Monday, April 11, 2011

How to write a thank you note

How to write a thank you note

The construction of a thank you note is simple and here are the elements:
  1. The salutation: "Dear Uncle Jerome and Aunt Mildred"
  2. The thanks: "Thank you for the wonderful new car."
  3. The usefulness: "We will have years thinking of you as we run around in our shiny new car ... we really needed it at this point in our lives. The old junker was at the end of its road."
  4. The relationship: "I remember how fun it was to sit in your lap at the lake and hear your stories of olden times. And we can't wait to see you in our new home. You both are so special to us."
  5. Say it again: "Thank you for being so thoughtful and kind today and always."
  6. The signature: "Love, Sally and David"
Do NOT include anything else about your busy life. This is a thank you note, not a letter or a catch-up.

IMPORTANT: Do not email or IM this. It must be handwritten on paper and placed in a handwritten addressed envelope and mailed (yes, post office mail) with a stamp.
Not a tradition in your family? Make it one of yours. It shows you have class, courtesy and good taste. Everyone forgets emails. No one forgets the written note that arrives in the mail with love.

Getting bored writing the same words in each thank you note? Well try some other fun descriptions like:

  1. Instead of 'really' or 'very', how about: wonderfully, positively, appropriately, magnificently, perfectly, exceptionally, uncommonly, especially, rarely, exceedingly, truly, certainly, unusually, greatly, intensely, or completely.
  2. Instead of 'pretty', how about: beautiful, godsend, graceful, superb, serene, radiant, attractive, elegant, exquisite, perfect, handsome, lovely, comely, gorgeous, smashing, fine, super, matchless, best ever, distinctive, thoughtful, helpful, useful, or magnificent.
  3. 'Nice' is such a non-descriptive word - how about: pleasant, superior quality, admirable, wonderful, agreeable, careful, excellent, just right, delicate, particular fine, good, great, inviting, thoughtful, delightful, considerate, refined, blessing, jewel, pride and joy, accurate, exact, subtle, spiffy, topnotch, heaven-sent, praiseworthy, treasured, gem, peachy, or humdinger.

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