Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 2:01 PM
By Vesta Vamps
Write a Thank You Note
I am one of those old-fashioned people who love to send mail. I have boxes upon boxes of stationery, every themed stamp made, and different colored pens for every occasion. Thank you notes are something on which my parents always placed great importance, and my sisters and I grew up writing them regularly. I now take great pleasure in writing thank you notes, and really, in the spirit of Mother’s Day, who deserves our thanks more than our parents? Here are my “4Bs” for how to write a truly great thank you note:
Be prompt. Thank you notes should be written promptly. I usually give myself a deadline of a week, but a late note is better than no note! If it is very late, acknowledge it (“I can’t believe a month has gone by since I received the lovely soup bowls” or “Please know that my tardiness in writing is in no way a reflection on how much I appreciate the soup bowls”).
Be specific. It’s important to acknowledge what was given. It’s hurtful to the person who gave you a thoughtful gift to receive a note that reads, “Thank you for the gift. I really love it.”
Be personal. I recently brought a gift to an engagement party off the registry that wasn’t particularly exciting, but more of a kitchen staple. In the thank you note I received, the bride to be wrote, “I love these dishes, probably because my mother has had one as long as I can remember, so it’s a nice homey sight.” I thought this was wonderfully personal and touching.
Be genuine. Ultimately, an honest note is the most important. If something meant a lot to you, say so, but flattery that’s over the top will come across as insincere.
When is a thank you note appropriate? Any time you receive a gift or have been a guest, a thank you note is appropriate and appreciated. Whether you were a weekend guest or just over for a dinner, your host will appreciate a note. A thank you note is also appropriate when a friend has gone above and beyond for you—introducing you to a potential employer, writing a letter of recommendation for you, etc.
