I think people are defined by their actions and not by their words. An example: If I tell someone "I am sorry" and I do not change or stop the action I was sorry for, in all actuality I am NOT sorry or just sorry I got caught. My action of changing nothing defines my values and who I am.
So, for me when I am told different things like "Thank You" "That was fun" "I enjoy you Outdoorsman" etc. etc. from a provider it has little meaning, some action needs to follow or the statement to me was meaningless. I am not saying I do not appreciate politeness, because I do. What I am saying is I have some very good clients that I appreciate very much not only do I say "Thank You" but I go beyond to show my gratitude, Saints games, lunches, customer appreciation days, etc. When I say I am "Sorry" I reflect on the wrong or mistake and attmept to change my actions in the future.
I have had one provider in my few years actually buy me a small gift, coffee mug with Saints emblem and it was in a Saints gift bag when I arrived. That to me is going above and beyond and shows that she does appreciate my business. That is action following the "Thank You"
I do not mean I take out my clients everytime I do some work for them, I just let them know they are appreciated. I have a close friend that I saw recently and I bought her a little card and wrote some words in it just to show I appreciate her freindship. Little things like the coffee mug and a card mean the world to me when I define myself and others.
I think my strength as a man comes from how I live my values as displayed in my actions and not by my words.
I don't know if this will get much reaction, I am in a philosophical and spiritual mood this morning.