Ever been told you're ungrateful?

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I always get family members complain to me (to my face and behind my back) that I don't say thank you enough or I'm "unappreciative". When really deep down I AM appreciative, but I just have real trouble trying to communicate that appreciation.

Anyone else the same?

Yup, every Christmas and birthday people thought I was disappointed with my gifts even though I loved them.

Just 2 minutes ago I had that sentiment thrust at me, it works out to .925 when it comes to contact with family

Same here. People always tell me I look angry or sad, even when I'm excited and happy. I've had people ask me why I'm not having fun when I'm in places or events like amusement parks. I'm actually having a blast, they just don't see it on my face.

People constantly ask what's wrong, when nothing is. They also think I don't appreciate anything based on my reactions, but I don't know how to react with mah face.

No, I'm always thanking people for everything, sometimes even if I didn't really like or appreciate it, like one time I thanked my sister in-law for the hamburgers she once BBQ'ed at a party even though they had no flavor and were like hockey pucks. I also say thank you when I probably shouldn't, like after I buy something at a store. I read that the cashier is supposed to say "thank you" because she took your money and you're supposed to say "you're welcome". I guess that makes sense, if I had no money I wouldn't have been able to get what I wanted so thanks for nothing, huh? I don't know, in small towns or minor cities like where I live politeness is still fairly common, sometimes to a fault, I think. Since we have free health care I feel I can honestly say thank you after getting my meds refilled at the pharmacy or getting an exam by my doctor. When I get gifts and stuff I often feel I have to make myself show what I hope is a pleased expression. But it's almost impossible to hide my true feelings about anything, the real feelings always trickle out of the eye-holes in the social mask.

When I was a kid and I was given a gift, often I would react by getting frustrated and running to my room. It was a long time ago but I can imagine I became frustrated because I was aware that everyone was looking at me expecting a certain reaction (ie. a smile and a grateful 'thank you') but I didnt fully understand how they wanted me to react. Much more recently a friend bought me a little gift as it was my birthday and, later on, I made what I though in my mind was a witty joke to the group but it sort of came out as me saying the gift looked like it came from Poundland. I am useless sometimes!

Aren't all youngsters told so at some point? I was. But can you really expect someone who is treated well at home to be grateful for having the life they've always had? You take your life for granted.

Even if you rescue someone from something bad, they'll only stay grateful for so long.

I've also been ungrateful for things I've been grateful for. I've also told people that I didn't like what I got--I feel almost compelled to do so, and it's really embarrassing. I'd rather at least have input in what I get.

My family say that to me ALL the time, even for the smallest things, but i don't really like my family so i don't think too much about it.

Not really, but instead I get called a cheapskate, which is something different.

Ungrateful, I don't think so. The usual term that gets used for me is selfish. Uncaring as well.

Yes. Sometimes it is due to an inability to adequately convey what the gift, gesture, etc means to me. Other times, it is because the gift, gesture, etc is either meaningless or even aversive. Why should I lie and pretend to be grateful for something that's been stressful or not enjoyable?

All the time, especially my dad. They also tell me I manipulate and take advantage of people. The truth is, though, I am aware of all the things my mom does for me. I know I depend on her a lot. I'm just not very good at expressing it. The best I know is in getting her neat or expensive gifts for her birthday or Christmas.