Thank you cards might seem like a lost art, but they don’t have to be. Think about how good it feels to receive a simple note of gratitude in the mail, or handed to you directly. It’s a simple gesture that can go a long way in showing someone how much their gift or act resonated with you.
Additionally, thank you cards are also a great way to foster connection. They are so much more than just a simple “thanks.” You can use them as a way to reconnect with someone, start a conversation, or truly let that person know what they mean to you.
Of course, that means you should show a bit of vulnerability as you create your thank you cards. By including heartfelt messages in various situations, you can feel good about your attitude of gratitude, and you can strengthen your relationship with the people you’re writing to.
Bridging the Gap
There’s no question that we’re living in a tech-forward world. Technology continues to advance and make everyday tasks more convenient. It can also help significantly with staying connected to people you care about. At the same time, however, technology can only go so far (no pun intended). Things like phone calls, texting, and even video chats are great. But, there can be something impersonal about them, especially when you’re talking to someone on the go or fitting them into small increments of your life.
Make no mistake, that kind of connection is important and technology is wonderful for making it happen. But, things like thank you cards can help to bridge the gap that technology sometimes struggles with. A handwritten thank you note is incredibly personal. When you take the time to find a card, write a heartfelt note, and send it out in the mail, the recipient is more likely to pay attention to what it has to say and feel good about the time you took to send it.
They can also help people feel seen during major life moments that might be masked by tech. For example, live-streamed weddings have become more popular since the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a great way to get everyone involved in the big day and allow more people to attend, even if it’s virtually. But, sending all of your virtual guests hand-written thank you notes will really show your gratitude and help them know their attendance – even online – was important to you.
Why Do Thank You Notes Really Matter?
Still not quite convinced that a heartfelt thank you card can boost connection and show your gratitude? Thank you notes are more than a formality after someone gives you a gift or does something for you. They can actually open the door to future communication and they can let someone know how you really feel.
That’s great for family members and friends you want to stay close with. But, thank you notes can also be used in career settings to help strike a positive first impression. If you’re going to send a heartfelt thank you note to someone you’ve been networking with, keep these tips in mind to make the most of it:
- Send it within 48 hours
- Keep it short and sweet
- Take the time to write it by hand
- Address your recipient the right way
- Be respectful, courteous, and thankful
Thank you notes can help you stand out from others because they’re not as common as they used to be. They also demonstrate your communication skills and show the recipient that you don’t take things for granted.
How to Create a Thank You Card
One of the easiest ways to put together a thank you card is to purchase a pack to keep at home. You never know when you might need one, and even if they’re all the same, your handwritten message can be personal and different for every situation. The card design itself doesn’t really matter — what you say inside is what counts.
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to what you should share in a thank you card, as long as you adequately show your gratitude. But, if you’re unsure where to start, keep these tips in mind:
- Start with a positive greeting
- Express specific gratitude
- Explain how the recipient’s kindness has impacted you
- Tell them you’re looking forward to seeing them or connecting soon
Go beyond simply saying “thank you.” Let the recipient know why their gesture meant so much, and why it was so important for you to reach out to them with gratitude. Your words could make that person’s day and foster a relationship that might not otherwise grow.
Being consciously grateful can also benefit you. An attitude of gratitude can boost your mental health, reduce depression and anxiety, and change your perspective on things. So, whether it’s a holiday, birthday, wedding, or just because someone showed you an act of kindness, consider bringing this lost art back into practice. You might be surprised by the relationships it develops and the way it makes you feel.
Photo Credit
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Guest Author Bio
Luke Smith
Luke Smith is a writer and researcher turned blogger. He enjoys writing on a variety of topics but business, technology, and digital marketing topics are his favorite. When he isn’t writing you can find him traveling, hiking, or getting into the latest tech.
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