Thank you! The art of writing a thank-you note. Gracias How thoughtful! merci You shouldn’t have! I’m truly grateful.

The hidden secret of thank-you notes…. They improve the frequency and quality of the gifts you receive. People LIKE being appreciated. If you notice the nice things they do for you, they are more likely to give an encore performance.

First off… Get some stationery. –Plain note cards or a selection of attractive postcards, and proper postage. –AVOID the pre-inscribed “Thank you!” cards in loopy script. –Stay away from full-size sheets – note cards are best, as your message will be brief.

Six point formula: #1 Greet the giver: Dear Aunt Sally, This is the easy part, but you’d be surprised how many people forget it. People like to see their name in print…and use blue- black or black ink ONLY. That’s right, you’ve probably figured out you must handwrite your note, no matter how poor your handwriting may be. No exceptions or excuses.

#2 Express your gratitude. Thank you so much for the Hello Kitty backpack. This first paragraph seems like it would be the easiest, but it’s actually the most complicated. Beware: the just writing trap, as in I am just writing to say; use the present-perfect-tense, which essentially means write as if whatever you say is happening in the moment. Also…IMPORTANT… never directly mention money. ‘Thank you for the hundred bucks” could instead be “Thank you for your generosity,” or “Thank you for your kindness.”

#3 Discuss use. I will have many books and supplies to carry around campus, so it will get a lot of use when I get to college. Say something nice about the item and how you will use it. If it’s something you LOVE – then say so:

Ever since I got the backpack I have only taken it off to shower and go to work. I’d wear it to work if I thought I could get away with it. BUT …. Don’t lie. Let’s say you hate the backpack….How do you say thanks? Find the one thing about it that is nice and discuss it – but don’t get carried away. Good idea It is such a lovely shade of pink. Bad idea This backpack makes my heart sing like a choir of angels.

#4 Mention the past, allude to the future. It was great to see you at my graduation, and I hope to see you at Dad’s retirement in February. Think about why they gave you the gift. What does it mean to your relationship with the giver? Let the giver know how they fit into the fabric of your life.

If it’s someone you don’t see frequently, say whatever you know… Mom says your doing great in your new apartment in Phoenix. I hope we cross paths soon. If it’s someone you have regular contact with… I’ll call you soon, but I wanted to take the time to say thanks. If it’s someone you have little or no contact with… You are in my thoughts and I hope you are well.

#5 Grace Thanks again for the gift. It’s not overkill to say thanks again, so say it.

#6 Regards Love, Leslie Simply wrap it up. Use whatever works for you: Love, Yours Truly, With Love. Then sign your name and you’re done.

What’s missing? Any chatty news about your life. This isn’t the time to brag about your hot girlfriend, or the number of surgeries you’ve had. This isn’t a forum. Now…. Get it in the mail!

What do we have to be thankful for? Gifts Words of encouragement Extra help Scholarship recommendations Secretaries, nurses, custodians, lunch room personnel, security….etc.