As a nurse, that rare, verbal thanks from patients and families means so much and goes so far. I cognitively understand that my work is important and valued, but there is something to be said for having another human being look me in the eye and say "thanks for what you do, even when it's gross work."
I hate to hear that this is rare. I would hope that healthcare workers get more than the average amount of appreciation, but I imagine it depends on where you work. Thank you for doing what you do, /especially/ when it's gross work."
One of my best friends interned for Montana's Senator Daines, often answering constituent phone calls. The interns you're talking to when you call can write more detailed notes about your thoughts if you are polite and engage with them! Speak up but doing so with kindness really helps!
Huh, that's interesting. I've read a bunch of articles that say they just tally calls, so you should just state the thing you support or oppose and not go into detail. I'll have to think about that!
This reminds me of my favorite quote. I saw it one day on the internet and it changed the way I thought of my life. "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou This quote reminds me of 2 things. 1, That I don't have to worry about every decision I make. That some things will be forgotten and that is ok. and 2 that it is much more important to try to be nice and pleasant to everyone you meet whether you know them or not because that is what is important and will be remembered. Have a good day. :)
wow. the timing of this is so weird for me. yesterday, i was buying food at the mall. the place i was getting it from was by far the busiest. the girl who was taking, filling everyone's orders was so impressive. she was like an efficient, articulate, positive and well oiled machine. in the 1 second between when she finished my order and when she moved on to the next customer, i decided to tell her how she was so efficient and amazing and that i support her and she's doing a great job. it kind of seemed like a weird thing to say at the time but she practically lit up. you could tell no one ever says that sort of thing to her. APPRECIATE PEOPLE
Shannon Dean, True that about the timing of the video!! Right now, I'm a cashier at a drive thru, and if her work is anything like mine, I bet you're right in saying no one ever says that sort of thing to her. Every great once in a while, someone will say that kind of thing to me. Like, someone will stop and say "Thanks, I really appreciate you," and I just really think that's awesome. For me it's like "THANK YOU for recognizing that I'm a complex human and not an automated voice recording, and thank you for appreciating what I do to make sure that this relatively small aspect of your life is awesome!" =D So yeah, I can't speak for your cashier at the mall, but I can tell you that I appreciate your appreciation for people like me =)
and thank you! It is mostly interns who answer Senate and House pnones. And hearing people say this, or some variation, made it so much better. Even a short "keep up the good work" meant someone appricate me franticlly noting their concerns. 10/10 would do again because of them.
i think part of it is that we no longer know how to accept compliments or appreciation. I've made several poeple cry by saying they look great in their chosen articles of clothing. I tried to give a garbage man a candy bar. Just last week I hugged a woman who burst into tears on me because she was shopping for one for the first time. All of them tried to put the inconveneience of them unecessarily taking up my time over the appreciation I was trying to show them. :( I guess to accept human gifts, we all need to be a little bit more vulnerable, and realise that sometimes it is just a gift, and you dont have to 'make up' for it later.
I think its rather hard feel like one deserves to be accepted and loved, especially by someone who they probably wouldn't be able to reciprocate and thus feel the imbalance of love being given (if that makes sense)
+amy chien I know :( This culture we now live in equates not being able to do everything by yourself with being weak. Not only is this very sad, it can be downright dangerous as poeple try and force themselves to cope. But to ask for help is to make yourself vulnerable, which again society paints as weakness. Vulnerability and weakness are not the same thing :( You also make the very good point that it hard to feel like one deserves to be loved and accepted, which is why communities like Nerdfighteria are so important. thusly, If I gave excess bounce or positivity I try and give it to other poeple, even if they're not sure what to do with it. I feel like the effort made is as important as the appreciation given. Thank you all for taking the time to reply to my comments, i truly appreciate your time and insight. You enrich my existence
I work in sales, specifically textbook sales (not for a big company, a small family-owned company), and I make a lot of calls a day. One thing I've learned, sort of akin to you telling your representative to have a nice day, is that I smile while talking. You can hear a smile in someone's voice and immediately people are more receptive. I'm not talking about a maniacal smile, just a friendly one. For some reason, it helps.
I worked for an admissions telethon at my university. Smiling while you talk helps. Even after dozens upon dozens of calls, it helps make that phone call sound like the first one, and everyone likes to feel like they were the first call you made on your list.
I work on the phone as well and am in charge of training a lot of new employees and this is one of the biggest pieces of advice I give over and over. Its kind of a fake it til you make it mentality as well. If you smile on the phone the person on the other end hears it and there is a better interaction. You also start to feel better because even a fake smile becomes a real one (its actual brain science) and your smile causes better transactions which also make you feel better!
Thanks to you and John for making such a great channel, actually TONS of channels, but also your words that up lift us all. They mean a lot to many of us and we all benefit from them. Happy Birthday Hank, hope you and your family have a great day!
Justin C Scott thank you but I can't take credit for it haha. I don't remember where exactly it came from but it's been a vlogbrothers thing for a while
my secret guess is that the boxes contain scavenger hunt prizes! Which is a little sad because I totally missed the scavenger hunt train and now it's too intimidating to get on it.
I can totally understand it feeling intimidating to join now, but it really isn't too late to do it! Hop into the discord anytime you feel like it (www.tuataria.com/join/), we have a lovely, welcoming community of nerdfighters over there who'd love to have you :D
happy birthday to the brilliant man who cheers me up when i am sad, makes me feel safe and introduced me to my love of science and more specifically psychology
Thanks! It always bums me out when people say that there is no need to thank the bus driver when getting off since he's getting paid. Without the feeling of appreciation who would even want to do their job?!
