What
do you do when you've totally missed the appropriate time frame in
which to send a thank you note to someone who helped you out?
Answer:
You
sit down and write the thank you note. No rational person will turn
up a nose at a sincere thank you note, no matter how tardy.
When
you write your note, do not start with “Thank you for . . .”
and do not gush about being embarrassed at your tardy note. Gushing
will put the focus on you instead of on the person you wish to thank.
Instead,
give a reason that you are thinking about whatever it was the person
did for you. Then, focus on what you remember and appreciate now
about the service that was rendered then. The note does not need to
be long.
For
example:
“Dear
Sister Carlson,
“This
morning, when I was thinking about what to make for dinner tonight, I
remembered the chicken casserole you brought me when Allison was
born. It was so long ago! But it was delicious, and I was so grateful
for your help. I appreciate your friendship.”
Or
try this:
“Dear
Bonnie,
“As
I was sorting through some photos this afternoon, I found pictures of
the PTA fundraiser we organized last fall. You were such a supportive
team member, and the publicity campaign you put together was
terrific. I want you to know how much I appreciate all of your
efforts on the committee.”
Or
perhaps:
“Dear
Aunt Samantha,
“As
I was putting out fresh towels yesterday, I remembered that they were
a wedding gift from you. We celebrated our third anniversary last
month, and I want you to know that we have used those towels every
day! They have been wonderful, and I am so happy to have an aunt like
you.
Love,
Clarisse”
Do
you have a quandary, conundrum, or sticky situation in your life?
Click this button to drop Cyndie a line, and she’ll be happy to
answer your question in a future column. Any topic is welcome!
Cynthia Munk Swindlehurst spent her childhood in New Hampshire and her
adolescence in San Diego. She served a mission in Manaus Brazil. She
graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in English and from
Duke University with a law degree.
She practiced law until her first child was born. She enjoys reading, tap
dancing, and discussing current events. She and her husband live in
Greensboro, North Carolina with their two sons.
Cyndie serves as the Sunbeams teacher in her ward.