The Proper Way

photography-stack-of-letters1a

The proper way
to thank someone is:
a note written by hand.
To me, that’s special.
And I write spontaneously —
not too thought out.
Maybe it will just be the person’s name
and three words
I feel in the moment.

~ Alessandro Sartori, Berluti Menswear Designer in 20 Odd Questions


Image Source: sallymankus.com

33 thoughts on “The Proper Way”

  1. I love sending handwritten notes to people–I feel like it’s an act of caring in these ‘go-go’ times, and I know how much it thrills me to receive them. And Sandy Sue, handmade cards?! You must use them–fabulous!

    1. There is really nothing like a thank you note – it’s a gift in and of itself…II am often remiss and tho’ I may send a genuine, heartfelt email – there is nothing like receiving that personal note in the mail.

  2. I agree with everyone, it feels good to receive a hand written note, because in this fast pace and technology, sometimes a little effort goes a long way .

  3. Both sending and receiving is great. Especially with today’s technology, I think they’re even more meaningful since you know the extra effort that went into writing, addressing and sealing the envelope, putting a stamp on and walking to the mailbox….so much work! Lol

  4. I remember complaining as a little girl when my mother made me write thank you notes for birthday gifts and other gifts. Now I am grateful she instilled the habit. I often get “thank you’s” for my thank you notes. And I love receiving them, too.

  5. My mother gets so upset that the younger generation don’t tend to write notes — especially ones to say thank you for a present that she’s taken the trouble to choose for them and pack in pretty paper with a ribbon around it. She has been brought up with this and really appreciates cards with little messages in them, so I have a drawer full of cards (of the “blank message” kind) just for her, in which I write suitable words to fit whatever the occasion.

  6. A handwritten note or letter has become a treasure, a gift. The only person who still writes long, beautiful letters to me is my 91 y.o. dad…

  7. I miss my friend, she often sent me cards, even though I saw her most every week of our seventeen year relationship. She was a real shinning light of Love and Joy. She was the 1st of four friends & an uncle that passed in the last six months. I almost lost my dear mother in law during this time. My child has been journeying through the uncertainty of ill health.. I’ve really benefited from the prayers, emails and cards in the mail. I’ve been putting off send two cards for days and decided, yesterday that I’d send those out today… I know both recipients will be smiling when they open their cards. What amazing timing, your post , Thank you David 🙂 ~ Christie

  8. I left hand written notes behind in the world that classified things as “proper” and “improper”…. If I have something to say I’ll call in person or on the phone. I guess dialogue suits me better than monologue. 😉

  9. I agree …so much goodness in a handwritten note. And, so often we don’t see each other’s handwriting anymore, or at least not for awhile. I find that when I have known a person and then after a while see their handwriting, it’s as if I see a new part of them, or some new dimension.

  10. So often we miss that chance to make a difference. It passes by before we realize we missed it. To be aware and react with kind words of encouragement is truly a blessing to others even if it is just a smile, or a hug, or those 2 or 3 words. Great words you post as always David.

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