Write a detailed thank-you letter. Think of someone who has been especially kind to you—a friend, a teacher, a coworker—whom you’ve never properly thanked. Write a letter thanking this person, being specific about what he or she did that affected your life. Then schedule a meeting, maybe over coffee or a drink, and deliver the letter in person. Don’t tell the person what the meeting is about; let it be a surprise. This form of gratitude can have a long-lasting effect. One study showed that after writing and delivering a thank-you letter, people had increased levels of happiness even two months
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