Urgent Call for Gratitude: Are Thank-You Notes Disappearing?

UPDATE: In a poignant letter to advice columnist Dear Abby, a grandmother expresses her frustration over the decline of thank-you notes, a concern that resonates with many as the holiday season approaches. This urgent issue highlights a growing lack of gratitude among younger generations, prompting discussions on the importance of acknowledging gifts.

The letter reveals that the writer’s family members, including daughters, grandchildren, and nieces, often fail to recognize thoughtful gifts, whether received in person or via mail. “If I don’t personally hand the gift to any of them, I don’t know if it was received,” she laments. This sentiment reflects a widespread grievance, as many adults feel disheartened by the lack of acknowledgment from younger relatives.

To combat this trend, the grandmother contemplates enclosing self-addressed, stamped envelopes with her gifts as a hint for polite responses. She is also considering withholding gifts from nieces and nephews she won’t see during the holidays, despite the potential backlash of being labeled “fussy.” Her frustration is palpable: “I’m so fed up I’m almost past caring.”

In her response, Dear Abby acknowledges that many share this grievance, affirming that gratitude is a crucial social skill that seems to be declining. She encourages the use of her booklet, “How To Write Letters for All Occasions,” which offers guidance on crafting thank-you notes. The booklet, available for $8, includes samples for various occasions, from birthday gifts to condolences.

As the holiday season approaches, the urgency to address this issue grows. Dear Abby emphasizes the importance of teaching proper etiquette to younger generations, suggesting that her booklet could serve as a vital tool for parents struggling to instill these values.

In a parallel query, another reader asks if they should inform parents about two 16-year-olds engaging in sexual relations. Dear Abby responds that since the age of consent in New Hampshire is 16, it would be more beneficial to discuss safe practices with the teens rather than alerting their parents.

As society grapples with evolving norms around gratitude and communication, the need for effective guidance on expressing appreciation becomes increasingly urgent. With the holiday season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to revive the lost art of the thank-you note and foster a spirit of gratitude among all generations.

Share your thoughts on this pressing issue and let’s spark a conversation about the importance of gratitude in our lives!