When someone gives you a gift, of course you say "thank -you." However, those words are so common they are simply ambient noise. The bottom line is that the giver expects your thanks, and therefore it is nothing out of the ordinary. However, if you really want to thrill someone with your gratitude, use the following Little Trick which I call "Thanks Is More Beautiful the Second Time Around."

One year, I gave my friend, Salina, an inexpensive little music box. She sent me a thank-you note which I appreciated (and naturally, expected.) I thought that was the end of it. But then, a few months later, I received an e-mail from her saying, "Leil, I can't tell you how much pleasure your music box continues to give the whole family. Instead of grumbling and diving back under the covers when I shout 'Time to get up!' the kids beg me to wake them to the sound of the beautiful music box you gave me. I wind it up and tip toe into their room every morning. They wake up smiling, even before they've had their breakfast!"

Her message gave me more pleasure than the little music box could ever have given her. She made me feel like the Goddess of Gift Giving.

You've heard of knee-jerk reactions? The doctor hits your knee with a hammer and your leg jerks. It's an involuntary response. Saying "thank-you" when someone gives you a gift is almost just as automatic. But when you thank her again–weeks or months later–with all the reasons it continues to give you pleasure, you are giving an even more valuable gift, the pride that she chose just the right present for you.

Whenever you thank someone for a gift, make a note to ponder the pleasure the present still gives you a month later. Then send a second thank-you detailing how much you are continuing to enjoy it and why. They will find this second little thank-you more precious than the first one.

And, incidentally, you’ll be added to their “Extraordinary People" list.

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