Writing Tips
Finding a personal note or letter waiting for us at the end of the day is always a pleasant surprise. Letters from friends and loved ones are special gifts. Someone has taken time from their busy schedule to share their personal thoughts with you. And, because of the permanence of a letter, it can be enjoyed over and over again.
If a letter is such a special gift, why do we write so few of them? In an age in which it is so convenient to pick up the telephone, we see letter writing as a major event. We think that every letter or note must be a masterpiece.
Writing becomes a task because we feel that the quality of our letters must transcend the ordinary. Yet, when we receive a letter, we appreciate what was written and the thought that went into it, not how well it was written.
There are a few simple hints to follow to help you write your thank-you notes. Most of them simply require you to be yourself. Remember, the people to whom you are writing want to hear from you. They want to hear that you received your gifts and that you appreciate them immensely.
Don't Worry About Style
Write your thank-you notes in the style in which you usually speak. Use contractions; they're more personal. They'll make your notes sound more like you.
Don't Let Your Thank-you Obligations Pile Up
Write your thank-you notes the day you receive your presents. Your notes will be fresher and will sound more sincere.
Just Write
Writer's block comes from thinking too much about style and substance. You know pretty much what you want to say. Just say it. And don't worry about repeating yourself. Everybody understands that it's impossible to write something original on each and every thank-you note. Besides, your thank-you notes are not going to be passed around and compared.
Thank-you notes should be sent to everybody who sent you a gift or helped you with the wedding. If you ever wonder whether or not a situation calls for a thank-you note, stop wondering and send one. Whether necessary or not, it is always welcome.
Your thank-you notes should be handwritten and they may be brief. Since you write the thank-you notes yourself, you sign the notes with just your name. You may sign just your first name when writing to those closest to you and your first, maiden, and married names when writing to those who may need all three names to recognize you.
A tasteful thank-you note contains four basic parts:
A Greeting
Dear Aunt Kelly and Uncle Steven,
A Note of Thanks
The antique candlesticks that you gave us are beautiful. We really appreciate all the love that went into choosing them.
Mention of How Useful Their Gift Will Be
A place of honor has been reserved for them on our dining room table.
A Suggestion to See Them Soon
Nicholas and I plan on inviting you for dinner—and to admire our new candlesticks—as soon as we get settled in.