You cannot even have an artificial attitude [of thanks] toward Hashem unless you have a natural behavior pattern of thanking people.

If you acquire that behavior pattern, you will thank your mother or your wife for making your meals, you will thank your father for buying you clothing, and you will thank your rebbe for teaching you Torah. You can then use this attitude in expressing your gratitude to Hashem. ~ R’ Avigdor Miller zt”l