Why don't people write thank-you notes?

Question

It seems to me that people don't follow this practice any longer, at least not to the extent that it was in the past.

Answer 1

I think that you should thank people for presents or whatever,but the idea that the only proper way do do this is by writing a letter is outdated, in my opinion, and reflects a world where people had a whole lot more time and there were only two ways to communicate: face to face or by writing a letter/note. Writing letters in general is disappearing, and fewer people send Christmas cards. We have things like email and telephones, and women are no longer sitting around the house. Evenings are packed with activities and people work. So -- what's wrong with emailing thanks, or picking up the phone to call? Why should it have to be in writing, when we live in a world where writing letters is disappearing (emails arrive so much more quickly, and telephone calls are so cheap compared to what they used to be, where a long distance call was a big deal).

The only situation I think that really calls for a written (paper) thank you is wedding gifts -- and people don't send them because it's such a big task that they keep putting it off until it's quite embarrassing and they hope people have forgotten they never received a thank you.

Answer 2

I think the reason thank-you cards are not written up much these days is because other means of communication have largely replaced them. Many folks find it easier(and cheaper) to call someone up on the phone or fire off an Email than to actually get some cards, write notes, and put stamps on them. True, a thank-you card is a nice thing- especially for a formal situation(like a wedding) or for when you stay over at someone's house for free.

Answer 3

Some times people express their graditude in other ways. Like saying thank you at the time the deed which would begs for graditude is done, or putting a notice in the local paper expressing the graditude, etc. To write a thank you note after having done this seems a bit redundant in my oppinion. But then there are people who simply forget.

Answer 4

No. One word for each. Bridal bathe thank yous must be won until eventually now the marriage, whether that's 2 weeks, sorry. Take one or 2 hours in front of the television one night and end them.

Answer 5

Two reasons:

1. Laziness.
2. Lack of consideration for polite manners.

Answer 6

I know I should write thank you notes, but usually I make excuses and don't write them, because I don't have time (bad excuse) or I don't remember the giver's address (usually true.) If I know the address, then I'll usually try and write one...

Answer 7

I agree, a little courtesy goe a long way. I've tried to teach my kid that even in this modern age, at least a thank you phone call,e-mail, something!

Answer 8

Again, it is a courtesy gone by the wayside. I find it sad! If nothing else, I call and say thanks for gifts and kind acts. If I have dinner with friends or family, I call when I get home and thank them for the good food and good times.
--That Cheeky Lad

Answer 9

I usually write thank you notes.

Answer 10

I do write Thank You note specially when they did something that brightened my day. Do you?