A good friend kept on saying “thank you” when I paid our bill one night. Overly appreciative of that simple thing I did for him, this friend actually made me feel good about myself.
Imagine, magkano lang ba ‘yon and to him, it meant a lot already? I couldn’t help but compare him tuloy with someone from the past who didn’t even bother to say thanks everytime I did favors for him— favors that were far bigger and more big time.
I am not really the type who demand or expect so-called returns of favors because for me, the essence of giving or sharing ends the moment someone says, “next time, ako naman.” Admittedly, I am guilty of this but I am learning my lesson not to say this anymore everytime someone gives me treats. Really, a simple thank you is much more ethical to say.
I think this ako-naman-next-time syndrome stems from the fact that Filipinos are generally shy by nature. “Nakakahiya naman.” Or “Sige sa susunod, treat ko naman.” More often than not, we hear these from people after saying their thank yous. I really don’t know what I am supposed to say back whenever I hear it. As a standard of sort, I just say, “Kaw naman, okey lang ‘yon.”
Having a dose of my own medicine, this friend made me realize that being appreciative enough of the smallest things that other people do for us is a worthwhile habit to keep. And sparing your friends from the discomfort of reacting further to those unnecessary follow-up statements is a lot better. 
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