When someone helps you, expressing gratitude is not only polite but crucial for strengthening the connection and fostering mutual understanding. And it increases the likelihood that they will help you again.

Let’s break down how to thank them using the principles of Nonviolent Communication (NVC):

(These are the elements to include, but you can change the order and the wording to fit the situation.)

Observation: “I so appreciate all that you did today to help get the seder ready in time – the soup, setting the table, the eggs [list each thing specifically].”

Feeling: “I was anxious and stressed out about getting it all done, but knowing you were on it helped me be much more calm all day.”

Need: “Instead of doing it all alone, doing all this together with you gave me a real sense of support and partnership.”

Impact: “Your help significantly eased my workload and my stress.”

Appreciation: “Thank you. Thank you. Your help today means so much to me – not only was the day easier and smoother, I really feel that we are a team.  And I really appreciate that.”