Q.
Recently my daughter had a birthday party, and she received quite a few gifts. Although she personally thanked each of her guests the day at the party, I asked her to write each person and send a thank-you note. I asked her a second time, and she said, “Mom, I will just text them.” I understand this generation has succumbed to spending their lives on their phones, but I do not think this is the proper way to thank someone for a gift. Do you have any thoughts or suggestions for me or for her?
A.
My dear, you are both correct. Old-school rules would state when you throw a party for yourself, and your friends bring you gifts, then you absolutely must write each of them a thank-you note, mentioning what that person got you and how much you will enjoy it–and it must be done in a timely manner. Usually, the time frame is within a month. However, your daughter is also correct. If she already thanked her guests, a simple text would be just fine. This generation has a new way of communicating, and, in these circumstances, texting would be acceptable.
Alisa Murray, aka “Auntie A,” is an a-winning columnist and fine-art photographer.
She holds a BS in Psychology.
