LIFE

Dear Carol,

Do I really need to write thank-you notes for every present I get? My mother thinks I do.

- Thank-You Notes

Dear Thank-You Notes,

You don’t necessarily have to dig up paper, pen, envelope and stamps, because a quick thank-you call or text can usually do the trick. But yes, acknowledging presents is both thoughtful and important. So take two minutes and text, “Dear Aunt Leigh, Thank you so much for the red sweater. It’s so pretty and warm, and I wore it to school this past week and got lots of compliments. Happy New Year and thanks again!” Extra credit if it’s longer or if you add a selfie of you smiling in the sweater— even if you’d never in a million years actually wear it in public. Thanking people is a great habit to get into (and it makes you feel good, too).

Carol Weston is the author of 16 books including Speed of Life (about a girl who writes to an advice columnist). More at carolweston.com and on Instagram @carolwestonnyc.

Need more advice? More Dear Carol below:
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We want to hear from you! Go here to submit questions to Carol about every sticky sitch life throws at you.

by GL | 12/28/2023