Until I moved to the city I'm in now, I had never heard anyone ever thank a bus driver. Here just about every time someone gets on or off the bus they say thank you. I went to a bigger city nearby recent;y and took transit and said 'thank you' as I got on, and the driver literally did a shocked double take.
I think the tumbs up is spreading, and it is also a great way of showing appreciation to people doing their job! My example from today: The 5th of May here in the Netherlands is a big national celebration: it's the day we celebrate our liberation from Germany in 1945. A lot to be very thankful for, and a good day to appreciate the freedom we live in. It is celebrated in all provincial capitals with a big free festival for everyone. But the police has to work all day, to make sure everyone else can have a nice day without problems with big crowds, drunk people, etc... Today we saw 2 policemen walking by on their horses. I'm a bit used to people being impressed by that sight, and possibly making fun of them. One of the horses was even having some trouble with the loud music and seemed to be dancing/prancing on the beat, which looks really funny with a serious police officer on top. And then I was surprised. A young guy walking past gave the police a thumbs up. And I noticed that the general attitude towards the policemen was not hostile at all, everyone seemed to appreciate their presence at this great festival. I was happy that the policemen could feel appreciated in their work, as they were one of the few people around that did not have a day off :)
Hi. Happy Birthday! I agree on the point of people not getting enough appreciation for what they do outside of pay. What are some ways you would propose showing more appreciation?
Tell people you appreciate them! Take the time to say a little more than the usual pleasantries. "Thank you for what you do. I imagine it's hard, and it is really helpful to me." Or with your friends and loved ones, when you notice they did something that's awesome, don't let it slide--tell them specifically why you think they're awesome. "Hey, I noticed that nice thing you did. You're so thoughtful and generous." It feels weird at first if you're not used to giving compliments, but it honestly becomes a really fulfilling and natural-feeling habit.
I have found thank you cards are a great to appreciate those around you. I'm about to graduate tomorrow and as much as I told teachers how much I have appreciated them over the last four years I also wrote thank you cards to the cleaning ladies who clean the common room and study rooms in my dorm building every day and to the ladies at the local school cafe who have seen myself and other students not only on their best days but on their worst. The next day after I handed out those thank you cards I received so many hugs of just appreciation that not only in four years had I tried really hard to learn their names but that I was always happy to see them. I feel like we've done away with thank you cards and I think they should make a comeback.
Happy birthday, Hank! :) I always remember the customers who express, and are able to make me believe, their gratitude. They bring me relief and calmness. Customers who come in, bark out what they want, sneer at any attempts to be polite - they put me on edge. It's those kinds of customers that knot up my back and neck, and make me seriously debate leaving my current job. But I will always remember the wonderful people who look me in the eyes and tell me I'm doing a good job. Or the people who show appreciation for the work that went our product. I especially love the people who tell me about a band playing in town or of a restaurant I hadn't heard of. Oh, and while I know this is not true for every person in customer service, I actually really like it when kids ask me questions. Strange, right? But they're engaging and curious. I'm never not going to answer a kid's question.
I really appreciate all the work you guys put into vlogbrothers and all the other stuff you do. It hasn't just helped me to be happy, it's also helped me to think. I hope you feel better, Hank!
This is why I keep watching you guys after all these years. You continue to give fresh perspectives and ideas that help make life better for people and strive for a better society. Plus, you articulate and distill those ideas better than I ever could. Thank you!
Hank, I'm binging the last few weeks of vlogbrothers videos right now and I must mention that this is the 3rd video of yours that has gone on my "inspirational" playlist, which until now has consisted primarily of your brother's videos and "coming out" videos and I think that's important.
GOOD JOB Hank and John. You guys are making super awesome videos. The awesome video to not awesome video rate going through the roof. I love you two. Talking about appreciation and the invisible heart is awesome and make me happy. And on top of that, it's just a nice feeling. I HOPE EVERY VIDEO IS LIKE THIS! Talking about appreciation would bring less internet trolls I believe.
I'm going to repost my comment on the last video: Congratulations, John. That is the invisible heart. It has many names over many cultures and religions. All religion is essentially explaining and helping people to find the invisible heart. It has the energy that keeps all living things alive. If this is the first time you found it. You're soon find worlds of awesomeness and appreciation you can never imagine before. I suggest you enjoy it and treat it nicely. And like maybe write a book about it. Also try use it to your advantage. Everyone has an invisible heart. You have to be powerful, lucky and sacrifice enough to detect it first.
This reminds me of that anecdote where a school, tired of parents dropping students off late sometimes, introduced a fine for late parents. And the lateness _increased!_ The hypothesis was that parents no longer felt guilty- now, they felt they legit paid the fee for lateness and thus it's fine, whereas before they felt guilty for holding up the start of class. Can't remember where that's from, possibly the book Predictably irrational by Dan Ariely.
As someone who used to answer calls for a Congressman, it was always better when people were polite and nice. Those people answering those calls? Most of them are interns, so no they don't get paid. Other than being nice, the only other thing I would recommend is that you lead your conversation by saying "I am a constituent and my zipcode is...."
