Making Friends / How to Follow Up / Lesson 28

LESSON 28 · HOW TO FOLLOW UP

Thank Them for Their Time

Thirty-two easy ways to thank them for their time, a small act that makes people want to see you again.

Gratitude is a magnet. Say it simply and sincerely.

30 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

Start with tip 1

Jump to the 7-day plan

30 tips that really help

These ideas come from Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), Platonic (Marisa Franco), How to Win Friends and Influence People (Dale Carnegie), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

TIP 1

Time is a gift

Everyone is busy. When someone spends time with you, thanks shows you know it is precious.

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Say thank you.

TIP 2

Say it in person

Before you part, say thank you with eye contact and a smile. It lands warmly.

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Say it.

TIP 3

Send a note too

A short text or message afterwards doubles the warmth. Easy and lovely.

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Send one.

TIP 4

Be specific

Thank them for something concrete, like the advice on my job or the walk. Specific thanks feel real.

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Name it.

TIP 5

Say what it meant

Add, it meant a lot to me. Feelings make thanks deeper.

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Add feeling.

TIP 6

Keep it brief

One or two sentences are enough. Short thanks feel sincere.

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Trim.

TIP 7

Offer to return the favour

Say, next time it is my treat. Balance builds trust.

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Offer.

TIP 8

Thank their effort

If they travelled or planned, thank that too. Effort deserves notice.

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Notice it.

TIP 9

Handwritten notes stand out

A short card makes a special memory. Use for big moments.

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Try one.

TIP 10

Do not make it about you

Keep thanks focused on them. Avoid turning it into a story about yourself.

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Stay focused.

TIP 11

Thank them again later

A thank-you mention later, like I still think of our talk, deepens warmth.

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Recall it.

TIP 12

Say thanks to groups too

Thank hosts and group members. Gratitude spreads.

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Thank all.

TIP 13

Script: simple

Thank you for making time for me, I really appreciate it. Say it warmly.

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Use it.

TIP 14

Script: specific

I loved our long walk and your advice about my job. Say it sincerely.

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Use it.

TIP 15

Script: feeling

It meant a lot to me that you came. Say it gently.

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Use it.

TIP 16

Script: return

Next time it is my treat, I insist. Say it playfully.

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Use it.

TIP 17

Script: closing

Thanks again, and have a lovely week. Say it cheerfully.

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Use it.

TIP 18

Mistake: forgetting to thank

Missed thanks can feel unseen, so say it before you part.

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Say it.

TIP 19

Mistake: over-thanking

Too much thanks can feel awkward, so keep it simple and warm.

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Be balanced.

TIP 20

Mistake: thanking in a vague way

Generic thanks feel cold, so name something specific.

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Be specific.

TIP 21

Mistake: sounding insincere

Fake gratitude shows, so say only what you mean.

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Be real.

TIP 22

Mistake: using thanks to ask for more

Keep thanks pure, so ask for plans separately.

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Keep it clean.

TIP 23

Troubleshoot: when you feel shy

Write a short note instead. It is easier and still lovely.

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Write it.

TIP 24

Troubleshoot: when it was a work meeting

Use polite words and a short email. Be professional and warm.

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Be polite.

TIP 25

Troubleshoot: when they say it was nothing

Smile and say, it meant a lot to me anyway. Gratitude stays.

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Stay warm.

TIP 26

Troubleshoot: when you cannot find the words

Use simple lines like thank you for your time and company. They always work.

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Keep it simple.

TIP 27

Troubleshoot: when thanks feels awkward

Practise saying it aloud. Awkwardness fades with practice.

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Rehearse.

TIP 28

Drill: three thanks today

Thank three people today for something specific. Notice smiles.

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Do it.

TIP 29

Drill: write a thank-you note

Write one handwritten note this week. Deliver or post it.

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Write.

TIP 30

Drill: gratitude list

List five people who gave you time lately. Thank one.

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List.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday friendships.

THANK

“Thank you for making time for me.”

SPECIFIC

“I loved our long walk.”

VALUE

“It meant a lot to me.”

RETURN

“Next time it is my treat.”

CLOSE

“Thanks again.”

WISH

“Have a lovely week.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Say thanks in person

DAY 2
Send a note

DAY 3
Be specific

DAY 4
Say what it meant

DAY 5
Offer to return the favour

DAY 6
Keep it brief

DAY 7
Follow up later

Further reading

• Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
• Platonic (Marisa Franco)
• How to Win Friends and Influence People (Dale Carnegie)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

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These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.