The most recent common complaint heard among many older members is the lack of gratitude displayed by recipients of a gift. Time and again I hear older members lament how a gift (perhaps a graduation, wedding or birthday present – most often money) is never recognized with a “thank you” note. It irks lots of people to give a gift that garners no extension of thanks. Perhaps it’s a generational thing, but the good manners of saying “thank you” are often absent.
Recently, I’ve been the recipient of no less than three “thank you” notes – all from people who have stayed in our home. They were pleasant surprises – and made me think even more highly of those who sent them. I was duly impressed with all three people before getting their card, but the cards reinforced my belief that these were all people of the highest caliber. All three were Christians ranging in age from young (20) to middle aged.
Be gracious. If you’ve been given a present, or been extended some hospitality – send a “thank you” note. Express your gratitude. It’s good manners. It’s always appropriate to be thankful for kind treatment. Young and old alike will appreciate your thoughtfulness and think better of you.