The Lost Art of the Thank You

Lately, I’ve been noticing something that really gets to me: the lost art of the thank you note. Remember when it was almost a given, if someone gave you a gift for your birthday, wedding, baby shower, or really any milestone, you’d send a handwritten note? That little card, scribbled with genuine gratitude, carried so much weight.

I’ve always made it a point to thank people, no matter how big or small the gesture, because acknowledgment matters. It’s respect. It’s connection. And yet, it stings when I show up, travel, celebrate someone, buy thoughtful gifts and hear nothing back. No note. No text. Not even a quick acknowledgment. One experience really drove it home for me: I attended both the wedding and baby shower for the same person, only to be met with silence. And that hurt not once but twice! Not because I needed anything in return, but because I just wanted to feel seen.

This isn’t only personal, it’s professional, too. Did someone help you land a job? Introduce you to a client? Offer their expertise just to support you? A thank you should feel natural, but too often it’s overlooked. We move so fast as a culture that kindness can start to feel like it’s owed instead of appreciated.

But acknowledgment matters. Gratitude builds trust, strengthens relationships, and reminds people their effort wasn’t invisible. For me, I’ll keep writing thank yous. Because I’d rather be someone who makes people feel seen. Let’s not let this simple art fade away.

So here’s my gentle ask: next time someone shows up for you, pause and say thank you. Write the card, send the message, make the call. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just genuine. Because at the end of the day, being seen is one of the greatest gifts we can give each other.

Thank you,

Holly