Second, a thank you note doesn't need to be long. It's a special way to show your appreciation, so keep the focus there. Keep it short, simple, and to the point.

They lift the giver’s heart. Thank you. — Tamara in California Dear Tamara: The subject of thank-you notes is one of the most common complaints I receive from readers.

One card simply stated: “Thank You for Being My Person.” According to the Greeting Card Assn., Americans purchase around 6.5 billion cards each year.

You’re not alone. Writing thank you cards is one of the most universally dreaded parts of the wedding process. It’s tedious, time-consuming, and often feels like a formality from another era.

I've stopped writing thank-you cards and my kids don't have to write them, either. We express our gratitude in other ways.