letter of gratitude assignment

Letters of Gratitude: How to Write a Message of Appreciation

And it’s no surprise. After all, many of our positive emotions–joy, hope, optimism, and contentment–have appreciation or gratitude in common. And together, they, and others, foster the right conditions for living the ‘good life’ (Seligman, 2011).

Most importantly, gratitude is not fixed. It is a practice we can learn and build upon, something that becomes an integral part of who we are and how we live.

In this article, we explore the value of sending messages of gratitude and introduce guidance and templates to help.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Gratitude Exercises for free . These detailed, science-based exercises will help you or your clients connect to more positive emotions and enjoy the benefits of gratitude.

This Article Contains

What are gratitude messages, how to write a gratitude letter, the impact of sharing appreciation messages, writing gratitude cards, 20 inspiring gratitude and appreciation statements.

• Positive Psychology & Gratitude Letter Writing

Gratitude Resources from PositivePsychology.com

A take-home message, frequently asked questions.

“[G]ratitude makes us appreciate the value of something, and when we appreciate the value of something, we extract more benefits from it; we’re less likely to take it for granted,” says Robert Emmons, professor of psychology and gratitude expert at the University of California (cited in Brown, 2021, p. 213).

With gratitude, we become greater participants in our lives, celebrating goodness rather than reacting to it. And what’s more, it’s not passive; it’s something we can invest in and grow, letting it positively impact our relationships and environment (Seligman, 2011; Brown, 2021).

As such, gratitude is a “way of doing, trying, failing, and trying again,” says author and research professor Brené Brown (Brown, 2021, p. 214). We can learn to be equally gracious to ourselves and others and accept that we are a work in progress, attempting to act with gratitude in our daily lives.

But how do you show your gratitude?

Strength expert Ryan Niemiec describes gratitude as when you “regularly experience and express thankfulness,” “don’t take the good things that happen in your life for granted,” and “tend to feel blessed in many circumstances” (Niemiec, 2019, p. 10).

For Professor Martin Seligman (2011), one of the founders of positive psychology, gratitude is enduring thankfulness, with messages of gratitude being expressed to someone that we appreciate as helping or positively influencing our lives and yet have never been properly thanked. It could be as simple as a text message or note given to a friend saying thanks for always being there or a colleague for helping you out of a tight spot.

Because of the many responses he received from the homework and a wealth of findings from controlled studies, he identified that “not only did the writer’s happiness scores go up, their scores on depression were lowered for at least a month following the exercise” (Tomasulo, 2020, p. 129).

While there are several activities surrounding gratitude, letter writing is one of the most commonly researched and validated. And while its positive effect on gratitude, happiness, and wellbeing are profound, it can be summarized by the following three steps (modified from Niemiec, 2018; Seligman, 2011):

• Step one – take a moment to think about someone who has positively impacted your life (whether in the short or long term) that you appreciate, yet may not have thanked properly.
• Step two – write that person a letter describing how you feel about what they have done for you and why you are grateful to them. Seligman describes it as follows, it “should be concrete and about three hundred words: be specific” and mention how often you remember what they did (Seligman, 2011, p. 30).

Rather than a simple thank you for being there, it is best to create a narrative. It may help to reflect on the following questions (modified from Intelligent Change, n.d.):

How and when did you both meet? What are your earliest memories of your relationship? How was your life at the time? What has that person done for you? How did that make you feel then and now? What do they mean to you?

• Step three – while this may not always be an option-or at times the right thing to do-Seligman suggests you take time reading the letter and watch for the other person’s reactions and your own. And then, when finished, discuss the content with them (Seligman, 2011).

Niemiec (2018) points out that the three steps involve more than the strength, or process of, gratitude alone. Writing and sharing gratitude letters engages other character strengths, such as love, perspective, and social intelligence . And undoubtedly, delivering and reading your letter to that person requires bravery and zest .

Writing such a letter is almost always a valuable exercise, increasing gratitude and other positive emotions. However, we cannot guarantee the response the letter receives. There may be occasions when the activity should finish at step two due to safety issues or the risk of unwanted consequences (Niemiec, 2018).

A gratitude letter to a boss

Whether recently or in our earlier careers, we typically remember those bosses that supported us along our professional path or as we faced difficult times in our personal lives.

Treat the following example as a possible template for use in writing a gratitude letter to your boss (past or present). The details, thoughts, and emotions can be added to, removed, swapped around, or embellished upon as appropriate (modified from Hamadey, 2020).

Dear [first name]

I’ve been looking back on all stages of my career and thinking of people who made an impact. You are very high up on the list.

I loved working alongside you at [company name] and felt like your talent, experience, work ethic, and creative ideas lifted me up.

You gave me priceless advice that helped me progress through my career.

When my mother was taken ill, you gave me the time I needed to support my family and get back on my feet.

You continue to have my back and offer great advice, referrals, etc.

In short, your guidance and support helped me along my career path, and I’m grateful to you.

Kindest regards

[Your full name]

As you read through what you have written, consider the feelings that rise up inside you and how the recipient will feel reading your letter.

A gratitude letter to parents

Sending a letter to parents can be a great way of capturing our feelings and sharing our appreciation for them. More personal than the last example, reflect, reuse, and modify some of the following points to capture how you feel about them (modified from Psaila, 2020):

Thank you for:

• Laughing with me through my joy
• Crying with me through my pain
• Taking my sadness and making it your own
• Easing each and every burden
• Sharing my tears with me
• Your beautiful way of living life
• Having the absolute kindest heart
• Teaching me what being a good person truly means
• Showing me what unconditional love truly means.

An example might be as follows (modified from MailToSelf, n.d.):

Dear Mum and Dad,

I have been meaning to write this letter for some time. I wanted to thank you for everything you have done for me. You gave me the best possible start in life, supporting me through school and college and helping me through some tough times since. You have always prioritized my needs and shared both tears and laughter.

Thank you for always supporting me and encouraging me to do my best in life. There will never be enough words to convey how much you both mean to me and how grateful I am for you both showing me what unconditional love truly means.

I love you so much, today, and forever.

Yours lovingly

[Your name]

A gratitude letter to a friend

Our close friends deserve our highest gratitude. They are there when we most need them and can be as close as family – and sometimes more so. While similar to family letters, they may seem more lighthearted and less formal – depending on how you relate to each person, for example (modified from Mayne, 2020):

Dear [friend’s first name]

Friends like you come along once in a lifetime.

I just want you to know how much I appreciate you and your friendship. Whenever I see something that makes me laugh, I want you to be the first to know. It’s wonderful to know that you care enough to stick by my side through the good times and the bad.

You will always be close to my heart!

Love, [Your name]

Download 3 Free Gratitude Exercises (PDF)

These detailed, science-based exercises will equip you or your clients with tools to build daily gratitude habits, express more appreciation toward others, and experience more positive emotions in everyday life.

Download Download 3 Gratitude Tools (PDF)

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In all its forms, showing gratitude and messages of appreciation should ultimately be unburdening, focusing on positive emotions, memories, and thoughts rather than any wrongdoings (Tomasulo, 2020).

Identifying and using the strength of gratitude, has important valuable associations with other mental and physical factors, including (modified from Niemiec, 2018, p. 12):

• Life satisfaction
• Prosocial behavior
• Increased cardiovascular and immune functioning
• Lower levels of anxiety and depression
• Kindness and compassion

Gratitude–both as a strength and an emotion–can be boosted easily with practice. Indeed, gratitude letter writing is so beneficial because research has shown it promotes gratitude, encourages the appreciation of others in your life, and strengthens relationships (Niemiec, 2018).

While writing gratitude letters is an inherently valuable gratitude exercise for both the sender and the receiver, shorter notes (even electronic ones) and cards can be equally powerful. Signature strengths expert, Ryan Niemiec, suggests that you “share your appreciation on a post-it note that you put on someone’s desk as a surprise or send it in a spontaneous email” (Niemiec, 2018, p. 42).

Cards or notes sharing gratitude can be brief – they simply need to be honest and heartfelt. Indeed, it is not necessary to describe everything the person has done for us; it could just be a few sentences as a reminder of when their impact was the greatest and how it made us feel.

Also, while we should try to adopt timely appreciation, there is no statute of limitations on gratitude. A teacher will still be overjoyed to receive a note of thanks from a student from twenty years ago (Hamadey, 2020).

The following statements may offer some helpful prompts (Bowlby, 2021; Shutterfly Community, 2022; Berries.com, 2022):

• Thank you for being the reason I smile.
• Thank you for being you.
• Thank you for brightening my world.
• You’ve always believed in me. Thank you!
• Thank you for being an important part of my story.
• I can’t even begin to explain how much your help means to me.
• Thank you for making so many ordinary moments, extraordinary.
• Thank you for always giving me the extra push I needed.
• Your friendship is a special gift. Generously given, happily accepted, and deeply appreciated!
• Where would I be without a friend like you?
• You are a ray of sunshine to me and everyone else around. Thank you for brightening my day!

