Now that all my friends have opened their graduation presents, I've been getting a steady stream of thank-you notes in the mail. Most of them are sweet and heartfelt, but today I got one that was really bad. It was from a boy, so maybe he can't be held as accountable because they aren't as good as we are at these things, but I know this boy has a way with words that is much more eloquent than what I just read! For goodness sake, I've known him for what feels like forever, yet he ended it with "it's been really great getting to know you." No. That is not okay. The thank-you note is a staple of Southern culture because it is sweet and personal, but you must end it with just that: something sweet and personal! That made me feel like he wrote me the same note he wrote the cousin he just met at his graduation. And, just in case he sees this, I'm not mad...this is a learning experience! So, here's how to write a really great thank-you note.
Dear So-and-So, (if you have a nickname, i.e. Big Daddy for my grandfather, feel free to use it here)
Thank you so much for the (insert gift here, and be specific!) It is so (insert adjective here) and I just love it! I can't wait to (insert how you will use it, and be specific!)...you really knew exactly what I needed! Thank you also for thinking of me at this special time in my life; it meant so much to me! As I move on to this next chapter in my life, it is so great knowing I have an amazing (grandfather/friend/etc.) like you! Thank you again for the (insert gift) and for your amazing (friendship/etc.)
Love, Carson (feel free to use the nickname the person you're writing to calls you!)
So, since that is a little vague, here is a sample thank-you note that I would send my best friend, Taylor.
Dear Tay,
Thank you so much for the gorgeous golden heart necklace you sent me for graduation! It is so dainty and beautiful, and I just love it! It will go perfectly with all of my game-day dresses for next year, but I'm going to have to hide it from Reeves so she doesn't steal it! Thank you also for remembering me at my graduation! It was such a nice surprise to see a present from you waiting for me in the mail; it really made my day! I'm so lucky to have such an awesome friend (even though you live 800 miles away!) and I hope we stay just as close as we move on to college...even though you'll be going to Florida. Thank you again for the necklace and for your amazing friendship!
Love, Cars.
One other mistake the above guy friend made? He addressed it to my parents but wrote the note to me! Make sure you eliminate silly mistakes like that! Also, the note should be neatly handwritten on your stationary in dark ink. Pencil will melt if it gets wet.
See? Not hard! Just keep it short-ish and personal, and the person who receives the thank-you note will feel extra-special! It's a skill all good Southern girls (and good Southern boys) should know!
Have a lovely day,
XO,
Carson
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