We often hear of the amazing benefits you get from giving gratitude, but what about receiving gratitude? Sure it feels good but there’s way more to it than that.

Focusing on just receiving gratitude might seem a little self-centered, but it’s not. Part of giving gratitude is understanding what it’s like to receive gratitude. It works both ways and by knowing what a receiver goes through, you’ll only want to give more and more gratitude.

It’s a win-win situation.

So here are 5 benefits of receiving gratitude that’ll make you want to show more appreciation and spread the happy to those you love.

1. It feels good!

This is the first and most obvious one. It just feels amazing to hear someone show appreciation for what you’ve done especially when it’s something as important as how you’ve impacted their life.

Something as simple as, “I really appreciate your friendship” or “Thanks so much for helping me with my problem” is enough to make someone feel special.

2. It validates the receiver’s self-worth.

When you let someone know just how amazing they are and you back it up with specific examples, it does more than make them feel awesome. You’re validating their importance in this world and in someone else’s life. In effect, you are saying, “You’re important, everything you do has an impact, and I recognize that and appreciate it.”

It builds up their confidence, opens their eyes to a new light, and can even change their self-image.

3. It encourages the receiver to give gratitude.

By expressing gratitude regularly to a friend or loved one, they will subconsciously realize that it’s okay to give gratitude. You’re essentially spreading delight and joy in a ripple effect. Each person you show gratitude will in return show gratitude to others and so on and so on.

And as your friend begins to express more and more gratitude, their lifestyle will improve and their happiness levels will increase.

4. It brightens up a person’s entire day.

Let’s face it. When someone gives you a sincere compliment, your whole day just starts looking better. You can wake up on the wrong side of bed but the moment you hear a friend tell you how important you are, your outlook for the rest of that day will be nothing but optimism.

5. It reinforces good behavior in the receiver.

By constantly showing gratitude for someone’s good deeds and behavior, it reinforces them and will make them a better person. Even for the smallest things, like, “I love your smile” or even saying a heartfelt, appreciative “thanks” when someone holds the door open for you.