Particularly for parents

• Thanks for never asking for reasons or explanations when all I wanted was a long hug and a few laughs.
• Thank you for letting me grow my own wings, for letting me fly, for catching me when I fall, for letting me stand when I can’t, and for assuring me I can fly again.
• Thank you for being my heart’s first home. I love you.
• Thank you for always being there for me. Not just when I needed you, but for when I needed you most.

Boss or colleague

• Thank you for having confidence in my abilities.
• Thank you for being such an inspiration to me and others around you.
• Thank you for leading by example.
• I want to express my gratitude for everything you’ve helped me achieve here.
• Thank you for always going above and beyond to ensure the success of a project.

Positive Psychology & Gratitude Letter Writing

Positive psychology recognizes the importance of relationships. In fact, make up the ‘R’ in Martin Seligman’s model of wellbeing, ‘PERMA’ – the others being positive emotions, engagement, meaningful living, and achievement or accomplishment (Seligman, 2011).

For relationships to be at their best, it is helpful to refocus positively–and with appreciation–on their past, present, and future, especially when going through a tough time. After all, while our relationships have the power to boost wellbeing and increase happiness, they are also “a major part of the cause for people to slip into depression” (Tomasulo, 2020, p. 128). Gratitude can help develop new relationships and maintain existing ones.

Not only that, in a 2005 study, Seligman compared writing gratitude letters with other positive psychological interventions and found they offered the greatest initial increase of happiness.

While gratitude may not cure mental illness, it is a vital, life-enhancing emotion and a practice that can enrich our lives in meaningful ways (Brown, 2021).

17 Exercises To Nurture Gratitude & Appreciation

Empower others with more hope, satisfaction, and fulfilling relationships with these 17 Gratitude & Appreciation Exercises [PDF] that harness the powerful benefits of gratitude.

Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

We have many resources available to foster gratitude as an emotion and a strength by improving our skills at increasing and showing our appreciation for others:

Why not download our free Three Gratitude Exercises Pack and try out the powerful tools contained within, including:

• Step one – identify everyday activities that bring pleasure
• Step two – experience pleasure as it happens by aiming to savor two activities a day for two weeks.
• Step three – reflect on how the savoring rituals went.
• Step 1: Recall a recent awe experience
• Step 2: Describe the awe experience
• (Optional) Step 3: Create an awe diary

Reliving awe moments allows us to re-experience some of the positivity they initially evoked in us. Taking a moment to document awe moments encourages us to savor and enjoy the experience for a little longer and store and recall the memory to re-enjoy positive emotions in the future.

Other free resources include:

• Gratitude journal Use the Gratitude Journal to list people and events to be grateful for and reflect on the best part of each day.
• Gratitude gifts A delightful drawing task for children to capture on paper things they are grateful for in their lives.

More extensive versions of the following tools are available with a subscription to the Positive Psychology Toolkit© , but they are described briefly below:

• Replacing Non-Grateful Thoughts With Grateful Thoughts While gratitude is a basic human emotion, ungratefulness has been described as the solvent of social bonds and an assault on flourishing human life (Mikoski, 2011).

The following steps can help the client replace thoughts of ingratitude:

• Step one – identify an ungrateful thought
• Step two – formulate a grateful alternative
• Step three – replace the ungrateful thought with the grateful one
• Step four – translate the positive feelings that arise into action.
• Daily Gratitude Check-In

Gratitude is the process of (1) acknowledging that one has achieved a positive outcome and (2) recognizing an external source contributed to this positive outcome (Emmons & McCullough, 2003).

This brief ‘check-in’ helps the client connect to their feelings of gratitude. After all, gratitude is more than knowing what you are thankful for; it is also an experience.

If you’re looking for more science-based ways to help others harness the benefits of gratitude, this collection contains 17 validated gratitude tools for practitioners. Use them to help others shift to a more positive mindset and experience the joys of life more deeply.

Gratitude is an emotion, strength, and practice, and it helps us appreciate the value of something. As such, it is something we can learn and build upon, ultimately becoming integral to who we are and our positive relationships with the people and world around us.

To experience gratitude, we must regularly experience and express thankfulness and not take the good things in our lives for granted.

Writing gratitude letters promotes enduring thankfulness, sharing appreciation with those that have positively influenced our lives and yet may have never been properly thanked. Such notes include our feelings towards the recipient, acknowledging what they have done and how they have supported us.

And yet gratitude can be kept brief. It is not necessary to describe everything the person has done, but serves as a reminder of when their impact was the greatest and how it made us feel. Also, while we should try to adopt timely appreciation, there is no statute of limitations on gratitude.

Gratitude letters can help develop new relationships, maintain existing ones, and increase happiness and wellbeing and are a valuable tool for the therapist working with a client or as a standalone practice for self-development.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Gratitude Exercises for free .

Ed: Updated August 2022

To say thank you meaningfully, start by expressing genuine gratitude and appreciation towards the person or people you are addressing. Be specific and mention the things they have done for you and how it has made a difference in your life.

The best thank-you message is one that is genuine, specific, and heartfelt.

Start by expressing your gratitude and appreciation towards the person or people you are addressing, then mention the specific things they did for you that you are thankful for.

Finally, end the message with another thank you and well wishes for the person’s continued happiness and success.

• Thank you for always being a dependable and supportive partner. Your loyalty and kindness mean the world to me.
• I am very grateful for the moments of joy and laughter you bring into my life.
• Algoe, S. B., Gable, S. L., & Maisel, N. C. (2010). It’s the little things: Everyday gratitude as a booster shot for romantic relationships. Personal Relationships, 17(2) , 217-233.
• Berries.com. (2022). 85 ways to say thank you + printables for your message . Retrieved August 5, 2022, from https://www.berries.com/blog/ways-to-say-thank-you
• Bowlby, K. (2021). 45 quotes that Perfectly Express How Thankful You Are . Retrieved August 5, 2022, from https://www.countryliving.com/life/g29536898/thankful-quotes/
• Brown, B. (2021). Atlas of the heart . London: Vermilion.
• Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , 84, 377-389.
• Hamadey, G. (2020). How to write a gratitude letter-plus a sample letter of gratitude . Retrieved August 4, 2022, from https://www.ginahamadey.com/blog/howtowriteagratitudeletter
• Intelligent Change. (n.d.). How to write a gratitude letter to a friend or a loved one . Retrieved August 4, 2022, from https://www.intelligentchange.com/blogs/read/how-to-write-a-gratitude-letter
• MailToSelf.com (n.d.) Thank you letter to mom and dad . Retrieved August 5, 2022, from https://www.mailtoself.com/thank-you/thank-you-letter-to-mom-and-dad/
• Mayne, D. (2020). Thank You Note Ideas for Friendship . Retrieved August 4, 2022, from https://www.thespruce.com/thank-you-note-samples-for-friendship-1216785
• Mikoski, G.S. (2011). On gratitude. Theology Today , 67, 387-390.
• Niemiec, R. M. (2018). Character strengths interventions: A field guide for Practitioners . Boston: Hogrefe.
• Niemiec, R. (2019). Strengths-based workbook for stress relief: A character strengths approach to finding calm in… the chaos of daily life . Oakland: New Harbinger Publications.
• Psaila, F. (2020). A thank you letter for my parents . Retrieved August 5, 2022, from https://thoughtcatalog.com/francesca-psaila/2020/04/a-thank-you-letter-for-my-parents/
• Seligman, M. (2011). Flourish: A new understanding of happiness and well-being and how to achieve them . London: Nicholas Brealey Publishing.
• Shutterfly Community. (2022). The best thank you quotes and sayings for 2022: Shutterfly . Retrieved August 5, 2022, from https://www.shutterfly.com/ideas/thank-you-quotes/
• Tomasulo, D. (2020). Learned hopefulness: The power of positivity to overcome depression . Oakland: New Harbinger.

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How to Write a Gratitude Letter

By Leah Zerbe, MS, NASM-CPT, NASM-CES

January 2, 2023

Writing a gratitude letter may not seem like a huge deal, but thanks to brain imaging studies, we now know it’s a powerful exercise that produces a cascade of positive, long-lasting emotions — for both the recipient  and the the letter writer.

But  how  you share the letter matters. (More on that in a bit!)

The benefits of gratitude , in general, are well-documented. That’s why happiness experts commonly recommend keeping a gratitude journal or reciting what you’re grateful for every morning.

