Love & appreciation

“Being taken for granted is an unpleasant but sincere form of praise. Ironically, the more reliable you are, and the less you complain, the more likely you are to be taken for granted.” ~Gretchen Rubin, The Happiness Project

While I agree with some aspects of today’s quote, I have to take issue with it. Let’s just say that I can think of better forms of “praise” than being taken for granted.

Whether we’re talking about romantic, platonic, or familial love, I believe most people want to feel special or appreciated. At the very least, human beings want to be seen and validated (which might explain our cultural addiction to social media). It’s an honor to be a “reliable” presence in someone’s life, but being taken for granted can make you feel like a well-worn pair of shoes.

Even the best relationships will wear thin from neglect if we’re not mindful. As Valentine’s Day approaches, let’s not forget to celebrate the folks whose loving, supportive presence is a constant in our lives. ~CL