Sincerely Excruciating Thank-yous

SINCERELY EXCRUCIATING THANK-YOUS By Diane White, Boston Globe

"The best thank-you letter of all is the spontaneous one that comes from the heart and tells why the present means so much." --"The Amy Vanderbilt Complete Book of Etiquette"

Dear Uncle Tom,

I was speechless when I unwrapped your gift. I never dreamed that I would own a tongue-scraper, let alone one of professional-quality surgical stainless steel, and with such graceful lines, too. It will make a handsome as well as useful addition to my bathroom shelf, and, I'm sure, a most interesting conversation piece when I entertain guests. Thank you for your generosity. As ever ...