It’s no surprise that practicing gratitude elicits feelings of, well, gratitude, but it also brings forward other positive emotions, as well. These include feelings of elevation and connectedness .

• Reinforces new and existing relationships
• Predicts more committed, longer-lasting relationships
• Improves relationships and results in spending more time together
• Reduces the likelihood of experiencing envy, narcissism and cynicism
• Improves sleep and immune system health
• Can reduce inflammation

Gratitude is also part of new, cutting-edge research aimed at building resilience, something more important than ever today. According to an ongoing study, partaking in mindfulness and gratitude exercise as part of the  “Strength-Focused and Meaning-Oriented Approach to Resilience and Transformation ” program significantly helps people improve emotional emotional flexibility, coping skills and outlook.

What Is a Letter of Gratitude?

A gratitude letter is just as it seems: a letter of appreciation that you write to someone who has impacted you personally. As Michigan State University points out , writing a letter of gratitude is a great way to show appreciation for someone who made a difference in your life.

Sitting down to construct your letter, whether you handwrite it or type it out, allows you to reflect on how someone helped shape you into the person you are today.

Why Write One?

Figuring out how to write a gratitude letter may seem daunting, but it’s important to understand that your letter doesn’t have to be long, elaborate or fancy in order to be effective. In fact, keeping things simple and writing a heartfelt gratitude note can bring potent, long-lasting results.

“A gratitude letter is one of the most powerful tools for increasing happiness because it can forge social bonds and really change someone’s life,” explains Laurie Santos, Ph.D, professor of psychology and instructor of Yale’s Science of Wellbeing course .

In fact, we now know that writing a letter of gratitude can actually change your brain for the better. In 2015, Indiana University researchers published a study showing that people who participated in gratitude letter writing experienced more gratitude themselves and “significantly greater neural modulation by gratitude in the medial prefrontal cortex three months later .”

Also of importance is the fact that writing a gratitude letter is accessible — it’s virtually free or very low-cost.   One study found that a single “gratitude letter–writing intervention appears to be a promising low-cost, brief and meaningful tool” to improve well-being.

In the Science of Well-Being course, Santos outlines research by positive psychology pioneer Martin Seligman and stresses that the biggest happiness benefits for the letter writer and recipient take place when you deliver your letter in person and read it to the recipient. (Over the phone or video chat is OK, too, but in-person is best.)

“However you meet up, you should read the letter aloud,” the Yale outlines. “We also recommend that you both have some tissues handy for this one.”

The gratitude letter is a key positive psychology exercise. To stress the above findings again, we know that a letter of gratitude and appreciation is most effective when delivered in-person during a “gratitude visit” and when you read it out loud to the recipient.

If you take Yale’s free, online Science of Well-Being course, writing a gratitude letter and conducting a gratitude visit is a key assignment.

Whether it’s a letter of gratitude to a boss, a letter of gratitude to a teacher or someone else who made a difference in your life, the idea is to write to someone living, someone you genuinely care about — and someone you haven’t properly thanked yet.

Then, Santos recommends:

• Finding a quiet spot when you have a half-hour free.
• Writing a heartfelt letter to that person explaining how she or he touched your life and why that person is meaningful to you.
• Making the letter as long as you like, but aiming for at least 300 words, which is about a page.
• When you schedule your visit, don’t tell the person you’ll be reading him or her your letter.
• Do, however, make sure you allow at least 30 minutes for your gratitude visit, so you’ll have time to bond and discuss any emotions the reading bubbles up for you and your recipient.

Still need a little direction? Not sure whom to write to?

• A coach or instructor who mentored you
• A teacher who opened up your horizons
• An aunt , uncle or other relative
• A colleague or friend
• A health care worker who saved or otherwise positively changed your life

Note: It’s OK, and can actually be beneficial, if you choose someone you haven’t spoken to or thought about in a while.

The University of California, Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center also offers some great tips . In fact, a gratitude letter is also part of its free, weight-week Science of Happiness course, too.

When it comes to writing a letter of gratitude, it suggests:

• Write as though you are addressing this person directly (“Dear ______”)
• Don’t worry about grammar or spelling
• Be specific in describing what this person did, why you are grateful for that person and how that person’s behavior affected your life
• Describe what you are doing in your life now and how you often remember her or his efforts

Delivering Your Gratitude Letter

• Upon arrival, tell the person you’re grateful for her, and share that you’d like to read a letter you wrote outlining that gratitude.
• Politely ask that he waits to comment until you finish reading.
• Don’t rush through your reading, which can often happen when you’re nervous. Take a deep breath, and savor each word.
• Be sure to pause to notice the feelings arising in yourself.
• Make contact, and notice your recipient’s reactions, too.
• After you have read the letter, be receptive to the reaction and discuss your feelings together.
• Don’t forget to give the letter to the person you’re honoring before you leave!
• Gratitude is shown to elicit feelings of happiness and connectedness. It can also improve your relationships and outlook.
• Practicing gratitude can even reduce inflammation and improve your immune system.
• Writing a gratitude letter to show someone that you’re thankful for her impact on your life — and then reading that letter to her in person — is one of the most powerful ways to practice gratitude.
• The reader  and the recipient can both receive a mental health boost. For the person writing and reading the letter, the positive impact cast last for at least three months, according to brain scans.
• A letter of gratitude doesn’t have to be long or fancy. Shoot for at least 300 words, and don’t stress about perfect grammar. Just be authentic.
• Sharing specific examples of what a person did or said to help you along the way is an effective strategy for gratitude letter writing.

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How to write a letter of gratitude (tips & examples).

It's always a good idea to be grateful.

Writing a heartfelt letter of gratitude is one of the most genuine and beautiful ways to tell someone you value them. A lot of times we think that we don't really need to express what we feel. It can be out of embarrassment, fear that they won't respond well, assumptions that they already know, our personality, and many other reasons.

But think about it, has then ever been a time when you received a sweet handwritten letter and thought, "Wow, that was so unnecessary..."? I'm betting that there hasn't. Everyone likes being appreciated for what they did. We can't guess what someone feels, they have to tell or show us. A letter is one of the most memorable ways to do it.

When we express gratitude, we double its impact. All of a sudden, it's not just one person who feels elated and blessed, the other person does too. Gratitude, appreciation, empathy, honesty, and show of care form real connections.

We all crave these connections and it's nerve-wracking to open up our hearts to someone else because they may or may not respond how we wish them to. But it's worth it. Yes, there will be times when people will leave you disappointed but there will also be times when they will be exactly how you wanted. We have to take chances and some of those chances will lead to beautiful, long-lasting, fulfilling relationships.

So, today you're not only learning how to write gratitude letters, but also an important skill for creating and maintaining genuine relationships. The people who are meant for you will appreciate it more than you could know. So, let's do it!

How to Write Gratitude Letters

Here are a few tips on how to write gratitude letters that the receiver will cherish. A lot of it is simple but looked over, so take these as reminders about how to write the most honest letter you can:

1. Tell your story

What I've experienced as I'm considering or even when I'm writing a letter or a message is that a lot of insecurity comes up. What if they don't appreciate it? What if they think I'm too much? I don't want to tell them what they really mean to me.

To overcome this, I now think - Why am I so concerned about their response? This is my story. This is how I feel. They've been a good person in my life and I want to appreciate them for it. Plain and simple. Why am I holding myself back? I'll do what I should do and is in my control. That's what matters.

Writing a letter is about you expressing your thankfulness to someone who has been kind to you. It's not about any expectations. It's time to give, so let's give wholeheartedly.

2. Make it personal

Instead of writing a letter that could be for anyone, make it special, make it just about this one person. Mention what you like about them, talk about your experiences with specificity, and mention their name, it just feels good.

I always get a tingle in my chest when someone says my name as they compliment me or say anything nice. It really makes a difference to me. It makes it more direct and feels more honest.

As you write the letter, think about the particular of the receiver's personality and your relationship with them. Think about the pivotal moments, what you share with this person that you do with no one else, what makes them unique, why you like them, what you've learned from them, the times that they've helped you, and everything that you appreciate about them.

3. Don't worry about your writing skills

Too many of us fret about writing impressively but (in this context) vocabulary and correct grammar pales in front of honesty and vulnerability. You don't have to write poetically or use cool phrases or think about your handwriting or compare yourself with anyone. It doesn't matter! This is not an exam.

The letters and messages I remember most fondly are the ones that were simple, honest, direct, and pure. Write as much as is coming out of you and a little more.

When a kid writes a letter to us, we don't care about the handwriting or their vocabulary, we care that they like us and want to do this for us. This doesn't change much when we grow up. We still care about emotions and effort, not about nitpicking commas and spellings.

So, pick up your pens or phone or laptop, and start writing that letter of gratitude you came here for. It is a beautiful gesture and I am sure you will feel good after you write it.

