Tips for saying thank you

Tips for saying thank you
By: Marissa Anteby

When it comes to proper etiquette for accepting presents, err on the side of over-appreciation. The gift-giver goes through the effort of trying to access not only an item that fits your style but is appropriate for the situation and your relationship to each other. So, your acknowledgment of their thoughtfulness goes a long way in bringing you closer.



Here’s a few tips for expressing gratitude:
1. If a gift has been delivered to you, let the giver know as soon as possible that the gift has arrived. In today’s modern age of instant messaging, a text, e-mail, or social network private message (done through Facebook, My Space, or Linked-In) is perfectly acceptable. Just make sure to follow up with a hand written note mailed the old fashioned way, through the post office. Yes they still exist!



2. Show your appreciation when receiving a gift in person. Always smile as a gift is being presented to you. You can feign surprise or say it wasn’t necessary but resist the temptation to flat out refuse a gift. You may think it’s the right thing to do... acting like you really weren’t expecting a present. However, it’s actually insulting to insist that the giver return the gift or keep it for themselves because it’s unwarranted or too expensive.

-The proper technique is to continue smiling, hold the gift with both hands as you receive it, say thank you, and give a brief expression of appreciation. Something along the lines of, “Oh, having you and Dave over for brunch is gift enough. I’m so happy you were able to join us. Thanks again for the gift, I’m sure I’ll enjoy it.”



3. Technically it’s impolite to open a gift right away, especially in front of people. Yet, somehow in our society, it appears rude to put the gift aside as if it’s not important. So, use your judgement with this one.

- If you’re only having a couple of people over for a casual meal, perhaps you should open the gift right away and verbalize how well it suits your home or how you plan to use it. Make sure to open the card first, read it completely (to yourself) and say how touching it is. With all of these rules, the key is to be sincere, don’t fake it, really try to understand the kindness and admiration that you are taking part in.

-You’re off the hook if you’re having a large party. The gifts can be handed off to someone to place out of sight, like in a den or hall closet. After the party, or the next day, as you are unwrapping the boxes, write a list of the gifts and who they were from. Take note of any home addresses on the envelopes, you can cross reference this with your address book, blackberry, or i-phone, so you’ll now have the most current information. It’s a good idea to write down the store each gift came from as well, providing you can figure it out! Mail out your thank you cards as soon as you are able.



Your gratitude should be apparent from your reaction of a happy expression (smile,) your words (thank you,) and your actions (handshake or hug.) Regardless of the gift, go out of your way to be polite and appreciative, it really is the thought that counts.

Marissa Anteby
marissa@embodyinc.com
www.embodyinc.com