A Letter is Better

After an abhorrently long window of time, I just composed an overdue thank you note. Having received a lovely one yesterday, this opinionated (am I ever otherwise?) post is a rework of an earlier composition. Agree? Disagree? En pointe or fuddy duddy? Comment accordingly!

To extrapolate from the old adage, you can most assuredly teach new dogs old tricks. Role model written recognition; our children learn our leanings.

Some schools of thought proclaim if one is present at the time of a present’s presentation - and thanks are orally bestowed on the spot - the recipient need not put pen to paper. My response: insufficient. Face-to-face thanks are a fine first step, but a follow-up is necessary. A phone call? Feeble. E-appreciation? E-gregiously inadequate.

Admittedly and unapologetically, I’m a martinet for manners. Emily Post, Letitia Baldridge, and Martha Stewart would likely find my fervor for form a bit fanatical. (e.g., otherwise qualified job applicants are eliminated from my short list when no note is received post-interview; impressions are important. No joke.)

Perpetuate polite protocol. Correspond with creative kindness. Acknowledge with appreciative attitude. Be thoughtful in your thankfulness, and do it in writing.

Encourage your offspring to embody - and expect - etiquette. For the penmanship-challenged population, a piece of artwork tucked within a tot-style notecard is a sublime solution.

It's never too late to get some gracious gratitude going.
Decorum demands it. Conscience commands it.