Happy birthday Hank! I'm watching you from El Salvador, Central America I'm a big fan of this channel and of you and John. Let me tell you that there's so much truth in your words, being nice to others and showing them gratitude does not take anything away from you, on the contrary it gives you a feeling of bounding to another human being that as short as it might be it makes you feel good and happy and great or is it just me? seeing the smile that your kindness and gratitude provokes is amazing and in a country as violent and impoverished as the one I live in, I believe kindness and gratitude, not only to those providing services but to everyone without exception, is not an option but a necessity, we need to show others that small gestures and actions can improve and change not only one day but also the future society we will live in.
Thanks for all you do, Hank. From Vlogbrothers, to The Pod, to Vidcon, to DFTBA Records, and all your channels, and all the ways you show you care about the people you care about. I appreciate it. I appreciate you.
As a grocery clerk, I love making people's days a tiny bit better by getting them their stuff faster & helping to keep their crazy kids occupied & saying "thank you". Thank you for appreciating appreciation, Hank :)
I was a language specialist and natl archivist for the federal government. I dealt with foreign dignitaries, translated public documents, close to 900 congressional briefing papers, coordinated life saving contacts during wildfires, etc. But what I'm still remembered for at the federal building is I smiled at everyone and found something genuine to compliment every person I spoke with. A thumbs up, a smile, a small courtesy costs me nothing but when I receive such things it can change everything. It just has to be genuine.
Fun story about appreciation: last Christmas my father wrote the person who collects our garbage a nice Christmas card that also doubled as a thank you card, as well as have a small financial tip. Since then, every single week this whole year out garbage can has been brought up to our door instead of just being left at the curb (which is the normal practice). It really is amazing how such a small thing can have such a great impact
Thank you for your work. Both of you and the team that helps you make all the content for the internet. I know sometimes that may be not so fun and I appreciate all the work you guys put in to it. I love your videos. ♡ Loads of love and hugs, hope you get well soon and happy birthday, Hank.
In the Bible Belt for the past few years, people have started saying "have a blessed day". Though I'm an agnostic atheist, I appreciate that these evangelical Christians have tried to find a way to tell others "have a nice day" in a subtly different way, one which might make people think about the impact of their small talk interactions.
yes yes yes. please yes - I'm going through some tough shit right now and this video somehow instantly made me happy. we need more people like you, more channels like this!
thank you Hank for a video on appreciation. It's something we all need more of in our life I feel. I recently got fired from a job where my boss made me feel like I was useless to him. During that time I was also teaching people in a local dance studio hip hop. The difference in appreciation I got from those 2 jobs was significant. In the one I was under appreciated I felt I had almost no confidence in my work and in the other I felt on top of the world. So I think it's important that we try to appreciate all the things people do, including the ones working beside you in your office.
Wow! I'm early. SO here's what I'm gonna do: I'm gonna ask a question that I NEED answered, because I've asked all over and can't get an answer. Who won the Batman t-shirt contest?
Weird because I just went back and rewatched that songified video for the first time in forever, haha. I feel like John won, but I honestly thought it wasn't super fair. I wanted to buy Hank's shirt more for the words, but I liked the design of John's better. If I'd been able to buy one, I would have bought John's.
Happy Birthday Hank! I notice this all the time. I always thank everyone for whatever it is. People forget how far a thank you and a smile can go to make someone's day.
I work at pretty much thankless job at McDonalds and just got home from a pretty bad shift. Everyone was in a mood, the customers were all pretty thoughtless and the nice interactions I had didn't last long. its the little things that make it better though, like the friend who came by just before closing and was really nice to me, or my managers understanding. honestly what I live for is when people say thank you. To come home from a long day and see that Hank and John and all these other nerdfighters feel the same way... its heart warming. thank you for spinning my day into a positive end.
I'm never gonna forget this one customer I had when I was working as a cashier at a clothing store. I was doing a return for her and at this store for returns you have to punch in every item number individually instead of scanning the barcodes. I'd gotten used to it by this point so I just did it at my regular pace and gave her a receipt when she was finished. instead of just saying goodbye and leaving, she said "wow you did that super fast. can I write a review or something?" I told her that normally there were surveys on receipts but not for returns. "okay well can I talk to your manager then?" unfortunately at that time all our managers were in a meeting together, so I couldn't pull one of them away to talk to her. "okay can I leave a note then?" I gave her a piece of paper and a pen to write her note and gave it to a manager later. it was probably the best amount of praise I ever got at that thankless job. nobody else was ever so insistent that my supervisors knew they liked what I did. I hope I can pay that kindness forward.
Thank you for this, and everything. Truly. This channel more than any other I just don't want to ever go away. Absolutely never ever. Whether on UA-cam or any other platform I just don't want to be without Vlogbothers. Jus sayin
I am so very, very grateful you guys make these videos. Vlogbrothers is a confirmation that healthy, thoughtful, caring people ARE. We exist. All over the place. Sometimes I realize how much dreck I take in without ever wanting to, and I get the feeling that it's just me and a few friends, in a country filled with pisssed off extremists & the clueless. My best friend played me the thumbs-up video, and then this one, so I just found your channel on you tube and subscribed. So - THANK YOU! ( -and Happy Birthday!) And a bonus thank you for being the kind of people who attract like minds. I don't think there are many channels that have comments this consistently polite.
Thank you Hank and John for all the hard work and effort that goes on behind the scenes in all the amazing projects you share with us! And for all you do in trying to make the world better. And for all the dubious advice. DFTBA.
THANK YOU! You're spreading a good message to millions of people for years continuously and... MAN, do I love what you're doing with your time. AGH! Just thank you! I'll definitely carry this message with me.
I'm glad you pointed this out Hank. I never knew how to explain to those who ask me those qns like "why are you thanking them?it's their job and they get paid" and such. I can put my thoughts into words now. Thank you Hank!
