How to Respond Properly to "You're Being Ungrateful"

When someone is accused of being ungrateful, the common response an accuser can expect is one of defensive refute, but merely saying, "I am grateful," does not compensate for what may have spurred the accusation in the first place. 

Actions speak louder than words. We have all heard this phrase at one time or another. When someone says that you are being ungrateful, stop for a moment and analyze that statement before you respond. You may be thinking, "but, I am grateful," and that may very well be your knee jerk response, but if you are grateful, then why would someone bother to point out your ingratitude? This is because your physical being may be telling a different story than you are.

Your actions are the greatest reflection of your gratitude, not what you say. Lack of action, unmotivated action, disingenuous action can all be read like a book based on your enthusiasm for what it is you are doing as an expression of gratitude. It could be the effort you put into a relationship, the work associated with your job, or any opportunity granted that bolsters you or your quality of life. If your performance does not reflect sincere gratitude for the role you are in, then perhaps you should exit the stage so that someone more appreciative can take your place. There is nothing wrong with bowing out gracefully and acknowledging the truth of ingratitude.

Unfortunately, this acknowledgement first requires a moment of self reflection that too many fail to experience and thus, continue to burden an ensemble with a selfishly motivated, false desire to be present.