Thank you notes are among the most overlooked forms of manners in the world today. Years ago, nobody would ever receive a gift without sending a note of thanks in return. These days, we are so busy with our lives that we often never even think about sending a thank you note. For those that would like to start sending these little gems of gratitude, here is how to do it properly.
First of all, you should never send a thank you note via email. This is a rather insulting way to say thank you to someone that was kind enough to give you a gift. Take the time to send out the thank you note the old fashioned way – through the postal service. The act of writing out the note or card will be much more personal and genuine if you take the time. The person receiving the card will appreciate the gesture.
Sending a thank you card is considered acceptable, but a thank you note is much more personal and mannered. The reason is because you are taking the time to word the note yourself, and it is personalized specifically for the giver. This small detail can make a ton of difference. If you are doing nothing else, however, send a thank you card. A thank you card is better than sending nothing.
When writing a thank you note, you should put it on a clean sheet of paper. If you have no stationary, then use plain white paper. You should use black ink if available and blue if black is not available. This is so that the thank you note is easier to read. Thank you notes should be on unlined paper if possible.
Write in the manner of writing that is most legible. Many people have a problem writing clearly in cursive or print. Whichever type of writing is easiest to read is the one you should choose. If you are good at writing either one, then I would suggest your thank you note be in cursive. It is more ornate and likely to be more beautiful.
Be sure to mention the specific reason for the gift, and how it might make your life better. Whatever you intend to use the gift for, you need to thank them for the gesture. If you got a huge Buddha statue that you will never use, you should still be appreciative. Do not tell them you are going to use it for a basement door stopper. Take the time to explain how it will decorate your home beautifully. Be gracious in your thank you note.
Sign your thank you note with another thanks, and write your name clearly. While thank you notes are most common for gifts, and things of that nature, they can also be used in a number of other situations. These can include job interviews, advice, conversation, and even for work done. Whatever the reason, you should tailor your thank you note to fit the situation.
If you are late sending your thank you note, then send it anyway. Not sending a thank you note is far worse than sending none at all. If you are late, then maybe include an apology for it taking so long. Regardless, a thank you note will put a smile on their face.
