How to Appreciate Someone

Writing a good appreciation is the simple three simple steps:

  1. What they did.

  2. How it made you feel.

  3. What it says about them.

Say it from the heart. You don’t have to be eloquent. Be genuine and that’s going to shine through.

On a deeper level, appreciation is the act of recognizing moral beauty in another person. What do you want them to see about themselves? (Here’s a list of moral virtues and values you might see and admire in that person) When you see something wonderful in someone else, you are elevating it for them, and surprisingly, for yourself. In essence, your recognition (“seeing again”) of the good in others creates more good, in you and the other.

“Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.” — Gertrude Stein"

The Benefits of Appreciation

Our brains are hard-wired to see the negative, to protect us from the world. Gratitude changes how we notice the world and, in turn, we create a more positive relationship to the world. Appreciation is being grateful for someone and then letting them know your gratitude. According to research, gratitude:

  • Strengthens relationships

  • Improves physical health

  • Improves psychological health

  • Improves self-esteem and

  • Increases mental strength

When you appreciate someone else, you feel gratitude while creating gratitude in someone else. It doesn’t take much time. It is sustainable and environmentally friendly too, no extra waste, or junk created. It’s an exchange of joy, meaning, and connection that might bring healing to the world.

Helpful Prompts

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  • What I’m most grateful for about you is ________.

  • When you did ________, I felt such ________.

  • My favorite memory of you is ________.

  • What you taught me most about myself is ________.

  • I remember when I ________, you ________.

  • My favorite thing about you is ________.

  • When I feel ________, you ________.

  • What you don’t see in yourself but everyone else sees is how ________ you are.

  • Keep being so ________.

  • I feel so ________ when you ________.

  • You made a huge difference in my life when you ________.

  • I so appreciate it when you ________. It shows you are ________ and ________.