Why is it sometimes so difficult to put our gratitude — even when it comes from the heart — into words? It’s not always easy to express thanks in words, and there are moments when it seems like our efforts will fall short. Other times, a present may come as a complete surprise, leaving us to wonder what is expected of us in return.
But it doesn’t have to be that difficult to write a thank-you note. You may copy the format of a strong thank-you note if you need to express gratitude for anything. Any thank you may be made to reflect your sincere feelings of joy, gratitude, and thankfulness by adding a few crucial details.
According to scientific research, feeling grateful makes both the giver and the recipient happier. According to a 2018 study, those who don’t realize the value of expressing their thankfulness may find it difficult to do so more frequently. Simply put: You feel better and are more likely to practice thankfulness the more often you do it.
But do people still send thank-you notes nowadays? They might not happen as frequently as they once did, but that doesn’t mean you should forgo them. Why pass up the chance to improve both your own and someone else’s moods?
Photo by Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash
Being thankful is always in trend.
You’ll need a pen or pencil, as well as some excellent paper or stationery before you can begin writing. If you can’t afford fancy cards and fountain pens, it won’t diminish the significance of your message, so try not to worry too much about your resources. It’s what you think that matters.
Take the chance to have some fun, though, if you enjoy writing instruments and pens. It’s important to exhibit delight and enthusiasm while writing a thank you note, so if you adore the things you received, you’ll be in the perfect frame of mind to do so.
Part 1: The salutation
The most obvious component of a thank-you note is that it should still be customized for the receiver. The welcome establishes the tone of thanks.
Mr. or Mrs. can be used in more official interactions, but you should feel free to use first names and “Hi” or “Hey!” when speaking to somebody you know well.
Please don’t overthink this. This is merely a way to convey your core point. Similar to any message, you can introduce yourself briefly before offering your primary thanks. The following are ways to start :
“I hope this year’s holidays are going well for you!”
“I hope all is good with you!”
It was great seeing you at .”
Second: The message
You’ll spend the majority of your time here because it’s where the note’s mail is located. Don’t feel as though you have to spend an hour coming up with the ideal paragraph. You only need to say a few sincere, nice words.
Include a few facts, such as the significance of the present or your intended purpose. A superb thank you have all of these qualities! There’s no need to go into great detail, but adding a few phrases will assist illustrate your gratitude.
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I merely wanted to express my gratitude for the Starbucks gift card. A latte was exactly what I needed this week.
“I adored the scarf you sent me as a birthday present. It goes with my clothing like a glove.
“The book is a wonderful addition to my library. I’m looking forward to reading this weekend! You truly understand me so well.
Always be true to yourself! There’s no need to overdo it. In a thank-you message, simplicity is key. You don’t have to go on and on to make a gift meaningful; the person who spent the time choosing it for you only wants to know that you liked it or found it beneficial.
Don’t let the fact that the present wasn’t something you particularly desired or intended to use many stops you from saying thank you. You might express your gratitude to the giver by stating what you *do* value about the present, such as:
“Bringing me something from your vacation was such a lovely gesture,” I said.
“I am so appreciative that you always remember us over the holidays.”
“I was quite shocked to receive a box in the mail! My whole day was made by it.”
To express to your present recipient how much you regard them personally, you might also include a statement that looks ahead:
You have excellent taste!
“You are so considerate,”
“You are extremely generous,”
You always know just what to do to make me feel better.
Part 3: The Conclusion
Just like you began the note, end it by expressing your gratitude for their gift. You don’t have to be repetitious to make your point one last time, so if it’s acceptable, feel free to include a personal remark that isn’t strictly relevant to the present. Otherwise, it never hurts to end by assuring them that you value their thoughtfulness.
Some instances:
We must soon visit the new lunch location we’ve been discussing.
“Again, I appreciate you considering me. It means a lot!”
“I’m fortunate to have you as a buddy!”
“You are so considerate! Gratitude again
Just as you did at the start of the note, keep the relationship in mind for the sign-off.
For more formal relationships, “Sincerely” or “Best” are appropriate greetings.
Your friend or “Love” are suitable closings for less formal notes.
the right time to send a thank-you message
Send a thank you whenever in doubt! When someone goes out of their way to give you anything, it’s nearly never inappropriate to say thank you, even for something very tiny.
Dianne Gotsman, a leading authority on etiquette, provides the following advice: “Generally speaking, if you live in the same house or share a toilet, you are likely immediate family therefore a verbal thank you is all that is necessary. But it all comes down to the gift, the act, and the effort. Even your mother or husband would value a surprising and sincere message of gratitude for their act of kindness.
Sending a thank-you note as soon as possible is a good general rule, although Gotsman asserts that sending one late is preferable to not sending one at all. Gratitude is a timeless virtue.
The giver will be relieved to hear that you used the present or appreciated the money, she claims, even if it has been a year.
Add a remark about how frequently you use the present or that you’ve been reflecting on how thoughtful it was all this time later if you’ve let time pass and feel uncomfortable sending a thank-you note.
After several hectic months, “I finally had a chance to utilize the gift card this week, and it was just the treat I needed.”
“I wanted to thank you for the new mug even though the past few weeks have been extremely busy. I make use of it daily!
“I’m sorry it took so long to get to you! You gave such a thoughtful present. Thanks a lot!
So how do you decide whether or not to send a thank-you note?
The answer is almost always a loud yes if you ever find yourself in the situation of wondering whether you need to write a thank you note. So says Gotsman. “A thank you for their consideration is always a suitable effort when someone extends a gesture that is above and above the call of duty,” the author writes.
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The most obvious component of a thank-you note is that it should still be customized for the receiver. The welcome establishes the tone of thanks.
Mr. or Mrs. can be used in more official interactions, but you should feel free to use first names and “Hi” or “Hey!” when speaking to somebody you know well.
You’ll spend the majority of your time here because it’s where the note’s mail is located. Don’t feel as though you have to spend an hour coming up with the ideal paragraph. You only need to say a few sincere, nice words.
Include a few facts, such as the significance of the present or your intended purpose. A superb thank you have all of these qualities! There’s no need to go into great detail, but adding a few phrases will assist illustrate your gratitude.
Always be true to yourself! There’s no need to overdo it. In a thank-you message, simplicity is key. You don’t have to go on and on to make a gift meaningful; the person who spent the time choosing it for you only wants to know that you liked it or found it beneficial.
Just like you began the note, end it by expressing your gratitude for their gift. You don’t have to be repetitious to make your point one last time, so if it’s acceptable, feel free to include a personal remark that isn’t strictly relevant to the present. Otherwise, it never hurts to end by assuring them that you value their thoughtfulness.
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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You may also like these posts on The Good Men Project:
White Fragility: Talking to White People About Racism | Escape the “Act Like a Man” Box | The Lack of Gentle Platonic Touch in Men’s Lives is a Killer | What We Talk About When We Talk About Men |
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Photo credit: Sincerely Media on Unsplash