Should We Continue To Write Thank You Notes ?

Should We Continue To Write Thank You Notes?

Should we teach our children and grandchildren to write social thank you notes?
This past week I read two articles about etiquette on Social Media. Technology has changed the way we communicate in many ways, but politeness is politeness. Acknowledging appreciation for those special gifts should always be a part of our society.In our fast paced world the email or phone call is considered acceptable but it is that handwritten personal note that makes the message special.

The subject interested me for two reasons. First my mother taught her eight children to sit down and write a thank you note for any thoughtful gift or gesture we received. It was the proper thing to do. Secondly, take my paintings and make note cards and I use them.

Recently I invited my daughter and her co-workers to come and share a home cooked Sunday dinner with me. The girls are all away from their hometowns and parents. This gave them a chance to gather around my table
and create a local family. I received a thank you note from each one of the girls including my daughter. Reading each card made me feel special. It also made me feel proud of their parents  teaching them to say "thank you". These notes were so special I placed them on a sofa table to look at and remind me  how  special these little notes are.

Thank you notes should always be at hand. They don't have to be expensive or even purchased. Hand draw them or make them on your computer. Maybe a large post it note pad will do. Personal handwritten are the best.
Keep your notes simple by opening with a greeting. Then write the reason you are grateful, followed why it was special, repeat your thanks and sign it. Be Creative.