I write thank you notes on a regular basis (I am 29). In fact, this thread just reminded me I owe someone one. I was brought up that if someone does something for you or gives you something, you should write them a thank you note. It is a tangible way of acknowledging their kindness and letting them know you are thinking of them. Email is too impersonal (in my opinion) to accomplish this in the same manner that a thank you note or card does. While I know very few people write thank you notes anymore (and I do think that this is detrimental), I will continue to do so. I know how much I like receiving thank you notes, and like giving that same feeling to those who have contributed something to my life.

I do think that there is something to be said for trying to perpetuate this process. It does seem that our society (meaning America) has gotten increasingly more rude. Kanye West and Serena Williams are just two recent examples. As more and more of the social niceties of the time before the internet and text messaging and cell phones erode, it does seem like people forget just why they should be polite and how to do so. If I ever have children, they will be hand-writing thank you notes right along with me.