The Subtle Art of Saying Thank You

(and Surviving Awkwardness)

Saying “thank you” is a lot like sprinkling salt on fries—you just do it without thinking, and suddenly everything feels better. But let’s be real, it’s not always that simple. Ever found yourself blurting out “thank you” to a self-checkout machine? No? Just me? Fine.

There’s an art to gratitude, but it’s also a minefield. Say it too softly, and people think you’re sarcastic. Say it too loudly, and you sound like you’ve just been handed an Oscar. And heaven forbid you miscalculate the tone—it can quickly escalate into “Why did you thank me like that?” and suddenly, you’re in a full-blown existential crisis over a latte.

Then there’s the dreaded thank-you-ception:

“Thanks!”

“No, thank you!”

“No, really, thank YOU.”

By the time it’s over, you’re both awkwardly smiling like contestants in a “most polite human” contest.

Don’t even get me started on those who thank people for things they didn’t actually do. Like thanking someone for “their time” when they clearly had no better options. Or sending an email with “Thanks in advance”—the passive-aggressive cherry on top of every professional guilt trip.

But the beauty of “thank you” is how it sneaks in everywhere, from the mundane to the profound. You can use it to end a text, escape a conversation, or even confuse your enemies. (“Oh, you insulted me? Thank you!”) It’s the ultimate verbal Swiss Army knife.

At the end of the day, gratitude—awkward or not—is what keeps the world spinning. Just don’t forget to say it when it matters. And maybe hold off on thanking your toaster for breakfast. Or don’t. Life’s too short to skip unnecessary thank-yous.

Happy Thanksgiving! ⚡️

xo,

Thaíssa

P.S. I leaned into a more playful tone this time. Who knows? It might just become my occasional go-to.