I was taught in school, both elementary and high school, how to write a letter. Proper salutations, grammar, punctuation, how to address an envelope, were all part of that learning. I would put the proper postage and it was mailed. I would get compliments on my thoughtfulness, my penmanship, grammar and my effort to acknowledge their gift or kindness. I actually enjoyed the effort.
During my youth there was no email, texting or cell phones. I was taught that writing "thank you" letters was an expected and socially nice way to express your appreciation for the thoughtfulness of others who gave gifts at special occasions in my life. I'm long past my childhood and teens years, but I continue to write thank you letters to those who have extended their kindness to me. I did so in my youth, while obtaining my high school degree, undergraduate degree, my masters degree and my doctorate degree, working in my busy profession, helping my wife raise our children and during my retirement. I was never too busy to sit down and write a thank you letter. Not having the time was never used as an excuse. I instilled in my children the practice of thank you letters, and for the most part, I was successful.
Now to the current generation. The children and teens that make up my family structure, without fail, tell me "thank you," after I have given to them, when I am there personally to receive their thanks. However, when I gave and was not present, I have received an email or a Facebook post, thanking me. The "thank you" note is brief and seemingly, represents in my opinion, minimal effort. Sometimes, I have received no acknowledgement. I suspect this is similar to many families. Is this a big deal? Not really. The children in my family are polite, respectful and loving. I just regret that their willingness and ability to write a letter no longer matters. Sure they can email and text, where grammar is ignored. Having your number on their cell phone speed dial, with a brief conversation of thanks, just doesn't seem to match the time, effort and expense that I extended to them. Maybe, I'm simply expecting too much.
Where do their parents stand on this issue? Do their teachers still instruct their students on letter writing and the civility for expressing gratitude through thank you letters? Sure thank you notes and stamps cost money, but not that much, and this too would represent the depth of their appreciation.
What do you think?
Article Source:EzineArticles.com
During my youth there was no email, texting or cell phones. I was taught that writing "thank you" letters was an expected and socially nice way to express your appreciation for the thoughtfulness of others who gave gifts at special occasions in my life. I'm long past my childhood and teens years, but I continue to write thank you letters to those who have extended their kindness to me. I did so in my youth, while obtaining my high school degree, undergraduate degree, my masters degree and my doctorate degree, working in my busy profession, helping my wife raise our children and during my retirement. I was never too busy to sit down and write a thank you letter. Not having the time was never used as an excuse. I instilled in my children the practice of thank you letters, and for the most part, I was successful.
Now to the current generation. The children and teens that make up my family structure, without fail, tell me "thank you," after I have given to them, when I am there personally to receive their thanks. However, when I gave and was not present, I have received an email or a Facebook post, thanking me. The "thank you" note is brief and seemingly, represents in my opinion, minimal effort. Sometimes, I have received no acknowledgement. I suspect this is similar to many families. Is this a big deal? Not really. The children in my family are polite, respectful and loving. I just regret that their willingness and ability to write a letter no longer matters. Sure they can email and text, where grammar is ignored. Having your number on their cell phone speed dial, with a brief conversation of thanks, just doesn't seem to match the time, effort and expense that I extended to them. Maybe, I'm simply expecting too much.
Where do their parents stand on this issue? Do their teachers still instruct their students on letter writing and the civility for expressing gratitude through thank you letters? Sure thank you notes and stamps cost money, but not that much, and this too would represent the depth of their appreciation.
What do you think?
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