The Modern Thank-You

By: Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco

June… The unofficial season of gift exchange: weddings, bridal showers, housewarmings, graduations, baptisms, barbeques, bar and bat mitzvahs…and birthdays! Being gracious is not optional when receiving a gift.

Today the modern thank-you has taken on many faces.  MMI wants to help you send the right thank-you, the right way. Here are some updated tips to follow:

• For a present, you receive in the mail, a phone call, email, or video Skype are best! It is important that we use today’s’ digital 4G speed, as sooner is of course better. A very simple rule for when using the phone or email is to ask yourself “who sent the present?”—Grandparents, Auntie Patsy, or your distant cousin living in New Jersey. Understanding the giver will direct you to call or to type.  Response time? 48 hours from receipt of gift.
• For a present or card you receive face-to-face, be sure to look the giver in the eye and with your best smile say “Thank you so much.” If you are the guest of honor or host, acknowledging how nice it is that you are in attendance is a nice addition.
• Do not open the card or the present in front of others. If necessary, you may do it discreetly in the presence of the giver. There are plenty of pauses during the party to spend 3 minutes in front of each guest. Do not make your guests come looking for you at your party. You should be mindful of guests arriving.
• Never use Facebook to express appreciation. A Facebook “merci” is lost amidst the lol’s, ttyl, and omg’s. A general note of gratitude on your FB wall is fine when you are mass thanking all who sent you a FB birthday wish.

Being mannerly may be a thankless job, but writing the perfect thank you is easy with a MMI on your side. Here is quick template:

Dear (person’s name,)

Thank you so much for (what they did). It meant a lot to me because (why you appreciate what they did). I hope to see (speak to) you soon!

Best, (or your salutation style)

Writing a civilized thank-you note is an art for words that matter… it is courteous, classy, caring, and civilized to pick up your pen.  Not to mention now the receiver has something nice to get in the mail vs. bills and unwanted catalogs.

Call on Mother, May I for additional thankful advice at MMIpgh@gmail.com

Check us out on our website www.mothermayisite.org or call us at 412.531.2050 for more information on how we can make your life experience…nicer.

Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco are the Co-founders of Mother, May I-a premier company that trains and teaches proper behavior, common courtesies and social skills updated. MMI is licensed to train professionals in Protocol and Corporate etiquette.  MMI provides customized presentations for all audiences. MMI’s Mission  is to share valuable information for everyone to improve their world–“Changing your manners, may change your world”