To help you more, here are a few examples of gratitude letters that can help you get started:

Examples of Gratitude Letters

Letter for a friend or family member who has supported you during tough times.

My darling brother Devashish,

I wanted to take this moment to express a little part of the immense gratitude I have for you. Although we aren't real siblings, you are the truest brother I could have wished for. I remember all our calls discussing the shows and movies we watched. It was more than just teenagers chatting, it was what kept me going despite all the stuff at home.

You have been there for me every time and you never make it seem tough. I don't know how you do it and I worry that it troubles you... I want you to know that it's okay to tell me when it gets too much because I know it is.

I got really lucky, you know. You are the perfect friend. You are so funny, so relaxed, such a great listener, and have the most calming presence. I always cherish any amount of time we get to spend together. You are a blessing to me, truly...

I eagerly await the day we can meet again and watch more of the movies you recommend. I've discovered such great work because of you. You're simply the best! Thank you for everything you do for me. I always feel so lucky that I have you in my life. Take care, brother. I am here for you.

Love and big hugs, Misa

Letter for a colleague or team member expressing gratitude for their collaboration and teamwork.

To the genius Paul,

I want to take this moment and a few minutes of your time to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible person you are. It is such a joy and an honor to work alongside you, learn from you, and bring our dreams to life.

You are one of the most driven, kind, hard-working, and fun people I've met. You make work joyful and seem like play. I feel really lucky that I could get this chance to be here with you.

Thank you so much for the immense love, dedication, care, time, and effort you put into everything you do. You are an inspiration to me and I hope you know how appreciated you are. You truly are a gift to the team and we could never be as good without you.

Keep shining and illuminating our lives, Paul. You're a true star!

The greatest of well wishes, Travis

And, that's it! I hope these examples helped you. This is how I write letters and I encourage you to write the way that is true to you. Let your personality shine! There is no one right way to do it.

Wishing you the best in your letter-writing escapade!

Continue Reading: How to Say Thank You Meaningfully

Aarushi Tewari

The writer and affirmations speaker at Gratitude, Aarushi believes that one of the most effective ways of feeling inner peace is by being grateful and having a loving self-relationship.

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Letters of Gratitude: An Assignment of Healing

So central to my identity is teaching that when I think of the highest honor, the highest appreciation – I think of my gratitude for those who have liberated me through their teaching. I aspire, then, to instill in my students an appreciation for their dearest teachers. I want them to experience the practice of gratefulness as I believe it is a healing practice. When the cold, achy heart feels the warmth of gratitude – that warmth soothes, relaxes, and heals. I want my students to experience gratitude as that experience is a powerful spiritual salve for the wounded heart. Consequently, I have designed a learning activity which encourages the experience of gratefulness for teachers by students.

The assignment is straightforward and elegant. These are my instructions …. (1) Recall a teacher who changed your life. The person might be a professional teacher who you encountered in grade 3 or graduate school. Or, equally acceptable, the person might be your grandmother, your scout leader, your friend. The recall might be focused upon a recent event or it might focus upon a relationship from long ago. The relationship might have lasted for years and years, or the relationship might have been a week or two. Recall a person who taught you deeply and well. (2) Sit with this memory. Let the memory take full flower in your mind. Linger with the memory so that it is vivid. (3) Using the categories of liberation as described by Dr. Anne Streaty Wimberly in her book Soul Stories: African American Christian Education (Abingdon Press,1994, 2005), name, describe and reflect upon the ways your teacher liberated you. (4) As your analysis and reflection deepens and takes shape, write a letter of gratitude, in first person, to your teacher articulating (in the theological and pedagogical language of our class) the liberation you experienced. Your letter of gratitude should be 5 to 7 pages double spaced, with citations from our readings and lectures.

A few years ago I added a new dimension to the assignment. Out of all the letters I receive in any given class, I select a sampling of letters to be read aloud in class by the author of the letter. I want students to hear their own voices when in tones of gratitude. During the readings, fellow students hear the analysis of good teaching by peers, and the readings also infuse our classroom with the teeming energetic vibration of gratitude and gratefulness.

Students will often cry as they read their letters. It is, I have been told, a revelation, to speak your deep gratefulness aloud in front of witnesses. The intimacy of liberation is revealed.

I encourage students to mail their love letters to their teachers. If the teacher has died, I encourage students to find a ritual way to honor the teacher – light a candle, grow still and quiet, read the letter aloud prayerfully as if your teacher is present …. and wait.

Every now and then, a student will tell me that there has been no one in their lives for whom this kind of letter might be possible. They report that there is no teacher who is deserving of such gratitude or whose efforts warrant heartfelt gratefulness. I tell them to take more time in recollection. If they return still without focus – I tell them to take more time in recollection because without such a relationship I doubt if they can ever be a transformative teacher for someone else.

I know some students have written letters of fiction – letters to people who they wish had been in their lives. I am glad they found a way to get at the work, even in their own imaginations. This gives me hope. Only once have I had a student choose to submit no letter because there was no one to write to or imagine. I still pray for this man.

I encourage all of us to write a long, thoughtful, heartfelt letter of gratitude to the teacher who liberated us (follow the directions above). Then, mail the letter.

About Nancy Lynne Westfield, Ph.D.

Nancy Lynne Westfield, Ph.D., is the fourth director of the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion. She grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, sharing a home with family and extended family dedicated to public education. Her father was a school psychologist and her mother was a stay-at-home mom who, as a volunteer organizer, greatly influenced the school board of the city of Philadelphia. Lynne holds a BS in Agriculture from Murray State University, a MA in Christian Education from Scarritt Graduate School, and a PhD in Religious Education and Womanist Studies from Union Institute. Lynne, as a United Methodist clergy person, served on the staff of the Riverside Church (NYC) where she redesigned the family education program. From 1999 to 2019, she was on the faculty of Drew University Theological School (Madison, New Jersey) as Professor of Religious Education. Lynne’s first book was a children’s book entitled All Quite Beautiful: Living in a Multicultural Society. Her second book was a publishing of her doctoral dissertation entitled Dear Sisters: A Womanist Practice of Hospitality. Her books written in collaboration include: Being Black/Teaching Black: Politics and Pedagogy in Religious Studies and Black Church Studies: An Introduction. She also, for a brief time, wrote for the Huffington Post.

Reader Interactions

April 7, 2016 at 6:55 pm

When I did this assignment last semester, I wrote to my youngest daughter. When she came to us, she became the first (and only) child in my very large extended family that (a) was adopted and (b) was not Caucasian. Over the years, I have admired how she fits seamlessly into the family dynamic and even adds her own unique identity as she grows. It is her uniqueness that, in turn, has helped her family grow and learn about how issues such as race and liberation are more than just soundbites. And this started almost from the very beginning. When she was just an infant, we began to notice that our church did not resemble her in any way, shape or form. So, we set out to find a church with a more mixed population. The impact of that seemingly simple decision was life-changing for all of us.

In your book “Dear Sisters”, you talk about how Elizabeth Dodson Gray compiled a project about the sacred experience of women. But you point out that Gray never seemed to feel it was necessary to identify herself as white, while in contrast, “Black women do not have this luxury” (p. 31). As her father, I’m supposed to be teaching my daughter about life. But I submit that she has taught me as much, if not more. I only hope and pray that so many others would hurry up and get the message!

April 17, 2016 at 1:55 am

Letters of gratitude; this is a very profound article and I am grateful for that. Just a week ago my senior pastor asked me to prepare a sermon to preach in church with the theme, “remembrance.” As I was preparing the sermon I was thinking about telling my congregation what to do to remember and appreciate significant impact other people have made in their lives. But something different happened, when I read the above article I realize that in my preparation of the sermon I was more enthused in telling the people what they should do; not realizing that I as the preacher has many people in my life to be thankful to. After a thoughtful consideration, one particular woman, Ma Maggi, came to mind. Though my biological mother is a good woman, Ma Maggi has been very supportive, caring and compassionate throughout my life journey since the death of my father. I can imagine how she even sponsored me to further my education here in the United States. There is a lot to say about her but I think one of the best ways to show my appreciation is to write to her my 5 to 7 pages letter of gratitude. Thank you, Dr. Westfield for this article.

April 17, 2016 at 2:27 am

Peter I think that was a beautiful experience and you did the right thing by finding a mixed church that she could freely express herself from what seemingly posed a threat on her identity. When I first came to the US, as a young black African, I found it very difficult worshiping in most of the congregations in my neighborhood, they were all white congregations. This is not because of racial bias or anybody looking down on me as the only black but I had a problem with my own identity, trying to fit in. It was a moment of liberation for me when a good friend finally led me to a mixed congregation. But I am grateful that my learning experience at Drew has helped in making me more open and multi-culturally inclined. Now I do my supervised ministry in a white congregation.

