Write the Words Thank You
Besides graduations, weddings, parties and showers, ‘Tis always the season for writing Thank You notes.
Deeds done are a gift. And failure to acknowledge the time and thought or money someone spent marks a failing indeed.
Etiquette: prescribed behavior
Etiquette––this tricky word to spell (3 e’s and 3 t’s, if that helps)––comes from the French word meaning “prescribed behavior,” customs or rules governing behavior regarded as correct or acceptable.
Is etiquette still prescribed in an age of entitlement?
Opting out on writing thank you notes, this time-honored show of good manners, corresponds to plenty of other courtesies jettisoned in an age of entitlement.
It’s almost as if people feel that they are owed a gift.
So much more than thank you, the written note acknowledges the gift’s receipt. Every gift recipient owes the giver of the gift a written thank you even if you are not thankful.
Acknowledge a gift’s receipt
Sometimes when the gift is left on the gift table at a wedding reception, the giver wonders, “Did someone abscond with my gift?”
Why put the giver in the awkward position of asking you if their gift was received? What will you say then, once you wipe the egg off your face?
What about that person who goes to A LOT of trouble and added expense to package and mail a gift? He wants to know that gift was received. Will he need to ask, “Did the P.O. lose the gift I sent?”
Courtesy: excellence of manners or social behavior
Whatever, make no excuses.
Perhaps it has not occurred to you that the person you forget or neglect to thank might eliminate your name from their list of gift recipients. Naughty or Nice?
And don’t make excuses about your handwriting. Even the worst, cryptic, doctor-writing-a-prescription handwriting can convey your thanks.
The handwritten note stands out amidst the slush pile of mass-mailings and texts and emails.
Thank you notes say in word and deed “I think enough of you to write you this note.” And in this case, the thought counts because it is written down.
If you feel you must purchase a card that says thank you, one that has written sentiments inside, be sure to add your own thoughts. Don’t just sign your name. Add a personal greeting.
You may know that the higher the fiber content, the more expensive the stationery. Personalized, embossed or engraved stationery may impress some people.
Blank notes, however, are easy to come by. Discounted and discontinued notes abound in stores, or you can make your own notes and even craft envelopes from flat pieces of paper.
It doesn’t need to cost much more than postage to let someone know that a) you received the gift they sent; b) you like the gift they sent; and/or c) you appreciate their thoughtfulness.
In any case, your Thank You note costs far less than the gift you received.
Write what you know.
In other words, you don’t need to make stuff up. Keep notes brief but sincere. If you don’t like or need the gift, acknowledge and focus on the sender’s consideration. “How kind of you to think of me.”
Example of what to write
Write out the day’s date (some people write this at the bottom of their note)
Salutation: Dear ______,
Text: What a nice surprise to receive your gift. The ____ is something I can use/wanted/needed. [OR] I will use the money you sent to buy ____.
Wrap up: Thank you again for thinking of me. I will think of you each time I wear/use/enjoy your gift.
Closing: Sincerely or Truly or Fondly, Regards or Love, whatever honest words convey your feelings for this person
Address, add return address, and stamp the envelope to mail.
Zoom. Off it goes into the wild blue yonder.
Go ahead. Make someone’s day.
Imagine the person who receives your handwritten note reacting as if a florist had just delivered flowers.
Imagine the pleasure that person receives reading and rereading your thoughtful handwritten note.