Thank you for this. As I was listening to you, something clicked in my mind and I realised that a series of opinions I had, concerning a group of people I interact with, may need revision. Thank you again.
Well, I'm not really great at communicating in general, even worse through typed messages, but I appreciate you and John and other Nerdfighters for creating such an amazing community and spreading so many positive ideas. Happy Birthday Hank!
Thank you for your time and effort Hank and John. I Greatly appreciate your efforts to make the world a better place. Keep up the good work. Thumbs up.
I FULLY AGREE WITH YOU, HANK! It really brightens people's day and I'd like to think that it does make the world a tiny bit better when you make someone else feel good.
Happy birthday Hank! Also, as someone who has worked in retail for the last... 8 years? Literally just having the customer smile at you and say thank you at the end of the sale makes you feel so good. Makes a nice change from all the people who just walk off with the receipt with zero eye contact as your "Have a nice day!" trails after them.
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 I used to work for myself and get loads of appreciation from clients. Now my work in government is often either invisible or just bureaucratic and though valuable really not something appreciated. The difference between these two worlds of work is HUGE in terms of my sense of joy and motivation and how much creativity I apply to improve what I do. Thanks for helping me think more about how I can better appreciate my colleagues and myself. And Happy Birthday Hank!
when i started working a a fast food place i learned how to interact with apreciation in a place made for transactions, it was so much more rewarding that way, always thank the guys who serve you food, it makes it all way better.
Happy belated birthday Hank :D Hope it was awesome! Thank you & John for all that you do on here, you've certainly had a positive impact on my life in many ways :)
Happy birthday and get well soon Hank! Thanks for making these videos. I always learn something new or you shed light on something I hadn't really thought all that much about but I should have.
Every once and a while you just need that inspiration to get your act together. Your words have recently inspired me to get ahead on my work and appreciate the time I've got and for that I thank you.
Well, thank you Hank and John for this channel that makes me think and laugh, and also thank you both (even though this is technically the wrong channel) for your work on CrashCourse - since me starting home education in February, me and my Mum have been using CrashCourse for most of our lessons, taking notes, having fun etc. etc. Thank you for everything :)
I love this. When I get asked "how are you" by a client, I always... you know... answer them? I can't seem to just say "good, and yourself?". And so when I ask someone how they're doing and they actually take the time to think about it and answer me, I love that!! It feels so real, and it's so refreshing. Be honest and think other people are also people! Huzzah!
As a nurse, that rare, verbal thanks from patients and families means so much and goes so far. I cognitively understand that my work is important and valued, but there is something to be said for having another human being look me in the eye and say "thanks for what you do, even when it's gross work."
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I hate to hear that this is rare. I would hope that healthcare workers get more than the average amount of appreciation, but I imagine it depends on where you work. Thank you for doing what you do, /especially/ when it's gross work."
Elizabeth Atchison Thanks for what you do. Especially when it's gross work ^_^
Elizabeth Atchison
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The boxes contain all the Lush bath bombs that John recently received.
DUuuuuuuhhHHHH
I think you mean bath balls
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Knew it!! :P
Striga No, haven't you seen the video when John talks about joining isis? (i'm sorry)
One of my best friends interned for Montana's Senator Daines, often answering constituent phone calls. The interns you're talking to when you call can write more detailed notes about your thoughts if you are polite and engage with them! Speak up but doing so with kindness really helps!
Madison Fisher Wow, that's a great idea. Thanks for that ^_^
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Huh, that's interesting. I've read a bunch of articles that say they just tally calls, so you should just state the thing you support or oppose and not go into detail. I'll have to think about that!
This reminds me of my favorite quote. I saw it one day on the internet and it changed the way I thought of my life.
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou
This quote reminds me of 2 things. 1, That I don't have to worry about every decision I make. That some things will be forgotten and that is ok. and 2 that it is much more important to try to be nice and pleasant to everyone you meet whether you know them or not because that is what is important and will be remembered.
Have a good day. :)
Happy birthday, Hank🌻🌻
The fact that Hank also doesn't know what is in the boxes makes me TEN TIMES MORE CURIOUS ABOUT WHAT IS IN THOSE BOXES.
Sarah Olsen TURTLES ALL THE WAY DOWN
I am actually grateful for all the amazing work you guys do on this channel :). Thanks.
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wow. the timing of this is so weird for me. yesterday, i was buying food at the mall. the place i was getting it from was by far the busiest. the girl who was taking, filling everyone's orders was so impressive. she was like an efficient, articulate, positive and well oiled machine. in the 1 second between when she finished my order and when she moved on to the next customer, i decided to tell her how she was so efficient and amazing and that i support her and she's doing a great job. it kind of seemed like a weird thing to say at the time but she practically lit up. you could tell no one ever says that sort of thing to her. APPRECIATE PEOPLE
Shannon Dean, True that about the timing of the video!! Right now, I'm a cashier at a drive thru, and if her work is anything like mine, I bet you're right in saying no one ever says that sort of thing to her. Every great once in a while, someone will say that kind of thing to me. Like, someone will stop and say "Thanks, I really appreciate you," and I just really think that's awesome. For me it's like "THANK YOU for recognizing that I'm a complex human and not an automated voice recording, and thank you for appreciating what I do to make sure that this relatively small aspect of your life is awesome!" =D
So yeah, I can't speak for your cashier at the mall, but I can tell you that I appreciate your appreciation for people like me =)
What's in the boxes?