April 22, 2016 at 8:47 pm

I recently wrote a letter to my old jazz professor from undergrad who was a liberating presences in the front of the class room (a.k.a. band). She became even more important because when I was looking for universities I was running it to a problem of standardized testing. I was horrible at taking them! Even though my GPA was good, every time I took the A.C.T. I would fail. Nonetheless I somehow survived the manifest of the educational banking system and was accepted in to university. But not by myself! In was only because my jazz professor who advocated for me in the admission office that my admission was accepted. She pleaded with the university that my ability to learn was not reflective in my ability to take a standardize test. My professor was not just a person who made higher education possible for me but she was someone who recognized and embodies a liberative pedagogical approach when it came to teaching jazz.

All that to say my experience of education within a college classroom was energizing and life give. While in college and now, I have truly valued my jazz professor’s pedagogical approach. The mystery now is why did I never send that letter? In many ways this practice of gratitude was helpful for me as a learner as I gained a deeper awareness of my own educational needs but in what ways might my side of the story have encouraged and empowered my jazz professor whom, from her point of view was simply doing what she does? As I’m about to finish my first master degree, I am wondering if sending this letter might in fact be an empowering story for both my jazz professor and myself.

April 22, 2016 at 9:58 pm

Angel: In what way might preaching gratitude in the context of a local ministry be liberativing to educator, parents, pastors, secretaries, and etc.? In what ways might writing a letter of gratitude become a spiritual practice for children, youth, lay member and leaders within a pastoral context? “Remembrance” and remembering others is critical to the Gospel. Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” I hear this story and wonder what would Thomas, Peter or even Judas put in a letter of gratitude towards their rabbi? It might be a fun exercise for a bible study readying about the teaching of Jesus?

Angel you also bring up an important point to always be remembering those in our lives who we appreciate as educators. I wonder if I need to write a letter or two to former/current educator? Lest we forget that we are always learning and growing thus need to be grateful for those who have liberated our minds.

April 22, 2016 at 10:35 pm

Peter: Education happens all the time, even from our children. An individual cannot learn how to be a parent soli through reading books and taking seminary (although it may provide some helpful insight). An individual learns by interacting and being with the there child/ children. Which as you said is a liberating experience.

April 25, 2016 at 2:52 am

Dr. Westfield I actually did this assignment in seminary and it was very meaningful to me. I didn’t mail the letter but I will have the chance to meet the teacher who it is written to again next month. I’m considering giving it to him in person. He taught a three hour workshop for seminarians at the Samuel Proctor conference that changed my life forever. I’m so grateful to have had any space of time with such a great teacher. His well is very deep and my bucket was filled!

April 25, 2016 at 3:14 am

Angel and Peter as I read your responses both dealt with the identity. One of the most powerful lessons we can learn and continue to learn is who we are and education helps us in that effort. As we learn who we are, we also learn to find our place in the world and occupy that place boldly regardless of what others may think.

April 25, 2016 at 4:18 pm

Upon reading this blog, I decided to complete the assignment to have the experience. I wrote it to my deceased grandmother, who was the pillar of strength and wisdom that I needed to get through some of the hardest times of my life. In her death, I didn’t have her strength, which forced me to become strong on my own. I thanked her for even in her death teaching me a lesson, but until I wrote the letter I didn’t realized I had learned it. Thank you Dr. Westfield for posting this blog!

April 25, 2016 at 4:26 pm

Angel, I enjoyed reading your comment to the blog post. My family comes from Haiti and my mother works as Certified Nurse’s Aide in Morristown. A great majority of her co-workers also come from Haiti. When I was in Undergrad and received a bill I could not pay, her co-workers raised the money and continued to sponsor me throughout my Undergraduate education. It is remarkable how people will make a decision that holds an impact on us that they could not even imagine.

May 5, 2016 at 2:12 am

Parker, I recently had a conversation with the daughter-in-law of a former boss from my first job as a teenager. The man who was my boss has been gone for about ten years, but I had an opportunity to tell his son’s wife what a wonderfully warm and eminently forgiving man he was. When I need to preach about grace, I think about him as a Christ-like role model. While I’m glad I had the opportunity to tell this woman about her wonderful father-in-law, I’m sorry that I never got to tell him myself. All this to say, “send the letter”. Or better yet, tell her in person!

May 5, 2016 at 10:10 pm

I worked in the camp kitchen for 2 years before “moving up” to program staff where I got to work directly with campers and lead activities. The program staff spends the day outside and gets the direct contact and gratitude from volunteers, campers and parents. While in the kitchen I grew accustomed to the reality that we don’t often receive gratitude for the work we do. Behind the scenes, we cooked, cleaned, maintained and repeated it each day with few or no words of thanks coming our way. It sounds bad, and maybe it is, but we learned how to do our job with pride and love without dependence on praise. Later on in my time there I had developed a habit of picking up trash in order to show care for the place I loved. No matter where I was or what I was doing I stopped to pick up the trash and would pocket it or hold it until I could properly dispose of it. Most of my morning runs ended with my arms full of empty cans and bottles I found on the side of the road. I did it because I cared. One day I was talking to my manager and the camp director when they both took the time to thank me for my hard work and for all the cleanup I had been doing. This sudden praise warmed my heart in a way I had not expected.

When I wrote my letter of gratitude I had a long list of people in my head who deserved thanks from me. I chose the former camp cook who had started after my time in the kitchen. He became a mentor to me and even after my time in the kitchen was over, it felt like I was still learning lessons from there. He gave praise through his food to God and all those who came to serve them and I was grateful for the nourishment through food, company, and wise words.

The power of gratitude should not be not underestimated. That is what I heard from this post and, I believe it.

May 6, 2016 at 2:16 am

Parker, it seems like your teacher spoke to the greater issue of the teaching to the test method many schools have been stuck in for too long. It is a good story to hear about someone who fought for the potential that existed in her student. I think it’s funny when you can look back and see this moment where someone did something that potentially changed your whole life. They fought on your behalf in some capacity that came to shape much of what you became. To what extent your teacher shaped who you are now is not for me to declare, but if she is responsible for assisting in you to become who you are at this time I think she deserves some thanks.

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How to Write a Meaningful Thank You Note

• Christopher Littlefield

Sample messages from common workplace scenarios.

Many of us fear expressing our thanks to others. We might worry that our efforts will be misinterpreted or make the person on the receiving end uncomfortable. Or we might struggle to find the right words to express how we feel. Here’s how to do it right.

• Keep it genuine : The goal of expressing appreciation should be to let someone know how their actions have impacted you and/or others. If you have any other agenda, your message will not be authentic.
• Share what you appreciate and why : Focus on the impact their actions had on you and explain both  what you appreciate and why . This will help the other person understand the reason you feel the way you do.
• Send it : E-mails get lost and handwritten cards get saved. Write your message on a piece of paper, post-it note, or card and give it directly to the person. If you are at work, you can also leave it on their desk or in their “mailbox.”

Where your work meets your life. See more from Ascend here .

We all want to be appreciated. Whether you’ve accepted a task while your plate is already full, worked through weekends to get a project off the ground, or simply been there for a work friend when they needed your support, an acknowledgement or “thank you” can go a long way in making us feel good about the efforts we put in — and the research supports this.

• Christopher Littlefield is an International/TEDx speaker specializing in employee appreciation and the founder of  Beyond Thank You . He has trained thousands of leaders across six continents to create cultures where people feel valued every day. He is the author of 75+ Team Building Activities for Remote Teams—Simple Ways to Build Trust, Strengthen Communication, and Laugh Together from Afar . You can follow his work through his weekly mailing  The Nudge .

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How to Write a Gratitude Letter: Expressing Appreciation and Cultivating Happiness

In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to forget the power of gratitude. But taking the time to express appreciation to those who have made a difference in our lives can have profound effects on our happiness and well-being.

One powerful way to show gratitude is by writing a heartfelt gratitude letter. In this article, we’ll explore what a gratitude letter is, the benefits of writing one, and I’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to write your own.

What is a Gratitude Letter?

A gratitude letter is a thoughtful expression of appreciation that you write to someone who has positively impacted your life.

Unlike a simple thank-you note, a gratitude letter goes beyond thanking someone for a specific action or gift. It dives deeper into the qualities and characteristics that the person embodies, which have made a lasting difference in your life.

This letter serves as an opportunity to inventory your own strengths and skills and attribute them to the individuals who have helped you grow.

Understanding the Purpose

The purpose of a gratitude letter is to acknowledge and show gratitude for the positive impact someone has had on your life. It allows you to reflect on how they have shaped you into the person you are today. By taking the time to write a letter, you can deepen your connection with the recipient and strengthen the bond between you.

