We’ve all been there. It’s your boss’s or a co-worker’s birthday, and the gets passed around the office for everyone to sign. If you don’t know this well – and are not a natural writer – it can be difficult to come up with the right words to say.
The problem intensifies with a -you card. Not only do you need to come up with the words, but you also need to express them with the right combination of humility and – without sounding ingratiating. Striking that balance is hard for anyone, especially if you don’t know the recipient well.
Stuck on what to write? Need ideas for creativity? Read on for suggestions of different ways to close and the -you card.
We live in a digital era. Much of our language happens in text form, such as email or social media, which means the standard rules of communication don’t apply. It’s not often you see an email with a proper organization such as a heading and signoff.
Sometimes texting doesn’t even include punctuation, let alone any further formal structure. And social media seems to twist the rules to be whatever kind of expression the poster wants it to be.
In this modern context, it’s easy to lose personality and warmth in the process of communicating. When you show through writing a note, you can be yourself and show genuine with a feeling that goes beyond symbols on a page.
A is old-fashioned, which appeals to sentimental types – and especially older generations who may not be hip to all the technological developments out there.
Ultimately, anything that takes effort to accomplish makes it easier for the other party to appreciate the sentiment. As an accompaniment to a thoughtful gift, a won’t fail to touch the receiver. The time put into a card shows you care!
If you want to make an impact, consider a meaningful gift, then include with it a handwritten -you note on personalized .
Through multiple studies, we’ve seen a strong correlation between a show of and feelings of happiness. When you tell someone you care about what they did for you, it strengthens your bond, lifts your spirits, and helps put the rest of the world in perspective.
The recipient of your -you card isn’t the only one who benefits – you do, too!
Through multiple studies, we’ve seen a strong correlation between a show of and feelings of happiness. When you tell someone you care about what they did for you, it strengthens your bond, lifts your spirits, and helps put the rest of the world in perspective. We also experience a positive connection to something beyond ourselves.
Whether it be a prayer to a higher being or a simple note handed to a friend, there’s no doubting the power of being thankful.
Part of basic etiquette is showing your thankfulness to others’ thoughtfulness. Regardless of the occasion to write a -you card, be assured that sharing your feelings will never be a waste.
You might send a -you after…
You have all the materials needed. You’ve carved out time in your schedule to devote to writing a card. You’re committed and ready to make this -you deeply meaningful. You sit down, pen poised… and draw a blank. Now what?
First, think about the structure or shape of the message you’re about to write. Not only does this help you organize your thoughts, but it also lends aesthetic appeal to the note when the recipient first sees it. The way you arrange your words shows thoughtfulness as much as the sentiment held within. We really can’t overstate the effect of a neatly-designed note!
You probably want to begin with a . The standard choice of “Dear [Name]” is classic and safe, but may not be appropriate in all circumstances. In certain cases, you could choose something more formal or classy, like “To Whom It May Concern,” but be careful it doesn’t come off sounding stuffy.
Then, launch into the body of the message. This should take up about 1-3 paragraphs. It’s up to you whether to stay polite and reserved or get boldly affectionate. Think about your relationship with the you’re writing to, and make your judgment accordingly.
You may begin by detailing what they did for you that was so meaningful, then talk about their value to you as a friend//coworker. You could even wrap up with a positive nod to a future engagement – such as the next time you’ll see them in similar circumstances (i.e., “looking forward to meeting when I come to town again”).
Finally, choose a sign-off before signing your name at the bottom. This is the most unique touch, as well as the last thing the recipient reads, so you want to make sure it’s the most special.
Based on the occasion for writing, you may change the signoff to suit your tone. This line can be elegant and professional, affectionate and warm, or a mix of both.
It’s standard – though not required – to leave 2-3 lines in between your signoff and your name. Why? That way, you can give your card one last personalized touch by signing your name instead of leaving just a print version. Feel free to get fancy here – colored ink, loopy lettering, or stay obscure like a doctor’s prescription – whatever expresses you best.
We’ve arranged these in order of formality, beginning with the most stately and morphing into more casual sign-offs. Choose whichever one suits your occasion best.
A standard fallback when you don’t know what else to use, this also keeps some professional distance between you and the card recipient.
Another good choice for a professional situation. Here, you’re not only expressing your but also wishing positivity in the future.
If you don’t know someone personally, you don’t need to be effusive in your sign-off. Staying terse here is more apropos – though this word choice still shows your regard for them.
This one shows humility as well as eloquence. Use it when you want to be sincere but retain a slight air of formality.
Another good way to stay optimistic and wish good vibes for the future, but with a bit more warmth. This could work for someone you know a little, such as a co-worker.
Thanks can be elevated to a fancier word, keeping the same sentiment.
With a subservient attitude but without going overboard in affection, this phrase has an elegant appeal. Use for a colleague in a supervisory position or an older .
It sounds simple – maybe even redundant – but if you haven’t said those two fundamental words elsewhere in your message, they will make a big impact at the end.
This is for a buddy who did something nice for you. Even though your friendship is apparent, stating it in writing gives the phrase a lovely permanence.
More specifically, this one is best saved for someone you know you will be seeing again, particularly in the same context which prompted you to write the note in the first place.
It’s one thing to write a hard copy of a -you note. You need to go to the store and pick out the perfect card or stationary, find the right pen, then ensure you don’t damage or smear the card before it makes its way into the recipient’s hands.
A , while lovely, comes with its inconveniences. So what if there were an easier way to extend your , without all that fuss?
Use Handwrytten to inspire your in thoughtful and artistic ways. Send a -you card online in minutes! The robot technology uses customized handwriting to retain a personal touch, even digitally.
We take care of postage and shipping, too. Handwrytten makes it super easy to send cards online to whoever in your life needs a reminder that they are special.
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