*more boxes* aw yeah
J.J. Shank omg, I just remembered John's box collection! nice! thankyou!
and thank you! It is mostly interns who answer Senate and House pnones. And hearing people say this, or some variation, made it so much better. Even a short "keep up the good work" meant someone appricate me franticlly noting their concerns. 10/10 would do again because of them.
i think part of it is that we no longer know how to accept compliments or appreciation. I've made several poeple cry by saying they look great in their chosen articles of clothing. I tried to give a garbage man a candy bar. Just last week I hugged a woman who burst into tears on me because she was shopping for one for the first time. All of them tried to put the inconveneience of them unecessarily taking up my time over the appreciation I was trying to show them. :(
I guess to accept human gifts, we all need to be a little bit more vulnerable, and realise that sometimes it is just a gift, and you dont have to 'make up' for it later.
Raven esque you are a beautiful human being keep being awesome
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I think its rather hard feel like one deserves to be accepted and loved, especially by someone who they probably wouldn't be able to reciprocate and thus feel the imbalance of love being given (if that makes sense)
I needed that this morning. Thank you so much
+amy chien I know :( This culture we now live in equates not being able to do everything by yourself with being weak. Not only is this very sad, it can be downright dangerous as poeple try and force themselves to cope. But to ask for help is to make yourself vulnerable, which again society paints as weakness. Vulnerability and weakness are not the same thing :(
You also make the very good point that it hard to feel like one deserves to be loved and accepted, which is why communities like Nerdfighteria are so important. thusly, If I gave excess bounce or positivity I try and give it to other poeple, even if they're not sure what to do with it. I feel like the effort made is as important as the appreciation given.
Thank you all for taking the time to reply to my comments, i truly appreciate your time and insight. You enrich my existence
I work in sales, specifically textbook sales (not for a big company, a small family-owned company), and I make a lot of calls a day. One thing I've learned, sort of akin to you telling your representative to have a nice day, is that I smile while talking. You can hear a smile in someone's voice and immediately people are more receptive. I'm not talking about a maniacal smile, just a friendly one. For some reason, it helps.
I once worked in telesales for a small company and i can conform this is true
I worked for an admissions telethon at my university. Smiling while you talk helps. Even after dozens upon dozens of calls, it helps make that phone call sound like the first one, and everyone likes to feel like they were the first call you made on your list.
A maniacal smile might be fun, but it would probably lower sales and just be a bad idea in general.
I work on the phone as well and am in charge of training a lot of new employees and this is one of the biggest pieces of advice I give over and over. Its kind of a fake it til you make it mentality as well. If you smile on the phone the person on the other end hears it and there is a better interaction. You also start to feel better because even a fake smile becomes a real one (its actual brain science) and your smile causes better transactions which also make you feel better!
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I say ”Hope you have an easy shift” instead of have a nice day, and people often seem to really appreciate it.
I often go with, "Don't work too hard."
You can also remove the "f" in that sentence and it would cause more of a smile to some people's faces
Thanks a lot! I've been trying your idea for a while now and it has brought smiles to many faces at Walmarts and targets!
Happy birthday!!
Also a brand new little human was born into my family today! today is just an all around Awesome Day!
DFTBA!!
Anagabriel Trevino Congratulations! My family is expecting it's first grand baby/niece and I'm stoked ^_^
haha "I've identified a weirdo" I've definitely seen (and caused) that look on a stranger's face before 🤓
Yep.
yeah. Im a weirdo.
I second this
Weirdo here o/
Um Um Vid.io same! 😁
You know what, guys?
I miss doing big birthday surprises for the vlogbrothers! When did that stop? Because we should bring it back!
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Thanks to you and John for making such a great channel, actually TONS of channels, but also your words that up lift us all. They mean a lot to many of us and we all benefit from them. Happy Birthday Hank, hope you and your family have a great day!
Happy Hanko de Mayo! Sorry you're sick!
Autumn Berthold Great pun 😂
Justin C Scott thank you but I can't take credit for it haha. I don't remember where exactly it came from but it's been a vlogbrothers thing for a while
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happy bday Hank u were born on cinco de mayo
They need to do more videos on Trump and his administration 🇺🇸📚💯
Thank you Hank, this is why I will continue saying "thank you" to a bus driver.
my secret guess is that the boxes contain scavenger hunt prizes! Which is a little sad because I totally missed the scavenger hunt train and now it's too intimidating to get on it.
+Nina No we'd love to have you!! The community is super welcoming and they'll help you catch up, I promise :) www.tuataria.com/join/entry/
Nina same I feel like it's a vast conspiracy that I will never understand
Nina please join!
I can totally understand it feeling intimidating to join now, but it really isn't too late to do it! Hop into the discord anytime you feel like it (www.tuataria.com/join/), we have a lovely, welcoming community of nerdfighters over there who'd love to have you :D
Lovely nerdfighters will catch you up on everything, and we don't actually even know that much anyway XD
Hey Hank (and John), thanks for all of the positivity you magnify. It was always silently appreciated, but you've reminded me to say it now. 😊
happy birthday to the brilliant man who cheers me up when i am sad, makes me feel safe and introduced me to my love of science and more specifically psychology
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Thanks! It always bums me out when people say that there is no need to thank the bus driver when getting off since he's getting paid. Without the feeling of appreciation who would even want to do their job?!
Until I moved to the city I'm in now, I had never heard anyone ever thank a bus driver. Here just about every time someone gets on or off the bus they say thank you. I went to a bigger city nearby recent;y and took transit and said 'thank you' as I got on, and the driver literally did a shocked double take.
