As a result of this instant access to communication we communicate often and impersonally. Our communications are short and quippy – not much thought needs to go into a text or posting on a facebook wall. Everything is short and thoughtless.
This is not a bad thing at all. We are better able to manage long distance relationships, a skill that was difficult a generation ago. It is much harder to lose touch with our loved ones. Our children can stay in close contact when they are not home. The worry and stress that our parents used to feel is alleviated considerably.
One result of this access to communication is the minimization of hand written notes – or even typed notes. The thought and time that go into writing a note and mailing it is contradictory to our quick paced life style. We do show stay in contact with each other – but often not in a meaningful way.
Specifically, in the next pages we are going to concentrate on the lost art of thank you notes. I still do receive thank you notes – not nearly as much as I used to – but they are short and thoughtless – almost like a quick e-mail or text. Today’s generation was not been taught – or has not had to - write thank you notes.
This is an art that should not be forgotten. The ten minutes required to write the note, stamp it and mail it is paid of many times by the pleasure the recipient feels.
It certainly is appropriate in many cases to write a thank you note and send it by e-mail. The thank you for the job interview or the thank you to the teacher at school. However, any communication that involves a personal event i.e. a party or a gift should require a more personal response.
Thank you notes make the recipient feel respected for the work and thought that went into the event. A thank you note helps one feel valued. A thank you note encourages the behavior that was appreciated. The value of a thank you note can not be underestimated.
This is an art that needs to be re introduced to today’s world.
