Thank you notes

““Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” – William Arthur Ward

“Does anyone still send thank-you notes, or is that an antiquated idea?” a reader asked. It’s a worthy question as we approach the season of gratitude and giving. Etiquette experts agree that a handwritten note of appreciation is “good form” any time you’ve received a gift, a special favor, or enjoyed someone’s hospitality.

Likewise, in professional situations, including job interviews, sending a thank you note sets you apart from other clients and competitors. For a modern, updated spin on thank-you notes, check out this article on Emily Post Etiquette online.

Yes, a text or an email expressing gratitude is better than nothing, experts say. But there’s something special about finding a real note in your mailbox. It reconnects you to the sender and elevates the relationship. You might be inclined to save a note like that — and remember the sender long after you gave the gift or hosted the party. ~Cindy La Ferle

P.S. Yes, that’s my granny in today’s photo. She wrote lots of thank-you notes.