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Angie Mc
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EVERYDAY CHEAPSKATE, Jan 01, 08 - Mary Hunt
How and Why to Write a Thank-You Note
In these high-tech times when text-messaging and email are the preferred method of written communication, it might not have even crossed your mind to ask this important question: Do I have to send an old-fashioned thank-you note when someone gives me a gift? In a word, yes. It’s right, it’s proper and it’s good for you.
It is not difficult, nor should it be time consuming to write a simple, heartfelt note of thanks in response to a gift or other act of kindness.
Here are the elements of a well-written thank-you note:
GREETING. Keep it simple. “Dear Aunt Mary…” works well.
EXPRESS GRATITUDE. State your thanks and identify the specific gift: “Thank you so much for the video game. It’s a perfect addition to my Wii collection, and I appreciate it so much.” Or “Thank you for the sweater, which is the exact color I would have chosen.”
The only exception to the specific reference is if the gift was money. In that case do not say, “Thank you for the $100.” Say simply, “Thank you for the generous gift which is greatly appreciated.” However, in the event Aunt Mary actually took the time to create a clever presentation, it would be perfectly acceptable to say, “Your generosity is exceeded only by your clever ability to fold money into a beautiful swan.”
DISCUSS USE. A simple sentence that indicates how you will use the gift comes next. “I know I will get plenty of use from this sweater during my semester abroad in Antarctica.” Or, “It is my all-time favorite game so you can be sure that I will think of you often.” Or, “It will be spent well to help furnish the baby’s room.”
MENTION THE PAST, REFER TO THE FUTURE. Possibly the most important part of your message is reference to how this person fits into your life. Something like, “I remember fondly snow tubing with you on the hill behind the farm and I look forward to seeing you soon.” Or “You are in my thoughts and I hope to see you soon.”
REVISIT GRATITUDE. As you close your note, state again your gratitude. “Thanks again for your gift” is an appropriate way to close your note.
REGARDS. Wrap things up with a gentle close and your name. “Fondly, Joe” or “Love, Laura” are excellent choices.
There. Seal it up and get it into the mail. Even if you are the only person you know sending thank-you notes, don’t let that deter you. You’ve demonstrated gracious living at a time when most are too busy to be bothered.
As an added bonus—but certainly not offered as an incentive to do the right thing—thank-you notes have been known to encourage repeat performances, as well as improve the frequency and quality of future gifts.
©Copyright 2007 MaryHunt
Everyday Cheapskate is a Registered Trademark
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Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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SusanJ
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Thanks Angie!
I received Miss Manners' book for Christmas (it was a request) and writing thank-you notes (and social correspondence in general) is a big goal for me this year. Letter-writing is getting to be such a lost art!
Susan
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marihalojen
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We just bought cute Thank You notes this weekend and now I have the perfect guide to kickstart those letters!
Thank you, Angie!
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Angie Mc
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You are welcome and thank you for your thank yous:). I delegated the Christmas "thank you" writing to my 15yo dd and she was very grateful to have a guide to use with her brothers.
Love,
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Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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Chari
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I am one of those people who still do thank you notes...probably at about 80% rate. This was fun to read, Angie......and to learn I am doing it right.  I was also quite a letter writer before the days of email.....now, I rarely do either....definitely one way in which the internet messed me up 
Something else comes from thank you notes quite frequently for me: the recipient seems to have an increase in self-esteem and that cheerfulness carries over. I have been known to get letters or phone calls from folks thanking me for the thank you card
When I was expecting my youngest, and then gave birth to him....a friend kept being on the giving side of things for me or my family.....so she kept getting thank you notes from me. Her response: I just LOVE you thank you notes....I gotta keep doing things for you so I can keep them coming.
signed, from someone who once sent Christmas thank you's out in June (because I just couldn't let it go)......and who has dragged thank you cards with me on this trip.....only to bring them home tommorrow, blank 
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mellyrose
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We're writing thank you notes this week! One resource that has been fun for the boys is this custom writing paper. In years past, the boys drew pictures and signed their names while I wrote their (dictated) notes. This year, they're both writing their own notes. (Not as complete as Angie's suggestions, but appropriate for their ages -- Nate just writes Dear XYZ, Thank you! Love, Nate -- for example.) I'm sending notes as well to round out their thank you (more work for me this year, but good writing practice for the boys.)
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Angie Mc
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mellyrose wrote:
| We're writing thank you notes this week! One resource that has been fun for the boys is this custom writing paper. ) |
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How sweet is that? I love that you can choose the size of the lines to match the printing/writing skill level of the child. I'll be using these in the future. Thanks, Melanie!
Love,
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Angie Mc
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Rachel May
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A few years back we young officers' wives were "forced" to take a course in military etiquette. The turn around on thank you notes was suggested as 24 hours (and RSVPs 48 hours).
Now I'm still like Chari, they can at times take 6 months to do, but I found that having someone tell me how long it should take helped me work more quickly. I finished mine today--not my best year, but not my worst either. 
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4Real Forums : Language Arts Come Alive
Topic: How and Why to Write a Thank-You Note
