Don Kleinsmith: Gratitude: important, specific and appreciated
It’s easy to thank someone on the spot for something given to us or for something done for us. The deeper gratitude is taking the time to write a specific message, then sending it in the mail. I believe that this step — more than email — shows more effort, and the person receiving it may regard it as a “keeper.”
I received a thank-you letter a while ago for what I consider to be fairly large financial gift to an organization. I was disappointed upon receiving in reply a “Dear Friend” introduction to the letter and no signature.
Such impersonal responses may cause some of us to pause — then think that maybe the gift is accepted with little gratitude.
It takes relatively little time and effort to address a giver’s name, then sign the letter with maybe even a short hand-written expression of added appreciation. I also have received such letters, which usually have brought a desire to give again.
Studies have revealed that some job applicants do not send a thank-you note following an interview. In fact, some companies may consider not hiring someone who does not send an expression of gratitude.
Thank-you notes are so important after receiving, for example, a wedding, birthday or graduation gift; a task completed for us; a special dinner; or even a refreshing expression of gratitude at any time for a friendship.
Thank-you notes do not need to be lengthy, but they should be specific as to why we are expressing thanks. The more specific the message the more meaningful it is to the recipient. And the sooner it is sent, the more it is appreciated.
I have spoken with several people who are deserving of a thank-you note following, for example, wedding gifts they have given. However, with some, the note never came, leaving them wondering and disappointed.
Like so many of you, I appreciate a thank-you letter or note. And the more specific ones are met with a warm feeling.
Don Kleinsmith is a retired professor from Adrian College where he has taught for 45 years. He can be reached at 517-263-6357 or kleinsmith968@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Don Kleinsmith: Gratitude: important, specific and appreciated
