Don’t take them for granted

“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

Today’s quote stopped me in my tracks when I first read it in The Happiness Project. I believe there are better forms of “praise” than being taken for granted.

Most people want to feel appreciated. And everyone wants to be seen, heard, or validated — which partly explains our cultural addiction to social media. While it’s a privilege to be a “reliable” presence in someone’s life, being taken for granted can make you feel like an old pair of shoes.

Even the best relationships wear thin from neglect if we’re not mindful. This week, let’s celebrate the folks whose supportive presence is a constant in our lives. Let’s treat old friends and family with the same courtesy we’d extend to someone new. Send a card, return a favor, say thank you. ~CL