I think the tumbs up is spreading, and it is also a great way of showing appreciation to people doing their job! My example from today:
The 5th of May here in the Netherlands is a big national celebration: it's the day we celebrate our liberation from Germany in 1945. A lot to be very thankful for, and a good day to appreciate the freedom we live in. It is celebrated in all provincial capitals with a big free festival for everyone. But the police has to work all day, to make sure everyone else can have a nice day without problems with big crowds, drunk people, etc...
Today we saw 2 policemen walking by on their horses. I'm a bit used to people being impressed by that sight, and possibly making fun of them. One of the horses was even having some trouble with the loud music and seemed to be dancing/prancing on the beat, which looks really funny with a serious police officer on top.
And then I was surprised. A young guy walking past gave the police a thumbs up. And I noticed that the general attitude towards the policemen was not hostile at all, everyone seemed to appreciate their presence at this great festival. I was happy that the policemen could feel appreciated in their work, as they were one of the few people around that did not have a day off :)
Happy bornday dude!
Appreciation is hereby adopted as the first amendment of DFTBA.
Like "Don't forget to be appreciative?" I like it!
Es Gee +
Es Gee +
As a wife of a janitorial worker, I completely agree. Letting people know you appreciate their effort means so much.
Hi. Happy Birthday! I agree on the point of people not getting enough appreciation for what they do outside of pay. What are some ways you would propose showing more appreciation?
Tell people you appreciate them! Take the time to say a little more than the usual pleasantries. "Thank you for what you do. I imagine it's hard, and it is really helpful to me." Or with your friends and loved ones, when you notice they did something that's awesome, don't let it slide--tell them specifically why you think they're awesome. "Hey, I noticed that nice thing you did. You're so thoughtful and generous." It feels weird at first if you're not used to giving compliments, but it honestly becomes a really fulfilling and natural-feeling habit.
I have found thank you cards are a great to appreciate those around you. I'm about to graduate tomorrow and as much as I told teachers how much I have appreciated them over the last four years I also wrote thank you cards to the cleaning ladies who clean the common room and study rooms in my dorm building every day and to the ladies at the local school cafe who have seen myself and other students not only on their best days but on their worst. The next day after I handed out those thank you cards I received so many hugs of just appreciation that not only in four years had I tried really hard to learn their names but that I was always happy to see them. I feel like we've done away with thank you cards and I think they should make a comeback.
get well soon Hank!
Happy birthday, Hank! :)
I always remember the customers who express, and are able to make me believe, their gratitude. They bring me relief and calmness. Customers who come in, bark out what they want, sneer at any attempts to be polite - they put me on edge. It's those kinds of customers that knot up my back and neck, and make me seriously debate leaving my current job. But I will always remember the wonderful people who look me in the eyes and tell me I'm doing a good job. Or the people who show appreciation for the work that went our product. I especially love the people who tell me about a band playing in town or of a restaurant I hadn't heard of. Oh, and while I know this is not true for every person in customer service, I actually really like it when kids ask me questions. Strange, right? But they're engaging and curious. I'm never not going to answer a kid's question.
Happy Birthday!
I really appreciate all the work you guys put into vlogbrothers and all the other stuff you do. It hasn't just helped me to be happy, it's also helped me to think. I hope you feel better, Hank!
"John you are my brother, my collaborator, my partner in crime... WHAT'S IN THE BOX?!?!?!"
This is why I keep watching you guys after all these years. You continue to give fresh perspectives and ideas that help make life better for people and strive for a better society. Plus, you articulate and distill those ideas better than I ever could. Thank you!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HANK!!!
Hank, I'm binging the last few weeks of vlogbrothers videos right now and I must mention that this is the 3rd video of yours that has gone on my "inspirational" playlist, which until now has consisted primarily of your brother's videos and "coming out" videos and I think that's important.
GOOD JOB Hank and John. You guys are making super awesome videos. The awesome video to not awesome video rate going through the roof. I love you two. Talking about appreciation and the invisible heart is awesome and make me happy. And on top of that, it's just a nice feeling. I HOPE EVERY VIDEO IS LIKE THIS!
Talking about appreciation would bring less internet trolls I believe.
I'm going to repost my comment on the last video: Congratulations, John. That is the invisible heart. It has many names over many cultures and religions. All religion is essentially explaining and helping people to find the invisible heart. It has the energy that keeps all living things alive. If this is the first time you found it. You're soon find worlds of awesomeness and appreciation you can never imagine before. I suggest you enjoy it and treat it nicely. And like maybe write a book about it. Also try use it to your advantage. Everyone has an invisible heart. You have to be powerful, lucky and sacrifice enough to detect it first.
@ Hank I am sorry I stole some of your phrases. I don't know why I talk like you but sometimes I just do.
Happy birthday, Hank! Thanks for making vlogbrothers. I appreciate you and John a lot.
This reminds me of that anecdote where a school, tired of parents dropping students off late sometimes, introduced a fine for late parents. And the lateness _increased!_ The hypothesis was that parents no longer felt guilty- now, they felt they legit paid the fee for lateness and thus it's fine, whereas before they felt guilty for holding up the start of class. Can't remember where that's from, possibly the book Predictably irrational by Dan Ariely.
As someone who used to answer calls for a Congressman, it was always better when people were polite and nice. Those people answering those calls? Most of them are interns, so no they don't get paid. Other than being nice, the only other thing I would recommend is that you lead your conversation by saying "I am a constituent and my zipcode is...."
