By Caitlin Kelly
Thank you!
I really appreciate what you did for me
I admire your strength
I love your sense of humor
I’m not sure how you do it — but good for you!
I don’t know how I’d get all this done without your help
You’re such a terrific friend
I love you
I’m really sorry I hurt your feelings
This is a tough assignment — so we’ll be sure you get the compensation you need for doing it
What can I do to help?
When can we get together?
Your teaching really pushed me — I learned a lot in your class
I enjoyed our time together
I’m so sorry for your loss
I made an error in judgment — I won’t let it happen again
How are you?
This must be a tough time for you
You did an amazing job on this project
What can I bring?
Sure, I can help — what time do you need me there?
You’re going through a rough time right now, but I’m here for you
Let’s meet for lunch tomorrow
Your resilience is an inspiration to me
I’m so glad we met
I’ll drive you to your appointment
I can take care of the kids this weekend
I’ll sit with you during chemo
Broadside 
I think I said Happy Mother’s Day to my mother. And I usually tell people thank you when they do something nice for me. Though the other day, a coworker did me a really huge favor, and I think I did a blessing in the style of the rabbis, wishing him good health and whatnot (gratitude will make you do funny things).
What I would like to hear now is “We would love to publish your short story!” or “Yes, I will read your book and write a review.” But I can’t exactly force people (other than certain family members) to do that, can I?
You can try! 🙂
Good manners are huge in my book, esp. expressions of appreciation and gratitude. I’ve been with Jose 17 years and I say thank-you to him a lot, still. I never take kindness for granted.
Good on you! Honestly, saying thank you can do a world of good sometimes.
🙂
I’m here for you, always – is what I said.
Let’s meet up is what I needed, and that’s what a few of us, colleagues and friends for 20 years and more, are doing this evening.
That’s a powerful thing to hear, for sure.
Sounds great! Long friendships are the best.
i’m always here for you.
🙂
Moved
Thanks!
How about “Just like old times”? My lifelong friend and I now live in different provinces. Tonight, she’ll be in our hometown, where I live and where we’re going on a double date. My guest will be my husband, hers will be a man she knew once but hasn’t seen in years. Husband and I are sort of her safety net, in case the date doesn’t go well. She and I are exchanging emails about the restaurant and what to wear; in one of her emails she commented on how grateful she is for being able to lean on me, and how nice it is to be planning our date together, just like old times. Her kind comments made my day.
Love it!
I live so far away from my Canadian friends now (sigh)…and so enjoy it when I get to see them again. Old friends are such a great gift. Good luck with the date!!
“I don’t know how to help you right now, but I can listen and love you and root for you to work this out as you always do.” This with a warm hug brought back a friend’s smile and sense that she was going to be okay through ongoing work drama.
Thanks! Love this…It’s very true that sometimes the best thing to do is stand firm and let a friend know you’re still there. We all hit moments of crisis.
I have been a caregiver to an elderly woman for 2 years. That poor thing has the meanest daughter. Just treats her mom like she’s a burden. Of course, the daughter signs my checks so I wait till she isn’t around to tell Jean “she got her daddy’s mouth huh”.
That’s sad to hear. On the other hand (as someone who knows), there might be another side to that story as well.
This is a great reminder. You always seem to do a nice job accentuating the positive. Thanks!
Thanks, Honie! I try…It feels like the world (certainly the U.S. politically) is an endless firestorm. Who needs more stress?
Agreed. Who needs it? That’s my motto when it comes to most of what passes for the news of the day.
I hate to admit how often I ignore it now. I watch my friends (and I admire their activism) on the verge of burnout.
Isla called me a ‘brave tomato’ once. I’ve been trying to live up to it ever since.
What I need to hear these days: Here’s this house with neighbours around. Let’s swap!’
What I’d say: The coffee’s on. Have you read this book? How are you, really?
Sounds like you’re feeling isolated…?
I think we need to make a T-shirt with Brave Tomato! 🙂
Thank you for keeping this wonderful blog 🙂
What i need to hear now? “Congratulations, you’ve won a million dollars!” Heh!
🙂
I like that one!
I thanked one of deacons at my church for inspiring me to go back to college a few years ago. I recently graduated and Sunday shared to the congregation how thankful I was for his inspiring words. He told me how much it meant to him.
That’s so great! It’s really moving when someone whose life we’ve touched or made better in any way lets us know that.
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