A national survey on gratitude, commissioned by the John Templeton Foundation, showed that Americans believe that gratitude is important. Important findings include: 

  • More than 90 percent of those polled agreed that grateful people are more fulfilled, lead richer lives, and are more likely to have friends.
  • More than 95 percent said that it is anywhere from “somewhat” to “very” important for mothers and fathers to teach gratitude.
  • 93 percent of those polled agreed that grateful bosses were more likely to be successful, and only 18 percent thought that grateful bosses would be seen as “weak.”

These results from the survey make us appear skilled at gratitude. However, the survey exposed what they call the “Gratitude Gap.” We think we are better at expressing gratitude than others are. But there is the rub. Indicators in the survey showed gaps in whom and how we acknowledge those to whom we express gratitude. The study also indicates the lack of actual accurate memory that most people have about expressed gratitude. And a caveat, most people don’t want to admit if they are less expressive of gratitude. But only one percent saw no reason to be grateful.

Turning our attention to our personal attitudes of gratitude: How attentive are you to expressing the gratitude you feel? A good metric for expressing gratitude is how do you feel when someone expresses gratitude to or for you? As in “I am so glad you are my friend,” or in other ways that offer you specific gratefulness.

A friend of mine recently took “Angela,” an elderly widow, who had no family, to a medical procedure. Throughout the journey, Angela kept saying “Thank You!” My friend had the time, transportation, and knowledge of how to properly provide the support her friend needed. Angela did not take her friend’s support for granted. She specifically spoke of immense gratitude.

Sadly, my father couldn’t fully grasp the concept of gratitude. He believed that kindness, or any kind of help or gift was an exchange, so to speak. He thought, “You did this for me; I must do equal or more in return for you.” For some of us, accepting acts of kindness is difficult. Many people believe that they must be stoic or that accepting help is a sign of weakness.

In a few days, our nation will celebrate Thanksgiving Day. It is a festive, wonderful, and usually excellent family time of expressing gratitude. It can also help us begin a personal pattern of expressing gratitude daily. 

“Thank You”; two words, spoken considering small or large deeds, are solace for the soul.

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2025