Happy birthday Hank! I'm watching you from El Salvador, Central America I'm a big fan of this channel and of you and John. Let me tell you that there's so much truth in your words, being nice to others and showing them gratitude does not take anything away from you, on the contrary it gives you a feeling of bounding to another human being that as short as it might be it makes you feel good and happy and great or is it just me? seeing the smile that your kindness and gratitude provokes is amazing and in a country as violent and impoverished as the one I live in, I believe kindness and gratitude, not only to those providing services but to everyone without exception, is not an option but a necessity, we need to show others that small gestures and actions can improve and change not only one day but also the future society we will live in.
Happy birthday!
Thanks for all you do, Hank. From Vlogbrothers, to The Pod, to Vidcon, to DFTBA Records, and all your channels, and all the ways you show you care about the people you care about. I appreciate it. I appreciate you.
happy birthday
As a grocery clerk, I love making people's days a tiny bit better by getting them their stuff faster & helping to keep their crazy kids occupied & saying "thank you". Thank you for appreciating appreciation, Hank :)
Happy birthday
I was a language specialist and natl archivist for the federal government. I dealt with foreign dignitaries, translated public documents, close to 900 congressional briefing papers, coordinated life saving contacts during wildfires, etc. But what I'm still remembered for at the federal building is I smiled at everyone and found something genuine to compliment every person I spoke with. A thumbs up, a smile, a small courtesy costs me nothing but when I receive such things it can change everything. It just has to be genuine.
Fun story about appreciation: last Christmas my father wrote the person who collects our garbage a nice Christmas card that also doubled as a thank you card, as well as have a small financial tip.
Since then, every single week this whole year out garbage can has been brought up to our door instead of just being left at the curb (which is the normal practice).
It really is amazing how such a small thing can have such a great impact
Thank you for your work. Both of you and the team that helps you make all the content for the internet. I know sometimes that may be not so fun and I appreciate all the work you guys put in to it. I love your videos. ♡ Loads of love and hugs, hope you get well soon and happy birthday, Hank.
In the Bible Belt for the past few years, people have started saying "have a blessed day". Though I'm an agnostic atheist, I appreciate that these evangelical Christians have tried to find a way to tell others "have a nice day" in a subtly different way, one which might make people think about the impact of their small talk interactions.
yes yes yes. please yes - I'm going through some tough shit right now and this video somehow instantly made me happy. we need more people like you, more channels like this!
Deep breaths. Be kind to yourself. Best wishes.
Anyone else bothered by Hank saying "Second" and holding up three fingers?
He also held up two when he said "third"
Wow, I didn't even notice that! I was so thrown off by the second with three fingers that I didn't see it.
I noticed that too...I was slightly confused for a second...LOL.
You guys are just helping my life get better & better! So grateful! And thankful for the push of gratitude in rl and online interactions!
just made my 5 calls
go you!
Congrats
Grace Van Etten +
thank you Hank for a video on appreciation. It's something we all need more of in our life I feel. I recently got fired from a job where my boss made me feel like I was useless to him. During that time I was also teaching people in a local dance studio hip hop. The difference in appreciation I got from those 2 jobs was significant. In the one I was under appreciated I felt I had almost no confidence in my work and in the other I felt on top of the world. So I think it's important that we try to appreciate all the things people do, including the ones working beside you in your office.
Happy Birthday!!! I hope despite the government (forget about it for today), you have a fantastic day. 🎉🎉🎉
Thanks, Hank, and John, and all the folks who work with you. Keep up the good work.
It's also Dab birthday from Dan and Phil games. Just thought I'd put that out there
oh yeah! happy birthday to Dab!
It warms my heart that you thank those who you speak too - it can make the absolute difference.
Wow! I'm early. SO here's what I'm gonna do: I'm gonna ask a question that I NEED answered, because I've asked all over and can't get an answer. Who won the Batman t-shirt contest?
Weird because I just went back and rewatched that songified video for the first time in forever, haha. I feel like John won, but I honestly thought it wasn't super fair. I wanted to buy Hank's shirt more for the words, but I liked the design of John's better. If I'd been able to buy one, I would have bought John's.
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I think Hank won. There was a video or tumblr post somewhere... I'll get back to you when I find it.
+Autumn Berhold
Yeah, that's why I bought John's shirt
Happy Birthday Hank!
I notice this all the time. I always thank everyone for whatever it is. People forget how far a thank you and a smile can go to make someone's day.
Happy Hanko De Mayo!
Zack Carver +
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Zack Carver +
Happy birthday, Hank! I appreciate you for living and creating and inspiring.
The double thumbs-up is going to end up being the official DFTBA greeting, isn't it 🤔😀
We do have a nerdfighter salute, though...
We can have two though
I work at pretty much thankless job at McDonalds and just got home from a pretty bad shift. Everyone was in a mood, the customers were all pretty thoughtless and the nice interactions I had didn't last long. its the little things that make it better though, like the friend who came by just before closing and was really nice to me, or my managers understanding. honestly what I live for is when people say thank you. To come home from a long day and see that Hank and John and all these other nerdfighters feel the same way... its heart warming. thank you for spinning my day into a positive end.
Hanko de Mayo is still one of my very favorite national holidays! Happy Birthday, Hank!
