Memoirs Of J

The more I think about it, the more I find thank-you notes pointless and sycophantic.  I suppose sometimes they make sense and are culturally expected and reasonable, like with wedding gifts and whatnot, but it seems that people expect a thank-you note for every gift they might give, any act they might perform, or any compliment they might utter.  It’s almost like you have to send a thank-you note  if you receive a thank-you note.  It’s a pointless clusterfuck of fake etiquette that I think I’m going to avoid.

The only reason people send thank-you notes is out of perceived obligation.  It’s rarely out of authentic gratitude.  The way I see it is if someone genuinely goes above and beyond and does something significant for you, then by all means write a nice note to show your appreciation.  But if they give you a birthday gift, for example?  Not so much…  if you receive a birthday gift, then most likely you expressed your thanks and appreciation in person upon receipt of the gift.  Why some people expect further thanks above thanks already given is where my issue lies.  It’s almost as if some people do things for others *just* to in-debt the recipient – there’s no altruism involved.  And then if you don’t  kiss their ass and shower them with hallmark cards while groveling how “I’m not worthy” at their feet, well then they are just aghast at your “rudeness.”  It’s retarded.