Ad Hudler - Ad Libbing

When to say "thank you"
Tuesday, June 2, 2009

The graduation gifts for our daughter have started trickling in, and my wife has been hounding her to write thank-you notes ASAP. She says, "You should send a thank-you note within 48 hours of receiving your gift."

Ideally, of course, I agree with her. But these are self-absorbed 18-year-olds spending every possible second with their friends whom they're leaving behind as they enter adulthood indoctrination. My opinion: get the thank-yous finished before you go away to camp for the summer on June 18.

And really ... how many of YOU guys send thank-yous within 48 hours? What's acceptable? Three days? Three weeks? Better late than never?

UPDATE: 52 feet of ornamental fencing, needed to take care of my problem: $1,800!!!!
Yikes. Wouldn't it be easier to have them kidnapped and sent to Botswana?

7 Comments:

marthahill said...: As long as you say Thank You, it doesn't matter when. Just don't skip it.; June 2, 2009 8:56 PM
Anonymous said...: Although time is of the essence in acknowledging a gift, gracious givers are quite aware that your daughter is experiencing the final hours of the high school experience. They know that she is otherwise preoccupied.

Those who know the family well understand her flawless upbringing, and will patiently await a delay during this time of change for your dear girl.

Best wishes to you all,

Miss Manners; June 2, 2009 10:46 PM
Ad Hudler said...: Good advice, girls. Thanks. I hope my wife is reading this.
Carol?; June 3, 2009 6:54 AM
Sandy T said...: Ad, have you talked to the boy's parents? They might not know what the boys are doing on your property. I know, I know, that's giving them the benefit of the doubt, but at least you can say you tried before you have them kidnapped.; June 4, 2009 11:31 AM
Ad Hudler said...: I will definitely talk to the parents before I call the cops, Sandy -- I promise.
That said, odds are that any kid who misbehaves that much has really crappy parents who will reply, "My boy wouldn't do that. He's a real good boy...."GET 'Nuh house, junior! I got to talk to this man!; June 4, 2009 11:55 AM
DirOfCapeCoral said...: My mother was a stickler for etiquette and would agree with the 48 hr rule.

But, I think she will be fine sending them within a few weeks.; June 5, 2009 6:57 PM
Leah said...: As long as it's within 3 weeks AND written by the recipient herself, I'd say it was within the bounds of good behavior.
However, indulgence of "self-absorbed 18-year-olds" is not an excuse for anything!; July 17, 2009 8:25 PM