On the eve of a day dedicated to giving thanks, AlfaStrakhovanie, a leading insurance company, released a survey that reveals who and what Russians express gratitude for. The findings show a strong sense of family and parental appreciation; an overwhelming majority of participants, about eight in ten, highlighted their parents as the source of lifelong gratitude and support. These conclusions shed light on the deep bonds that shape daily life and personal resilience in contemporary Russia.
In addition to family, the study underscores the importance of self-recognition and personal growth. Nearly half of the respondents admitted to feeling grateful toward themselves, reflecting a growing trend of self-worth and internal motivation. The results point to several drivers of this self-gratitude: roughly one third credited success and the discipline to stay organized, about a quarter acknowledged personal development and improvement, while smaller shares praised physical fitness and inner beauty as meaningful drivers of self-esteem. This pattern suggests that Russians are increasingly aware of the role their choices and habits play in their everyday well-being.
Family ties extend beyond the immediate household, with around 45 percent of participants expressing thanks to their relatives for ongoing support. Among men, gratitude toward spouses emerged as a notable theme, with a significant portion recognizing wives for bringing structure, warmth, and genuine interest into their lives. Women commonly described gratitude toward their husbands for care and protection, noting these behaviors as foundational to a secure family environment. The study reveals a shared appreciation for the stabilizing influence that partners can offer within a busy and demanding modern life.
Friendship registered as an important source of gratitude for about 28 percent of those surveyed. The dominant reason cited was the desire to have a reliable companion through all situations. Respondents also acknowledged the role of parents in shaping their lives, highlighting the capacity for supportive conduct, responsibility, and educational achievement as important reasons for feeling grateful toward children in their care or influence.
Around one in five respondents extended their gratitude to workplace networks, including managers and colleagues. Supervisors were appreciated for motivation and guidance in personal and professional development, while colleagues were valued for teamwork and cooperative effort in achieving common goals. The survey captures a broad spectrum of appreciation that crosses family, friends, and the workplace, revealing how interconnected life’s spheres contribute to a sense of gratitude. The results also touch on broader social plans for the year ahead, indicating that many Russians view the act of giving thanks as part of a larger commitment to healthier habits and more harmonious relationships in 2024 and beyond, a trend noted by analysts observing shifting attitudes toward personal well-being and social bonds within the country.