Capturing Personal Impact

When writing a gratitude letter, it’s important to be specific about how the person has made a difference in your life.

Reflect on significant moments or experiences that stand out to you.

Consider the actions, words of wisdom, or support they have provided and how it has positively influenced you. By capturing the personal impact they’ve had on you, you can create a meaningful and heartfelt letter that truly expresses your gratitude.

The Benefits of Writing a Gratitude Letter

The act of writing a gratitude letter has been scientifically proven to have numerous benefits for both the sender and the recipient. Here are some of these benefits:

Reinforcing Relationships

Expressing gratitude through a letter strengthens new and existing relationships. It fosters a sense of connection and reinforces the bond between you and the recipient. By sharing your appreciation, you demonstrate that you notice and value the positive things they bring into your life.

Fostering Commitment and Connection

Gratitude letters have been shown to predict more committed and longer-lasting relationships . When you express gratitude, it deepens the emotional connection between you and the recipient. This shared positive experience can lead to spending more time together and building a stronger relationship.

Reducing Negative Emotions

Practicing gratitude has been found to reduce negative emotions such as envy, narcissism, and cynicism. When you focus on the positive aspects of someone’s influence in your life, it shifts your perspective and helps you appreciate their role instead of dwelling on negative experiences.

Improving Sleep and Health

Research has shown that gratitude practices, including writing gratitude letters, can improve sleep and boost immune system health. By cultivating a sense of gratitude, you create a positive mindset that promotes better sleep and strengthens your body’s natural defense mechanisms.

How to Write a Gratitude Letter

Now that we understand the purpose and benefits of a gratitude letter, let’s explore the step-by-step process of writing one.

Finding a Quiet Space

To fully immerse yourself in the writing process, find a quiet space where you can reflect and concentrate without distractions. This could be a cozy corner in your home, a peaceful park, or a quiet café. Creating a serene environment will help you focus on expressing your gratitude sincerely.

Expressing Your Appreciation

When you start writing your gratitude letter, begin by addressing the recipient directly. Use their name or a term of endearment that feels appropriate. Open the letter with a warm greeting, such as “Dear [Name].”

As you express your appreciation, be specific about what the person has done and why you are grateful for them. Recall moments or experiences that had a profound impact on you, and describe how their actions, words, or support made a difference in your life. Use evocative details to paint a vivid picture of the positive influence they have had.

Length and Structure

There is no set length for a gratitude letter, but aim for at least 300 words, which is about a page. However, feel free to write as much as you’d like. The key is to be genuine and heartfelt in your expression of gratitude.

Consider structuring your letter with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a closing. In the introduction, briefly explain that you are writing to express your gratitude and set the tone for the letter. In the body paragraphs, share specific memories or experiences that highlight the impact the person has had on you. Be sure to mention how their behavior or support made you feel and the lasting effects it has had on your life. In the closing, reiterate your appreciation and express your hopes for the future of your relationship.

Planning the Delivery

When it comes to delivering your gratitude letter, there are a few options. The most impactful method is to schedule an in-person visit with the recipient. Let them know that you have something special to share, but keep the exact purpose of the meeting a surprise. When you meet, read the letter aloud to them. This allows both of you to experience the emotions and connection in real-time.

If an in-person visit is not feasible, you can also arrange a phone call or video chat. The important thing is to ensure that you have dedicated time to read the letter and have a conversation about your feelings and experiences.

Allowing Time for Bonding and Discussion

When you deliver the letter, be open to discussing your feelings and emotions with the recipient. Encourage them to share their thoughts and reactions as well. This conversation allows for a deeper bond and provides an opportunity to express gratitude beyond the words written in the letter. Remember to be present and listen attentively , creating a space for connection and understanding.

An Example Gratitude Letter

To help you get started, here’s an example gratitude letter:

Remember, this is just an example. Use your natural style and personalize your gratitude letter to reflect your unique relationship with the recipient.

Next Steps: Making Gratitude a Habit

Writing a gratitude letter is a powerful practice, but it’s important to continue incorporating gratitude into your daily life. Here are some next steps to cultivate gratitude as a habit:

Keeping a Gratitude Journal

Consider starting a gratitude journal to regularly document the things you are grateful for. Each day, write down three things you appreciate or are thankful for. This simple practice can shift your focus towards the positive aspects of your life and bring more gratitude into your daily routine.

Incorporating Gratitude in Daily Life

Look for opportunities to express gratitude in your interactions with others. Whether it’s a genuine thank-you to a colleague, a compliment to a friend, or a note of appreciation to a family member, small acts of gratitude can have a big impact on your relationships and overall well-being.

Sharing Gratitude Beyond Letters

Remember that gratitude extends beyond writing letters. Share your appreciation openly and authentically with those around you. By expressing gratitude, you not only make others feel valued but also create a positive and uplifting atmosphere for yourself and those around you.

In conclusion, writing a gratitude letter is a powerful way to express appreciation and cultivate happiness. By reflecting on the positive impact someone has had on your life and sharing your gratitude with them, you strengthen relationships, reduce negative emotions, and promote overall well-being. Take the time to write a heartfelt gratitude letter and experience the transformative power of gratitude in your life. Happy writing!

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How to Write a Gratitude Letter + Examples

Updated 01/26/2022

Published 04/16/2020

Amy Wolkenhauer, BA in English/Creative Writing

Contributing writer

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

When a thank you note doesn’t feel like enough, writing a letter of gratitude can be cathartic. Not only are you offering a morale boost to the recipient, but you’re also taking a moment to give yourself a little positivity, too.

Jump ahead to these sections:

How to write a gratitude letter.

• Gratitude Letter Examples

After all, it feels good to make someone's day brighter . Plus, when you take a moment to sit down and think about all the good and fantastic things you've experienced, and all the incredible people that have been there in your life, you're actively giving your brain a dopamine dose. 

Have a look at these ideas on writing a letter of gratitude for someone who has been impactful in your life. After this, you may find yourself writing to more than your partner or grandparents and reaching out to public officials or medical professionals who’ve made your life better along the way. Who knows, once you start finding people to be grateful for, you might just have a rosier outlook on life altogether.

There are six sections to a formal gratitude letter: personal address, introduction, explanation of help, description of results, closing, and signature. Apply each of these sections to give the letter its form and tone. 

Informal letters are composed much the same and require all but the second section (the introduction) as the letter recipients already know who you are. Follow along for definitions and answers to each of these segments.

1. Personal address 

Be conscious of the person or people to whom you are addressing your letter. Indeed, you'll take on a much more personal tone with partners and other family members.

However, in the case of professional relationships, such as your college professor, a physician, or even a Senator or Congressperson, you'll want to use salutations appropriate to their professional title. For instance:

• My Darling Husband/Wife/Partner,
• My Dearest (Aunt or Uncle),
• Dear Sir or Madam:
• To Whom It May Concern,
• Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs./Dr./Professor (Last Name):

Honorable Mr./Ms./Mrs. (Last Name),

In the case of a Senator or Congressperson, it’s acceptable to use Mr./Ms./Mrs. in your letter, if you’ve addressed the envelope using their title as "The Honorable (Full Name)." If that’s the case, then you’ll have already met the requirement.

2. Introduce yourself

This next step is for more formal letters. Here, you’ll want to give a brief introduction to create a connection. For instance:

• My name is (Full Name), and I’m one of your constituents from (city or county).
• I was your ER patient on the night of (date) who was suffering from (condition).
• I was the recipient of the college scholarship for “Future Outstanding Science Scholars.”
• Our team received a grant from your foundation for (name of nonprofit organization).
• I have been a member of the (organization) that you have represented for several years.

3. Explain how you were helped professionally or personally

Often, people are very willing to let the world know when things go wrong. But here you have an opportunity to be the change, letting others know when things go well. When writing, try to keep this section within ~150 words and consider the following ideas: 

• What happened?
• How were you positively impacted?
• How does this represent you or your community as a whole?
• In what ways did this provide relief or assistance?
• Were there any other struggles or adversities?

Just like professional settings, people are very willing to let the world know when things go wrong. So, here’s a chance to share love and positivity with other and more intimate connections. While professional letters should be more concise, you’ve got much more writing room in a personal letter. As such, when writing your letter, consider the following ideas: 

• What is the timeframe? (A week? Month? Years?) 
• Were they supportive financially or emotionally?
• How would you describe that support? Compliment them. (Were they a rock? A godsend?) 
• What is the result of this compassion that they showed to you?
• How do you see this helping your future as a result of their efforts?

