Everyday Writing - Thank You Notes

When was the last time you received a thank you note? When was the last time you sent one? In our overdrive lifestyles, the time-honored handwritten note of thanks seems to be disappearing. Is it unnecessary? How about a text or an email? Aghh!

There are still valid reasons to actually sit down and write out a note. Here are some for your consideration:

1. It's the polite/considerate thing to do when someone has taken the time to give you a gift.
2. Your Aunt Mabel won't be talking to her friends about the lack of gratitude young people have today. Instead, she'll be bragging on her niece who writes such lovely notes.
3. Who doesn't want some good mail? Your note will brighten the giver's day.
4. You'll feel better too. You've done a good thing.
5. Thank you notes are gender and age neutral. Men should write them as well as women. Children should be introduced to writing them in grade school.

I'm a lover of good pens and quality note cards. Pick up a nice gel pen and some small note cards to have on hand. I have a sister who makes her cards. She sends me little works of art when she sends a thank you. I love them, but you don't need to go to that length, unless you're into card making. Add some stamps with that too. A postage due thank you is no thank you at all.

 Now that you understand the importance of expressing gratitude, even if Uncle Joe sent you a strange pink unicorn statue for your birthday, how do we write that note? Here's the formula: short, simple, and sweet.  

Salutation:  Dear Aunt _____; Dear Grandma _______; Dear ________(friend's first name)

Specifics: Thank you for the diamond bracelet. It goes so well with my mink coat. Thank you for the Fix-A-Flat kit. I keep it my trunk and it's good to know I have it if needed. Thank you for the electronic transfer of $1 million to my offshore account. It's the perfect gift! I leave for the Caymans tomorrow.

Bonus Info: Let the giver know they're connected to your life. It was so good to see you at my birthday party and I'm looking forward to getting together at Thanksgiving.  I was sorry you couldn't make it to my graduation party, but maybe we can have lunch during fall break.

If they're not really connected, simply say: You're in my thoughts and hope you're well.

Wrap it Up: Thanks again for your thoughtful/generous/kind gift.

Sign off:  Love, Sincerely, All the best, etc. and then your name. Voila! The note is finished. Slip it in a properly addressed and stamped envelope. Drop it in the mail.

Timing is Everything:  One more thing. Time frame is very important. Wedding thank you notes can go out over several weeks. You probably have a lot of them to write.  But don't be a loser and "forget" to send them.  People take exception to that and you probably won't see another gift from them and your mother will get a phone call from the offended party.

For other gifts--birthdays, graduation, etc., don't go more than two or three weeks. Write those cards of thanks while it's all fresh in your mind and the mind of the giver.  Any later and it seems like an afterthought or someone finally twisted your arm to write. That's bad form my friend.

So, dear Readers, thanks for stopping by and I hope you'll make regular visits to SimplyLife. Without you, my words would be null and void. There'll be a few more posts on everyday writing, because we are all writers in some fashion. So stay tuned and thanks again for reading.