Just a little note from me to you

A few weeks ago, I bought these notes to send a handwritten letter to a friend.

Today I happened on this Real Simple article entitled "How to Write the Perfect Note." How fabulous is that?

How to write the perfect...Birthday Card

• Compliment the recipient’s best qualities. Take advantage of the opportunity to say why loved ones are special: “I’m so lucky to have such a caring, supportive, funny friend” or “I’m so proud of you for being such a compassionate person.”
• Turn a birthday card into a thank-you note. Tell someone what a difference he or she makes to your life.
• Focus on the year ahead and what you hope it brings: joy, success, a new job, celebrations, possibilities. This goes a long way toward personalizing a card.
• Don’t assume people are thrilled about a birthday. Some folks aren’t. And if age is an issue, don’t point out the number in the card. Emphasize the person, not the milestone.

How to write the perfect...Celebratory Notes

Be specific with compliments. For newlyweds, commend the couple on their choice of partners; for new parents, remark on how great they are sure to be with the baby. During a life transition, it means the world to hear an optimistic voice.

Don’t give advice. If anything, reassure the recipient that he or she has all the tools to handle what’s to come.

Focus on an achievement. Say what impresses you about the recipient. Or take note of future plans and wish him or her luck.

Draw on someone else’s knowledge. If you’re not close enough to the person to base a compliment on your own experience, make use of someone else’s: “Your parents are always talking about how proud they are of you.”

How to write the perfect....Condolence Note

• Don’t be afraid to send a sympathy note. People shy away from writing because they don’t want to remind the grieving of their loss or they don’t know what to say. But holding back sends the wrong message.
• If you’re at a loss, be honest. Write “I don’t know what to say, but I want you to know I’m thinking of you.”
• Use the deceased’s name. This helps both you and the recipient feel connected to him or her.
• Never tell people to look on the bright side. “He’s better off” is more hurtful than helpful.
• Avoid using the words died and dead. A better phrase is “your loss,” because that’s what the recipient is struggling with.

image via Rifle Paper Company

all note suggestions via Real Simple