The Art of Writing a Note

I know many of us tend to think that the handwritten note or letter is a thing of the past, but the thing is, who is thrilled to receive a handwritten note, and no I am not talking about the kind where you log in and click a button, I am talking about walking to the mailbox and opening an envelope with a note inside!  For many people it truely is an experience and generally will put a smile on your face.  However in general most of us don't know the proper way of addressing an envelope, the proper way to say thank you for a gift received or how to say your sorry.  Well I hope what I have to say helps.  The note acts as an art form and allows you to express your feelings that otherwise would never be expressed.  I have read several etiquette books and have conclusively tried to put together a few important things to remember when it comes to writing a "note".

First and foremost, the first thing the recipient sees when they receive the note, the envelope!  Here is a general rule of thumb on addressing the envelope as well as whom you address the actual note:

Children or teens (boys under the age of 17 and girls under the age of 21) it is acceptable to use their first and last name on the envelope, Bill Smith or Jane Smith or if you would like to be a little more formal Mr Bill Smith or Miss Jane Smith  and you would address the note with a "Dear (first name)"

Men eighteen and older would read on the envelope Mr. Bill Smith, the note would be addressed Dear Bill

Ladies twenty-one and older would read on the envelope Ms. Jane Smith

Jr., Sr., III, and 4th Mr. Bill Smith, Jr.; Mr. Bill Smith III, Mr. Bill Smith 4th, you would address the note as Dear Bill

Ok that was just a brief touch on addressing envelopes, basically just covered the basics!  Now for the nitty gritty on actually writing a note.  We always have reasons for writing notes, whether it is a thank you, an I'm Sorry, just a friendly note of hello, or a congratulations, their is always good reason for sending that perfect note.  First I am going to focus on writing that perfect Thank You note.  A Thank You should always contain the following:

• Mention the specific reason for the Thank You

• Thank you so much for the {gift}
• How did you guess I wanted
• The {gift} was so kind generous, thoughtful, etc.
• I was so pleased
• Thanks a million

• The note should always be handwritten (nothing that is printed out)
• Contain a proper closing (Sincerely, Love, Regards, With Love, Warmly, etc.
• A relative, close friend could close with Love, Fondly, Affectionately, Etc.
• Friends and distant relatives could close with Warmly, All the best, With love, Best, etc.
• Acquaintances and business-related notes close with , Sincerely, Regards, Gratefully, Respectfully, etc.
• And most importantly it should be sent promptly
• The quicker you send the Thank You the better.  Lets face it, we like to be thanked and we want to know that you appreciate the gift!

Many of us never like the thought of having to write an I'm Sorry note.  They are not happy times, but it is very meaningful to the person who has lost a loved one, a dear friend,  or if you are extending an apology.   If you are writing a note of condolence it lets the other person know that you care about them and that you are for them.  Below are so tips to help you get started writing your condolence note:

• I'm so sorry
• We're going to miss {Name}
• {Name} had such a wonderful life 
• I remember
• Can I help by {making a meal, going grocery shopping, a place for guests to stay}

Condolences often are very hard to write if you haven't experienced a loss, just remember a small note is very meaningful even if you feel your not sure what to write.  Well that wraps up a small portion of writing notes!