People like to read nice things

FYI- THIS IS NOT A JOKE. I REPEAT, THIS IS NOT A JOKE. Happy April Fool’s Day to one and all, though! Onto the real topic- etiquette, my friends. I think etiquette is more important than ever- the world is moving more and more into “I want THIS, nothing will interfere with that” territory, making it more and more difficult for everyone to react to well, everything. No one believes me, but etiquette actually serves to make the largest number of people comfortable. It also makes it easier to navigate social situations, because you have some idea of what to expect and how to respond. 

One of my favourite elements of social etiquette is the note. Everyone likes to receive a note- it’s the best kind of mail! I like to use a few different kinds of notes. Firstly, the thank you note. Did someone give you a gift? Have you over for dinner? Reach out to you when you were feeling low? Go out of their way to help you? All great reasons to send a thank you note! If someone went out their way to do something for you, a small note thanking them is more than appropriate. It doesn’t have to be a novel, it doesn’t have to be a $10 card, it doesn’t have to have a gift with it, just a few thoughtful sentences.

Secondly, the hello note. We all have those moments where we think of someone and wonder how they are doing, think about texting them to hang out. A simple note saying hello, I’m thinking of you is the nicer way of doing that! I’m not suggesting that you mail a note every time you think of someone, but every few months? Go for it! If you were having a bad day/week/month, a note might not make everything better, but it could definitely pick you up!

Thirdly, the occasion note! Birthdays, big anniversaries, congratulations, what have you. I’m not going to lie, I don’t have the time or money to go to every single birthday I am invited to. I am at the age where some of my friends are still having birthdays at clubs- not my scene. That doesn’t mean that I don’t want to wish my friends happy birthday/congratulations on your engagement/way to get in grad school! People like to hear nice things when they accomplish something. (Yes, birthdays count as an accomplishment, for your mom and for you.)

I will pick up cards every so often at Michaels- you can get 6 blank cards for $1.50 if they are full price. It’s an easy way to have a few cards on hand, and I try to have 4-5 stamps, as well. It takes 5 minutes to write someone a card, send a card to someone today! I can guarantee they will appreciate it.

Until tomorrow,
The Historian!