Thank-You Notes
Dear Frankie,
Once again, my aunt sent me a book for my birthday that I have no interest in reading.
On my birthday card, she wrote that my cousin, who is a total dork and obsessed with recycling, claims it was the best book he had ever read on the subject.
Now my mom expects me to write a thank-you note to my aunt. I don’t think I should, because I would be lying if I thanked her for a crummy gift.
My mom feels that all gifts require a thank-you note, but I’m not sure she is right.
Hartley
Dear Hartley,
Your mom is correct when she says it is good manners to write a thank-you note for a gift, whether you like the gift or not.
You wouldn’t be lying if you thanked your aunt for thinking of you on your birthday. You could also say you never thought about reading a book on recycling, and you appreciate her providing you with the opportunity to do so.
Maybe one day you will be asked to write an essay on a significant issue facing society, and there, on your bookshelf, will be the makings of an answer.
Now that the idea of recycling has been introduced, you might become curious about the issue, and then you will have a reliable source to refer to.
If neither happens, it is always best to take the high road and acknowledge others’ good intentions.
Best, Frankie
© 2026 Geneva Woodruff
Comments and letters can be sent to Frankie at dearfrankiecolumn@gmail.com. The Fairhaven Neighborhood News publishes the Dear Frankie column. To receive a free online subscription, readers can email neighbnews@comcast.net, request their name be added to the email list or visit www.neighbnews.com to read the paper online or to download the latest issue.
•••
Click here to download the 1/29/26 issue: 01-29-26 Sledders
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
