A teacher’s dilemma: To write or not to write?

As a teacher for the past 30 years, you have been fortunate to receive thoughtful gifts of thanks and appreciation from your students and their families during the holiday season and at the end of the school year. These gifts often include mugs, chocolates, baked goods or gift cards.

• For example, a student might give you a mug with a funny quote or a heartfelt drawing, while their parents might bring in a plate of homemade cookies or a bouquet of flowers.
• Similarly, your colleagues might give you a book or a plant, or your principal might present you with a plaque or a gift card to a popular restaurant.

These gifts often serve as a token of appreciation, and as a teacher, you have always taken the time to write careful and personal thank-you notes for each of these gifts. Part of your motivation has been to set an example for your students, demonstrating the importance of expressing gratitude through a handwritten note. However, this practice is time-consuming, particularly during breaks, when the sheer volume of letters overwhelms you. At Christmas this year, the time it took prompted you to pause and reflect: Is it truly necessary to write a thank-you note for a thank-you gift? It feels a bit circular. Is it necessary to write a thank-you note for a thank-you gift?

You can’t imagine not writing the notes, but you feel compelled to ask: Would a simpler acknowledgment suffice, or is this a tradition you should continue? GENTLE READER: Yes! Continue!

Nonsense. A letter of thanks does not require a response; a present, given for whatever reason, does.

Children almost never receive letters, so these would be special. You appreciate letters from them and their parents, so you ought to understand how much they would appreciate letters from you. And it will be an additional boon to the parents who are requiring their children to write letters of thanks for their birthday and holiday presents. ***

A response to a text message conundrum

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’m feeling stuck about how to respond to a text message that combines a thank-you and a compliment. For example, would you respond to a text message that says, “Thank you for the delicious dinner” with a “thank you” (for appreciating the dinner), a “you’re welcome” (for the thank-you), or both? A response to a text message that combines a thank-you and a compliment?

GENTLE READER: Neither. You’re off free. Miss Manners’ advice:

* For a text message, a simple “thank you” is sufficient. * If you want to acknowledge the compliment, you can add a brief comment, such as “I really appreciate your kind words.”

* However, avoid responding with a lengthy message that might make the other person feel obligated to respond. A word from Miss Manners

A letter of thanks or a gift given in appreciation is a token of gratitude that expresses one’s appreciation for something or someone.

The term “letter of thanks” comes from the Old French words “lettre” (letter) and “gracie” (grace), which convey the idea of expressing gratitude through a written message.

A handwritten note or a gift card to a favorite store are examples of a letter of thanks or a gift given in appreciation. Conclusion

In conclusion, the key to responding to a thank-you gift is to be sincere and genuine in your acknowledgment. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a text message, or a simple “thank you,” the most important thing is to express your gratitude and appreciation.

Miss Manners’ final words:

A thank-you gift is a symbol of appreciation, and a response is not necessary to show that you value the gift and the person who gave it to you.