4. Describe the results of their help 

While most people choose an occupation out of drive or passion, it goes without saying that everyone needs a morale boost. That said, positive letters help everyone want to continue to do good work. So, consider the following ideas when writing your letter so that they are fully aware of their professional impact on your life. Keep this section to ~150 words as well.

• What does this do for the overall morale of you and either your family or community?
• How did this impact your life over a given time?
• To what extent do you think you’ll be able to use their help to become a better person or do great things ?
• In what ways have you been able to return the kindness to others?
• How do you promote this gratitude in your daily life?

Family is always going to stick its neck out for loved ones, no matter how difficult the situation. So, their loving assistance deserves a personal, from the heart response. With that, you may want to consider the following additions to your letter, which take it from professional to close and personal.

• What were you explicitly dealing with when the loved one stepped in to help?
• How did this alleviate your struggle?
• How did they help you to grow and continue on your path?
• How do you intend on repaying their kindness to them or others?
• How do you now see the value of family and personal relationships?

5. Sign the letter with gratitude

This section takes a lot less thought. Just use what feels right. 

Take a look at the examples we’ve found for you here:

• With Gratitude , 
• Forever Grateful,
• With Immense Love,
• Kind Regards,
• Thank you so much,

6. Sign your name

If you are writing a professional letter, then you’ll want to maintain dignity here. Use the proper address for yourself as you would for them.

Skip the nicknames that your friends give you, and use your full legal name, leaving them a positive impression of you and your character.

Gratitude Letter Examples 

Here are six examples ranging from personal to professional that you can use as templates for your letters of gratitude.

To mom or dad

Dear Mom (and/or) Dad, 

(Partner’s name – if there is one) and I wanted to say thank you for all of the support you’ve offered these last few years. Just knowing that you’re available to watch the kids or help out at home has been a godsend, especially with how erratic school and work schedules have been. We notice that you always try to make something healthy for them to eat after school and help pick up or clean while you’re at the house. We also see how tiring the kids can be, especially the youngest. He’s a handful.

Apart from saying thank you, we wanted to support you in some way with a present of gratitude. It’s not much, but with your help, we’ve been able to get a lot more sleep and, as a result, a lot more accomplished at work, which has helped out tremendously with our finances. So as a result, we’re sending you on a weekend trip to (city). 

When I was growing up, I watched both of you struggle to provide me with all the love and things kids need. You sold that property, worked extra shifts at work, and didn’t take a vacation for a few years — all just to pay for my college. While this is just a tiny token, in contrast, it’s nonetheless overdue. When we come home from work, we can focus on each other and our kids more, which means that our family time has improved. We’re no longer too tired to read to the kids at night, and making a hot breakfast in the morning has improved (child’s name) concentration at school.

We know all of this is because you two are sacrificing part of your relaxing retirement to look out for us. And we just want to say thank you. From the deepest part of our hearts, we’re so grateful for all that you’ve done, all that you do, and all that you are.

With Love, 

(Name and Name)

To a friend

(First Name of Friend),

I’m not sure who struggled more this past year, but I can’t even begin to say how much your friendship has meant to me. Not only have you held my hand during the darkest year in history, but you have been my absolute rock when it comes to relationship advice. I never thought that I’d be in this position, especially under such extreme circumstances, but there’s no crystal ball, is there? Each time I thought I would lose it, somehow you just knew—and sent a silly text with a message that always made me smile. No matter how awful everything seemed right up until that moment, you gave me space and freedom to smile and catch my breath. Your messages, our wine nights, and every ounce of laughter provided me with a path to find myself amidst all this chaos. 

Without you, I’d never have found the strength to commit to changing my life and situation. I knew that no matter what choice I made, you were going to be there. You’re always there. Without you, I would have never taken that leap to fix my life for me and not for anyone else. Why? Because through your guidance and wisdom, I have learned that I do matter, I do have my needs, I do have my dreams, and no one should ever put that part of me last because it suits them more. I know where I need to go now and the kind of person I want and need beside me when I get there. 

While this hasn’t been easy, you’ve made this struggle manageable. You’ve been more of a friend to me than anyone ever has, and I am eternally grateful for all of your kind and wonderful ways. I am happy to call you a friend, but in truth, I feel as close to you as family. We are sisters, and there’s no doubt in my mind that we’ll continue to be until we’re in rocking chairs, angry at the nurses trying to give us our pain meds. 

Sis, I love and appreciate you more than you’ll ever know.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, 

To a teacher

Professor (Last Name),

My name is (name), and I was in your Public Policy 243 class in the fall of last year when my family went through some unbelievable tragedies.

First of all, I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed this quarter's class's structure and subject matter. A classmate not only recommended the course as an elective but mentioned that you were a dynamite instructor. They were right. I’ve completely changed my focus and hope to pursue work in the maritime arena.

To my point, I’m not sure if you remember, but while I was struggling with family grief, I fell behind—way behind. I had considered dropping the class to manage what was going on emotionally. But, in thinking about it, I am grateful that you talked me out of doing that. Not only was I able to put my energy into something substantial, but the small bits of support you offered while I got slowly caught up were nothing short of lifesaving. 

Since that course, I’ve been able to find an internship within that same focus. I’m working with some fantastic professionals who feel as passionate about our oceans and maritime policy as I do. Thank you because were it not for your belief in me and support, I am not sure I would have picked up the class a second time. Now, I plan to pursue a Master’s in Maritime Policy. So, I could use your help one more time. 

The program I need requires a letter of recommendation from three of my professors. I had hoped you’d be able to write one for me if you’re able to do so. In addition, please let me know of any additional information I can provide to help you recall any of my submitted coursework. 

Again, thank you for all of your kindness when I needed it most. I didn’t know how to come out of all that pain, but I successfully found that path with support and generosity from you. 

Kind regards, 

To yourself

Hey kitten, 

When you read this letter in ten years, I want you to look back at this moment and smile because I am about to take you on the wildest, most challenging ride yet. It’s not going to be easy. It’s not going to be pretty. But with everything that’s happened—the only way through is out. And no matter how difficult it’s going to get, this moment right now is the one that matters most because it’s the one where we get to highlight all that you are and praise your most authentic self. No matter how broken you may feel along the way, know that you’ve got more courage and strength in your right pinky than most see in a lifetime.

Thank you for making all the mistakes you’ve made, especially that one when you were 25. Thank you for the tenacity to stick out on those miles, especially when running your first big ultra. Thank you for going back to school to get that degree. Thank you for always diving headfirst into anything that sounded remotely fun or interesting. Thank you for keeping (name) as a friend—and hopefully, you’ll be thanking yourself more in the future. Thank you for calling your parents every day, because you’re going to miss them when they’re gone. Thank you for being fearless, self-evaluative, kind to yourself, kind to others, and ready to make changes whenever or wherever the roads were blocked. I’ve never met anyone as malleable to life as you, and I know that’s your most attractive characteristic. But, hey, most of all, thank you for always telling yourself that failure is not an option. You’re the toughest kid I’ve ever met.

We’ve witnessed so many people try to break us, judge us, and turn us into something we’re not, but you’ve always stayed the course, even when that course was far more painful than becoming one of the lemmings. But, as I said, it’s only just begun. And everything we’ve done so far is preparing us for the next stage in this big adventure, but I have faith in who you are and what we’ve done. You got this. I believe in you.

Your biggest fan, 

For an elected official

My name is (Full Name), and I am from (City or County). I am a single mother of one exceptional child, who I have seen blossom because of your efforts in our neighborhood.

I am writing today to let you know that my family has been positively impacted by the new lunch program serving underrepresented and low-income families. With this provision, I’m able to breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that my child will continue to be fed nutritious meals.

As you know, there’s been adversity in our local system for years, where parents have been struggling to make ends meet. But, by helping my child and my neighbor's children, you’re affording our children opportunities to learn and grow, one healthy meal at a time.

In my family, I’ve watched the brightness come back to my child's eyes. Of course, their health and wellness have always been of great importance, but now I can use that money to buy them a small toy from time to time, whereas before, the money we earned was meant to keep their belly full.

I see that my child is more successful in school, they can concentrate more, and with food at every meal, my child no longer feels embarrassed or insecure during school lunchtime. Unfortunately, food insecurities plague many people here in (city or county). But now we can concentrate on the future without worrying today.

With Gratitude,

Mr./Ms./Mrs. (First Name and Last Name)

For an aunt or uncle

Here’s a short example that you might write to your aunt or uncle if they’ve been pivotal in your education.

Dear Aunt (Name) and Uncle (Name),

I wanted to take a moment to let you know how much I appreciate all of your kindness and love these last few years. When I first arrived at Grandma and Grandpa's house, I was a mess.

