day late." The week after that, "can you make cherry instead of apple all the time"?

The woman's appreciation dropped off over time. She went from being grateful to nagging about the kind of pie she was receiving. And guys, I want to tell you, we do the same thing.

Over time, we lose appreciation for all of the things our partners do for us. We take it for granted. When was the last time you thanked her for something she does that routinely goes unnoticed?

Maybe it's time to notice, and be grateful.

Stay in touch -

Mark

Taken For Granted?

We've been talking over the last couple of days about giving your partner priority status. The opposite of that is taking your partner for granted. Here's what some people, who have been taken for granted have to say about it...

"it just becomes second nature to expect it from those that you know are doing you wrong."

"It sucks when someone takes me for granted because I have had self esteem issues for most of my life and I have a hard time standing up for myself."

"I truly do hate it.. problem is I never see it in time. I always take a hit right were it hurts."

Not pleasant images are they? "doing you wrong", "self esteem issues", "hit right where it hurts". Is that the kind of relationship you want for your partner?
As the very least it's impolite. In it's worst forms it's abuse. In any case, it's not something that builds up a relationship.

How do we fix it?
Show some appreciation. Say thank you. Notice when things are done for you.
Do things in return. Be engaged in the relationship. Participate.
Don't just take.

Stay in touch -

Mark