Almost four years ago, I wrote about this same topic. I want to revisit the subject of thank you cards and try once again to get my point across.

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Dear Recent High School Graduate:

Congratulations on your recent achievement! You and your parents must be very proud—as you should be. I know you probably received tons of gifts, money and well wishes from people who adore you. I know that you are probably excited because the money will help with tuition costs, gas money, and meals. Or, maybe you deserve a new sound system in your ride for completing this phase of education. That’s alright. I believe people need to be rewarded when they perform well.

The Importance of Thank You Notes

However, I do not think it’s alright to just take the money and run. You need to let every single person who thought enough of you and this completed milestone know how much you appreciate their thoughtfulness. After all, they went out of their way to make you feel special, remembered and loved. DO NOT let their support go without gratitude. DON’T BE that graduate!

Yes, sitting down to write 57 thank you notes might cause your hand to cramp. If you can’t write 57 cards in a row, ration them to 10-15 per week. Speediness is not key. Being grateful is.

Here are the top ten reasons why you should send a thank you card:

1. Ms. Manners says so. Simply put, it’s just the right thing to do. In the infamous words of Jamie Foxx, “Act like you’ve been somewhere.”
2. Someone may have sent you a package or cash in the mail. A thank you note will let them know that you received it and that it wasn’t somehow hi-jacked.
3. You will confirm that the only reason you invited (or announced) someone to your graduation was not to get a gift.
4. You strengthen a relationship. Someday that relationship may help to further your education or your career. Or, you may encounter a very critical point in your life when you really need help and support. People are more likely to help when they know you will be appreciative.
5. You prove that even though you are young, you are mature and responsible.
6. You prove you are a part of society and know how to be appropriate in a situation.
7. You never know the sacrifice someone may have encountered to remember you on your special day. Acknowledge their thoughtfulness in a meaningful way.
8. It’s a personal gesture that will also make you feel good.
9. In an era when the word “entitlement” is being thrown around a lot, writing a thank you note will help you NOT come across as a spoiled brat who thinks he/she is entitled.
10. And lastly, if you don’t acknowledge a high school graduation gift, you probably won’t be receiving a college one!

The post, The Importance of Thank You Notes, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co.’s website and blog. Please feel free to comment here, or share this post with your friends via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Please email me if you have any questions about this article or want to share a neat idea for a future blog post with me.