Michigan Has The Right Idea About Writing Thank You Notes

Just when you think the world has forgotten proper etiquette, you get a handwritten thank you card in the mail.

Tess Taylor and I were recently discussing how nice it is to receive a  handwritten thank you note in the mail, and why it means so much. Recently, a few 'thank you' notes have come my way and they mean so much!

• Habitat For Humanity - Monica from the charity group wrote Tess and I a thank card for coming out to the 'Habi Hour' event.
• Shinola - The sales man James, sent me a note, thanking me for making a purchase at the store.
• Grant - My younger cousin wrote me a note of thanks for his birthday gift.

To me the greatest thing about all three of those notes is that the people who wrote them, thought of me, took the time to hand write a letter, address the envelope, stamp it, and made sure it got in the mail. The time that they gave up to do all that, made me feel really special. It also encourages me to continue, to pick up a pen and say thank you to someone who did something nice for me.

When asked when you should write a thank you note, Emilypost.com quoted Emily Post as saying...

It's never wrong to send a written thank you, and people always appreciate getting "thanks" in writing."

I believe that the notes do not have to be long, just sincere!

Now Days Many People Do Not Have Experience In Writing Thank You Notes So I Found A List Of "Do's" That May Help...

1. Do personalize your notes and make reference to the person as well as the gift.
2. Do remember that a gift should be acknowledged with the same courtesy and generous spirit in which it was given.
3. Do be enthusiastic, but don’t gush. Avoid saying a gift is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen unless you really mean it.
4. Do promptly acknowledge the receipt of shipped gifts by sending a note right away or calling and following up with a written note in a day or two.
5. Do refer to the way you will use a gift of money. Mentioning the amount is optional.

Now For The List Of Don'ts" When Writing A Thank You Note...

1. Don’t send form letters or cards with printed messages and just your signature; don’t use email or post a generic thank you on your wedding web site in lieu of a personal note.
2. Don’t mention that you plan to return a gift or that you are dissatisfied in any way.
3. Don’t tailor your note to the perceived value of the gift; no one should receive a perfunctory note.
4. Don’t include photos or use photo cards if it will delay sending the note.
5. Don’t use being late as an excuse not to write. Even if you are still sending notes after your first anniversary, keep writing!

Emily Post and my mother had it right, taking a few minutes to send a note, is important.