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Chapter 22
WRITING A
THANK-YOU NOTE
Knowing when to write a thank-you note is easy: you write a thank-you note whenever someone does something really nice for you or gives you a gift.
Knowing how to write a thank-you note is a little bit harder, but once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll want to make a habit of it. Expressing your appreciation for something in a brief but sincere note isn’t something you outgrow. In fact, it’s a skill and a courtesy that will become even more important as you get older and need to acknowledge graduation gifts, job interviews, and wedding presents.
A well-written personal note always impresses people—whether that person is your grandmother, your best friend’s parents, or the person you hope to call your boss. It especially stands out when the habits of more casual correspondence have made thank-you notes seem exceptional. Being exceptional is always a good thing.
YOU DO
Write a thank-you note for a gift you’ve received.
YOU DON’T
Think that saying “thank you” in person when you receive the gift is enough or that texting “thx!” will take care of it.
Why
If someone has taken the time and effort to choose and purchase a gift for you, the most meaningful way to respond is to express your appreciation in writing.
YOU DO
Write your thank-you notes as promptly as possible.
YOU DON’T
Think that because you have procrastinated for a month or more after your birthday, there’s no sense in sending a note so late.
Why
Sooner is better than later, but late is better than never. If a month has gone past since you received the watch from your grandmother, you might start with a quick apology for your tardiness, and even make a little joke about how you hope it makes you more timely. You do not say, “I’ve been so busy, I didn’t have time.” You don’t need to offer an excuse, just an apology.
YOU DO
Write your friend’s parents a thank-you note for taking you to the beach with them for spring break.
YOU DON’T
Write your friend’s mother a thank-you note for giving you a ride home from the movie.
Why
Some things—like a ride home or asking you to stay for pizza with the family—are simply considerations that people do for others in the course of daily life. Bringing you along for a vacation, taking you as their guest to a really nice restaurant, or inviting you to use one of the family’s football season tickets are all special, and should be acknowledged as such.
YOU DO
Say something personal and specific in your thank-you note.
YOU DON’T
Write something that sounds like a form letter for which you have filled in the blanks.
Why
People want to know that their gift or gesture has made an impression on you in some way. Writing “Dear Aunt Molly, Thank you for the gift you sent me. Sincerely, Anna Belle” is impersonal and vague.
A lady handwrites a thank-you note on a note card or stationery, not on a piece of paper torn out of a notebook.
A lady uses her best handwriting, even if that means printing. An illegible note can lead to miscommunication or even a headache for the person attempting to read it.
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Here are a couple of examples you can use as guidelines.
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