55

Chapter 17

WRITING A THANK-YOU NOTE

When someone does something nice for you or gives you a gift, you thank that person. It is the right thing to do.

And doing the right thing will always pay off. If you have good manners, your friends’ parents will be more likely to be comfortable with your being around their kids. When you get older, good manners will help you get a better job and have a better life.

Writing a thank-you note will demonstrate that you have the best manners possible. You will be showing people how much you appreciate them. You are not doing it because your mom and dad are forcing you to. You are doing it because you are a thoughtful guy. And that will really impress people. It will also have a lot to do with what they think of you and how they treat you.

56

YOU DO

Write a thank-you note for gifts you receive.

YOU DON’T

Assume that, just because you said, “Thank you,” when you opened the gift, you have done enough.

Why

When somebody has put time, effort, or money into giving you a gift, writing a thank-you note is the right way to show your appreciation.

YOU DO

Write a thank-you note on a note card.

YOU DON’T

Write a thank-you note on a piece of notebook paper or on your computer, even if you use fancy fonts.

WHY

You are not a six-year-old. You are old enough to have your own stationery. If you don’t know what type of cards you need, you might ask your parents to help you pick them out. Better yet, ask to get your own supply with your name on it. People will be very impressed.

57

YOU DO

Write a thank-you note to your friend’s parents if they took you out to eat at a nice restaurant or on an out-of-town trip.

YOU DON’T

Write a thank-you note to your friend’s parents if they simply made you a grilled cheese sandwich when you were over at their house.

Why

There are limits to how many thank-you notes you have to write. You should send a thank-you note for special gifts or special acts of kindness. A trip to see a professional hockey game requires a thank-you note. A grilled cheese sandwich does not. (You do say, “Thank you,” when your friend’s mom or dad gives you the sandwich, of course.) If you are wondering whether you need to send a thank-you note, ask your parents for their advice.

A gentleman knows that a thank-you e-mail does not take the place of a thank-you note. It is better than nothing, but not as good as a handwritten note.

Here are a few examples of the type of thank-you notes you can send on almost any occasion.

58

Dear Aunt Kelly,

You know how much I like Harry Potter. When I opened your package on my birthday and saw the special edition DVD, I was reminded why you are such a great aunt. Thank you very much for thinking of me.

Your nephew,
Ted

Dear Grandma,

Thank you so much for the sweater you gave me for Christmas. I love it and will be wearing it to school a lot. Thank you for such a great gift. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Love,
Teddy

Dear Mr. Kelly,

Thank you for taking me to see the Predators last night. What a great game! I really appreciate getting to go with you and Michael to see my favorite hockey team.

Sincerely,
Ted