Jamey Lausen pretty sure its an international holiday
I'm never gonna forget this one customer I had when I was working as a cashier at a clothing store. I was doing a return for her and at this store for returns you have to punch in every item number individually instead of scanning the barcodes. I'd gotten used to it by this point so I just did it at my regular pace and gave her a receipt when she was finished. instead of just saying goodbye and leaving, she said "wow you did that super fast. can I write a review or something?" I told her that normally there were surveys on receipts but not for returns. "okay well can I talk to your manager then?" unfortunately at that time all our managers were in a meeting together, so I couldn't pull one of them away to talk to her. "okay can I leave a note then?" I gave her a piece of paper and a pen to write her note and gave it to a manager later. it was probably the best amount of praise I ever got at that thankless job. nobody else was ever so insistent that my supervisors knew they liked what I did. I hope I can pay that kindness forward.
Hope you have an awesome birthday :)
Thank you for this, and everything. Truly. This channel more than any other I just don't want to ever go away. Absolutely never ever. Whether on UA-cam or any other platform I just don't want to be without Vlogbothers. Jus sayin
I appreciate you
Happy Birthday, Hank. We value you as a human being. Your videos matter and I imagine they're hard work but they really connect with me. Thank you.
WHATS IN THE FUCKING BOX?!
I am so very, very grateful you guys make these videos.
Vlogbrothers is a confirmation that healthy, thoughtful, caring people ARE. We exist. All over the place. Sometimes I realize how much dreck I take in without ever wanting to, and I get the feeling that it's just me and a few friends, in a country filled with pisssed off extremists & the clueless.
My best friend played me the thumbs-up video, and then this one, so I just found your channel on you tube and subscribed.
So - THANK YOU! ( -and Happy Birthday!)
And a bonus thank you for being the kind of people who attract like minds. I don't think there are many channels that have comments this consistently polite.
damn
Thank you Hank and John for all the hard work and effort that goes on behind the scenes in all the amazing projects you share with us! And for all you do in trying to make the world better. And for all the dubious advice. DFTBA.
#freetheboxes2k17
THANK YOU! You're spreading a good message to millions of people for years continuously and... MAN, do I love what you're doing with your time. AGH! Just thank you! I'll definitely carry this message with me.
I'm glad you pointed this out Hank. I never knew how to explain to those who ask me those qns like "why are you thanking them?it's their job and they get paid" and such. I can put my thoughts into words now. Thank you Hank!
Thanks for making all these great videos, Hank & John!
Hank, I appreciated the hard work you put into this video to teach us all about appreciating the value of appreciation. It was very much appreciated.
Thank you for this. As I was listening to you, something clicked in my mind and I realised that a series of opinions I had, concerning a group of people I interact with, may need revision. Thank you again.
I love when I hear someone say that not everything should be about money. Thank you for that.
Well, I'm not really great at communicating in general, even worse through typed messages, but I appreciate you and John and other Nerdfighters for creating such an amazing community and spreading so many positive ideas. Happy Birthday Hank!
Happy Birthday Hank! You are amazing and I look up to you so much! May your next year be amazing as the ones before!
Thank you for your time and effort Hank and John. I Greatly appreciate your efforts to make the world a better place. Keep up the good work. Thumbs up.
I FULLY AGREE WITH YOU, HANK!
It really brightens people's day and I'd like to think that it does make the world a tiny bit better when you make someone else feel good.
Happy birthday Hank! Also, as someone who has worked in retail for the last... 8 years? Literally just having the customer smile at you and say thank you at the end of the sale makes you feel so good. Makes a nice change from all the people who just walk off with the receipt with zero eye contact as your "Have a nice day!" trails after them.
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 I used to work for myself and get loads of appreciation from clients. Now my work in government is often either invisible or just bureaucratic and though valuable really not something appreciated. The difference between these two worlds of work is HUGE in terms of my sense of joy and motivation and how much creativity I apply to improve what I do. Thanks for helping me think more about how I can better appreciate my colleagues and myself. And Happy Birthday Hank!
when i started working a a fast food place i learned how to interact with apreciation in a place made for transactions, it was so much more rewarding that way, always thank the guys who serve you food, it makes it all way better.
Happy belated birthday Hank :D Hope it was awesome! Thank you & John for all that you do on here, you've certainly had a positive impact on my life in many ways :)
Happy birthday and get well soon Hank! Thanks for making these videos. I always learn something new or you shed light on something I hadn't really thought all that much about but I should have.
well, since you brought up the conversation, Hank: thank you and your brother for the great content you guys put out! it is much appreciated indeed
Every once and a while you just need that inspiration to get your act together. Your words have recently inspired me to get ahead on my work and appreciate the time I've got and for that I thank you.
Well, thank you Hank and John for this channel that makes me think and laugh, and also thank you both (even though this is technically the wrong channel) for your work on CrashCourse - since me starting home education in February, me and my Mum have been using CrashCourse for most of our lessons, taking notes, having fun etc. etc. Thank you for everything :)
I appreciate your work!
I love this video. LOVE IT. You two tackle the complicated stuff and the stuff we NEED to think more on. Sometimes 4 min just isn't enough.
Happy Hanko de Mayo, Hank! Thank you for all YOU do. It can't be easy to manage this crazy community
I love this. When I get asked "how are you" by a client, I always... you know... answer them? I can't seem to just say "good, and yourself?". And so when I ask someone how they're doing and they actually take the time to think about it and answer me, I love that!! It feels so real, and it's so refreshing. Be honest and think other people are also people! Huzzah!
Happy birthday Hank! Really appreciate what you do!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!! Wishing you a thriving life for the next 50 years !!!