Would it Kill You to Say "Thank You?"

One of my biggest pet peeves: People who don't say thank you.

   Now this has always been something that stands on my last nerve, but since joining the customer service branch, it has become clear how much this really bothers me. Let me be honest, I don't mind jumping through hoops, and cutting through red tape for someone. It's my job, but if I spend two hours working only on your problem, and ignoring the other 18 things that are waiting for my attention because I want to make sure you are happy, can't you say thank you? I don't expect a large box of chocolates, or even a small one for that matter, I just like to be acknowledged.

   Along this same line, if someone says "thank you! I really appreciate it." My entire day (which could have been like walking through the wastelands up to that point) changes. I want to work harder. I feel like I actually did something useful. Sometimes jobs just feel like you're treading water, and a moment like that makes you realize that you do have a purpose. Needy? Maybe a bit. It makes you consider how much power a simple phrase has though. 

   I've always tried to say "thank you" to people that I come in contact with (someone held the door for me, helped me pick up my dropped change, answered my question, etc.) but since I've noticed how much it bothers me when people don't thank me, I've started making an extra effort. This especially applies to people that are working in customer service when I'm the customer. 
~Things to try to remember:~
1. Try to get their name, and thank them by it. If you forget, ask. They probably won't mind telling you.
2. Smile. They can hear it.
3. Tell them when you're pleased with something. Most of the time all they hear is the negative.
4. Devote as much of your attention to what you're doing as possible. It's very hard to get everything to go right if you are driving, and talking to your friends, and complaining to the person on the phone that your credit card is overdrawn.

   In daily life, it's as simple as just acknowledging the work that someone has done. This includes significant others, family members, friends, and the barista who made your coffee. I think part of the reason we get bent out of shape when things take a bit longer than we would like is that it is a rude reminder that the world does not, in fact, revolve around us. Shocker.