Quote:I had never thought when saying "thank you" it came off as not genuine, but I have wondered if service men and women get tired of hearing it. It does give me pause if I as a civilian should thank them or not?

 

To me when having an interaction and their in uniform I've always made it a point to say thank you. If they're in civilian clothing and don't bring it up (even if I know they're service men and women) I don't bring it up.

I treat it the exact same way. I also don't go out of my way to interact with them as, to me it seems disingenuous. In addition I have no idea what they did/went through/saw or whatever. I don't want to be the one to bring the events back up if that makes sense. If their service comes up organically they get the much deserved gratification. 

---