Sample issue

Hi there,

This month's tip: be specific

"Thanks for the gift" is fine. "Thank you for the cookbook; I made the lemon cake on page 40 for Sunday dinner" is a note someone keeps. One specific detail turns a polite note into a warm one.

More in The five-part thank-you note.

Occasion explained: sympathy notes

Short is better. Name the person, share one memory if you have it, and close with warmth. You don't need perfect words.

Reader question

"Is it too late to send a thank-you for a gift from two months ago?" Never. Send it with a simple line like "I'm sorry this is late, but I wanted you to know how much I've enjoyed it."

Happy writing,
The Thoughtful Porch