Looking back on helpful ideas for interacting with others

I have for several years had the good fortune of expressing ideas for the hopeful interest of my readers. Here are a few summaries from my columns.

• Thank-you notes are so important to the recipient. Your expression of gratitude may be the best thing in someone’s day. And, some companies consider a hand-written message from a job applicant very important in their decision-making.

• Please try to avoid “heated” arguments with friends or family members on issues involving national politics, for example. Why consider “losing” or straining a friendship over something you probably cannot change?

• Please remember that a telephone call, text or visit can mean so much to that lonely relative or friend.

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• If you’re selling your house in the winter, in particular, providing photos from the summer can reveal the flourishing flowers, shrubs and other beauties of the yard.

• The word “great” is, in my opinion, used too often. It’s my hope that we can express a more specific meaning when leaving someone, for example, such as “Good wishes for a safe trip” or ”Have an enjoyable evening with your family.”

I hope you are having a pleasant spring.

Don Kleinsmith is a professor emeritus at Adrian College where he has taught for 45 years. He can be reached at 517-263-6357 or kleinsmith968@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Don Kleinsmith: Helpful ideas for interacting with others