“You know the waiter who just did a really great job? The one who worked their tail off to refill your water glass over and over, and remembered your complicated order perfectly, and engaged in friendly conversation, and smiled when your kids were acting like hooligans in a half-shell?
Don’t assume they know they are doing a good job. Tell them.
You know the mom who just stood her ground at the grocery store with her child throwing the major tantrum? The one who got down on her knees in the middle of aisle with everyone watching and calmly told their child ‘no,’ and gave them a gracious tilt of her head while still firmly giving them the ‘don’t-you-dare-mom-stare?’
Don’t assume she knows she is doing a good job. Tell her.
You know the husband who just got home from the office? The one who woke up at 5 am, and didn’t even stop to change clothes when he walked through the back door before throwing his daughter up into the air, and listening to a ten minute story about Minecraft from his son, and telling his wife she looked beautiful?
Don’t assume he knows he is doing a good job. Tell him.
You know the teacher who made flashcards to send home for every single kid in the classroom? The one who stays up late grading papers, and writing encouraging notes at the top of assignments, and who notices the kids who are being left out and the kids who are having a rough home life and goes the extra mile for them even though it’s not part of their job description?
Don’t assume they know they are doing a good job. Tell them.
You know the coach who spends their Thursday evenings running drills instead of relaxing at home with their family, or going out to dinner with their friends? The one who lets each kid have a turn on the field, and encourages everyone to have a fun, and preaches that hard work always pay off, and makes each kid feels like a million dollars whether they can run fast, or dribble a ball, or whether the only thing they know how to do is stand in the outfield and pick their nose?
Don’t assume they know they are doing a good job. Tell them.
You know the friend who has worked for months organizing a charity event, or planning a Bible study, or starting new business? The one who has been so diligent in her hard work while still taking care of her family, and making time to return your text messages, even if it’s only with a GIF, or a funny meme?
Don’t assume she knows she is doing a good job. Tell her.
You know the policeman who just pulled you over? The one who busted you going 80 in a 65 with an expired registration sticker, and is just doing his job, and is working hard to keep everyone and everything safe?
Don’t assume he knows he is doing a good job. Tell him.
You know the woman who just checked you out with a huge smile on her face while you dug for your credit card at Target? The one who works long hours on her feet just to provide for her family, and doesn’t always have time for lunch, and still comes to work happy every day, and refrains from punching rude customers in the face for being complete jerk-hats?
Don’t assume she knows she is doing a good job. Tell her.
You know the kid sitting across from you at the dinner table? The one having a hard time at school, and probably isn’t winning any type of athletic event anytime soon? The one who is giving it their best, and still dancing around the kitchen, and who has way, way too much energy? The one who told you were the meanest mom in the whole wide world and then proceeded to curl up in your lap two seconds later? The one who makes your world go around?
Don’t assume they know they’re doing a good job. Tell them. And then tell them again and again and again.”
This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Amy Weatherly. The article originally appeared here. Follow Amy on Instagram here and Twitter here. Submit your story here, and be sure to subscribe to our best love stories here.
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