We received a thank you note for a graduation gift today. I almost feel like I should send a thank you for the thank you. Last year on Facebook I asked if people still sent out thank you notes and I was blown away by the answers. Some said they never sent a gift expecting a thank you note; actually, that the most popular response. This year, however, the comments were much different. I think we are seeing an uptick towards a resurgence of manners among Southerners.

My mouth still hangs open when I think of the responses. What surprised me most of all was a few close friends agreed with this sentiment. It still baffles me. No, I do not send gifts expecting thoughtful thank you notes in return. But, on the other hand, if you are a friend of mine, I know your child has a birthday or is graduating or getting married, and an invitation isn’t necessary. For people who are not in your inner circle, an invitation is asking for a gift. Again, I’m not judging, but the truth is the truth. Why do most people send graduation or wedding invitations to people they barely know? Do they really want them at their wedding? Or graduation? Does it make a difference? Invitations are invites for gifts. Plain and simple. So, if you are asking for a gift, you should be prepared to acknowledge the gift you asked for. I think that’s fair. If you disagree, I would love to hear your take on this. You might just change my mind. I doubt it, but there’s always that chance.

I’m Southern through and through and I’m a firm believer in sending out thank you notes for gifts. I know that someone took the time to either purchase a gift or write a check and I appreciate the gesture. It touches my heart to know that someone was thinking of me. I remember receiving graduation gifts and being so appreciative. I tried to write each note to reflect my heartfelt thanks. I even purchased the thank you notes and the stamps to mail the notes. I took pride in doing so and I would like to think the people who sent me gifts enjoyed receiving the notes.

I think the simple neglect of appreciation and courtesy is one of the things wrong with this country today. People no longer teach or practice manners anymore. I’m not judging anyone. I’m am stating my opinion and observations. I believe in good manners; appreciation being expressed. I believe it is the small gestures that build character and teach children to look past themselves. I see a lot of pride and laziness, a sense of entitlement, and self-centeredness in adults and kids. Parents aren’t teaching their kids to be kind and courteous anymore. Some half-heartedly tell their children to say thank you and either the child says it or not. These are our kids not teaching their kids. I taught my children manners. I taught them to write thankyou notes. I taught my children how to be respectful of other’s feelings. I do hope they’ve remembered their lessons and have passed the lessons along to their children.

A simple gesture of having to write a thank you note may just be the reason that child turns around and lends a helping hand to someone down the road. Every good gesture feeds another. When we teach our children to care, they transform lives. This country lacks caring and compassion. Is it because of you? I hope it’s not because of me.