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When was the last time you opened up your mailbox to find a beautiful handwritten thank you card inside? If you’re like most people – like writers from The Wall Street Journal – it’s been a while since you’ve witnessed this “lost art.” Despite their decrease in popularity, however, sincere expressions of gratitude – on stationary or otherwise – will always be in style.
Need to give someone a memorable thank you but not sure how? Here are five ways to express your appreciation that will never get old.
First, the most obvious method: a card. Never underestimate the power of a handwritten thank you note posted by good ‘ole snail mail. While this method may seem a little outdated (do you even own any stamps?), that’s what makes it such a pleasant surprise in your mailbox. Plus, since postal mail takes several days to deliver, it shows you thought about the recipient well in advance (as opposed to shooting off a quick email).
Still not convinced? Read Carla Turchetti’s article on the American Express website. Not only do letters make recipients feel special, but they also make the written message more powerful, convincing and hard to ignore.
While not every good deed must be returned in kind, you can show your appreciation for a friend or family member by reciprocating his or her efforts. If your husband makes a special stop to pick up your dry-cleaning without being asked, offer to run the next errand on the list. Or if a friend cancels all of her plans to comfort you after a breakup, treat her on a girls’ night out. Small actions that make others’ lives easier will your friends and family know how much you appreciate them.
You’ve probably heard that the way to a man’s heart is his stomach; this same mindset, however, applies to friendships as well. Taking a friend or co-worker out for lunch or coffee reaffirms your relationship and gives you the opportunity to bond. This simple gesture is far more meaningful than simply bringing a box of donuts to work. Just remember to be respectful of the recipient’s time, especially if you want to treat your supervisor or another busy individual. It’s not really a “thank you” if you only offer times that won’t work with their schedule or places that are inconvenient.
Sometimes the best way to say thank you is to give credit where credit is due. If a particular committee member was indispensable to you while organizing this year’s charity gala, thank them by name in the next volunteer newsletter. Let them (and everyone else) know that you recognize their efforts to go above and beyond for the cause. Not only will it increase their respect for you, but research also shows that 89 people of men and women are motivated more by praise than criticism.
Just make sure that you acknowledge someone’s hard work soon after they complete it; the same research also shows that 80 percent of people expect recognition soon after the actual project.
If you are unable to directly thank the person who helped you, you can still express gratitude by paying it forward. For example, if your family and extended network came together to help you rebuild your house after a flood, show your gratitude by donating your own time to help other people with similar struggles. Similarly, if you benefited from a positive mentorship relationship when you were young, be that mentor for someone else in your company as you rise through the ranks.
Some days, it may feel like the courtesy of saying “thank you” has disappeared along with typewriters and powdered wigs. By embracing a few old traditions and putting in a little extra time and effort, though, you can express gratitude in a much more memorable way.