Not only was I distrustful of everyone and everything, but I was also incredibly hurt and angry at my parents. But with your consistent love and support, I’ve been able to see past the hurt and anger. Now, I realize that I’ve got so much to look forward to in life. And while some of the chaos will remain with me for a long time, I rest knowing that I have your wisdom on which to rely whenever I get stuck. 

Thinking back to what was even possible five years ago, I can now say that so much lies ahead for me. Before, I couldn't see anything more than a week away, but now I can see my life unfolding in the most extraordinary ways. Safety, security, and love were all things I lacked from a very early age, and now I can confidently say that I am accepted and loved for who I am.

Now, I’ll be taking this forward into a nursing career so that I can help people. I’ll also be using all of the lessons you taught me to positively impact my friends and, eventually, my patients. And this is how I’ll continue to show others the gratitude that I’ve received from you.

With Immense Love, 

Your (Niece or Nephew), (Name)

Keep a Gratitude Journal

Here’s a final hint about letters of gratitude. Keep and write in a gratitude journal every day, even for the small things.

Soon, you’ll start to notice all of the positivity that you have in your life and everywhere else around you. Then, you’ll be writing more of these letters in the days ahead.

Categories:

You may also like.

How to Write a Heartfelt Thank You Letter to Family

How to Write a Thank You Letter to Your Mentor: 6 Steps

How to Write a Letter of Encouragement + Examples

How to Write a Professional Thank You Letter (Examples)

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Gratitude Letter

Write a letter expressing thanks, and deliver it in person.

• How to do it
• Why to Try It

Time Required

Budget about 10 minutes for writing the letter and at least 30 minutes for the visit, if you choose to deliver your letter in person. 

How to Do It

Call to mind someone who did something for you for which you are extremely grateful but to whom you never expressed your deep gratitude. This could be a relative, friend, teacher, or colleague. Try to pick someone who is still alive and could meet you face-to-face in the next week. It may be most helpful to select a person or act that you haven’t thought about for a while—something that isn’t always on your mind.

Now, write a letter to one of these people, guided by the following steps.

• Write as though you are addressing this person directly (“Dear ______”).
• Don’t worry about grammar or spelling.
• Describe in specific terms what this person did, why you are grateful to this person, and how this person’s behavior affected your life. Try to be as concrete as possible.
• Describe what you are doing in your life now and how you often remember their efforts.
• Try to keep your letter to roughly one page (around 300 words).

Next, you should try if at all possible to deliver your letter in person, following these steps:

• Plan a visit with the recipient. Let that person know you’d like to see them and have something special to share, but don’t reveal the exact purpose of the meeting.
• When you meet, let the person know that you are grateful to them and would like to read a letter expressing your gratitude; ask that they refrain from interrupting until you’re done.
• Take your time reading the letter. While you read, pay attention to their reaction as well as your own.
• After you have read the letter, be receptive to their reaction and discuss your feelings together.
• Remember to give the letter to the person when you leave.

If physical distance keeps you from making a visit, you may choose to arrange a phone or video chat.

Why You Should Try It

Feeling gratitude can improve your health and happiness; expressing gratitude also strengthens relationships. Yet sometimes expressions of thanks can be fleeting and superficial. This exercise encourages you to express gratitude in a thoughtful, deliberate way by writing—and, ideally, delivering—a letter of gratitude to a person you have never properly thanked. 

Why It Works

The letter affirms positive things in your life and reminds you how others have cared for you—life seems less bleak and lonely if someone has taken such a supportive interest in us. Visiting the giver allows you to strengthen your connection with them and remember how others value you as an individual.

Evidence That It Works

Seligman, M. E., Steen, T. A., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2005).  Positive psychology progress: empirical validation of interventions .  American Psychologist , 60 (5), 410.

When researchers tested five different exercises, writing and delivering a Gratitude Letter showed the greatest benefit to people’s happiness one month later; however, six months after, their happiness had dropped back down to where it was before. This is why some researchers suggest doing this exercise once every six weeks or so. Participants in this study were largely white, middle-aged adults with college degrees.

Froh, J. J., Kashdan, T. B., Ozimkowski, K. M., & Miller, N. (2009). Who benefits the most from a gratitude intervention in children and adolescents? Examining positive affect as a moderator .  The Journal of Positive Psychology, 4 (5), 408–22.

Adolescents who often don’t experience positive emotions showed a significant boost in positive emotions two months after writing and delivering a Gratitude Letter. Nearly 70% of the adolescents in this study were Caucasian, with the rest identifying as Asian American, African American, Hispanic, or “other.”

Research suggests that while there are benefits simply to writing the letter, you reap significantly greater benefits from delivering and reading it in person.

Who Has Tried The Practice?

Additional research has engaged members of other groups:

• Asian American adults in Southern California felt more satisfied with life after writing weekly Gratitude Letters for six weeks.
• Indian people decreased in negative emotions and Taiwanese people increased in positive emotions after writing Gratitude Letters for 15 minutes. Asian Americans and white Americans all increased in positive emotions.
• American high school students who were mostly of Asian and Latino descent felt lower negative emotions and developed healthier eating habits after writing weekly Gratitude Letters for four weeks.
• Indian adolescents reported gains in well-being, life satisfaction, and happiness after writing and delivering a Gratitude Letter as part of a program that also included Three Good Things , Best Possible Self , and Use Your Strengths .

More research is needed to explore whether, and how, the impact of this practice extends to other groups and cultures.

Keep in Mind

In different studies , participants have taken as little as 5 minutes or as long as 30 minutes to write their letters; spending more time to deepen and enrich the practice could be a good thing, but you can also reap benefits from a short practice. 

Evidence from cross-cultural research suggests that writing Gratitude Letters may be less beneficial for people from collectivist cultures, or cultures that prioritize the needs of the group over the needs of each individual:

• South Koreans experienced smaller improvements in well-being from writing a Gratitude Letter than Americans.
• Similarly, Asian Americans who wrote Gratitude Letters didn’t see as big of a reduction in negative emotions as their Anglo American counterparts.
• Indian adults felt more guilty and indebted after writing Gratitude Letters than white American, Asian American, and Taiwanese adults.

This may be because Western and non-Western countries have different views on social responsibility and emotions. Fostering gratitude towards others may be more rewarding for people in individualistic, Western societies because these cultures tend to emphasize personal independence and view gratitude as a positive emotion. People in collectivistic, non-Western societies tend to believe that everyone has a responsibility toward each other, so feelings of gratitude may come with worries about their own obligations to others or fears of being a burden.

Additionally, it may be possible to adapt this exercise for different religious groups. For example, Muslim college students who centered their Gratitude Letters around Allah felt greater happiness than those who wrote secular Gratitude Letters.

Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph.D. , University of California, Riverside Kristin Layous, Ph.D. , California State University, East Bay Martin Seligman, Ph.D. , University of Pennsylvania

Al-Seheel, A., & Noor, N. M. (2016). Effects of an Islamic-based gratitude strategy on Muslim students’ level of happiness . Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 19 (7), 686–703.

Boehm, J. K., Lyubomirsky, S., & Sheldon, K. M. (2011). A longitudinal experimental study comparing the effectiveness of happiness-enhancing strategies in Anglo Americans and Asian Americans . Cognition and Emotion, 25 (7), 1263–1272.

Fritz, M. M., Armenta, C. N., Walsh, L. C., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2019). Gratitude facilitates healthy eating behavior in adolescents and young adults . Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 81 , 4–14.

Khanna, P., & Singh, K. (2019). Do all positive psychology exercises work for everyone? Replication of seligman et al.’s (2005) interventions among adolescents . Psychological Studies, 64 (1), 1–10.

Layous, K., Lee, H., Choi, I., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2013). Culture matters when designing a successful happiness-increasing activity: A comparison of the United States and South Korea . Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 44 (8), 1294–1303.

Shin, L. J., Armenta, C. N., Kamble, S. V., Chang, S., Wu, H., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2020).  Gratitude in collectivist and individualist cultures . The Journal of Positive Psychology, 5 , 598–604.

Titova, L., Wagstaff, A. E., & Parks, A. C. (2017). Disentangling the effects of gratitude and optimism: A cross-cultural investigation . Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 48 (5), 754–770.

Writing and delivering a Gratitude Letter is a powerful way to connect with those who have helped you. Do you have an attitude of gratitude? Take our Gratitude quiz to find out: 

Pathway to Happiness

Ready to try this practice.

Find it on your Pathway to Happiness Already started Your Pathway to Happiness? Log In here .

Comments and Reviews

Caroline Morris April 6, 2024

Amanda lovette february 12, 2024, gavin february 9, 2024, leanne january 24, 2024, mags van january 20, 2024.

Not a letter but e-mail

Gayle January 1, 2024

Unable to complete this one. The anxiety and awkwardness that it would create outweigh any benefit for me.

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• Outlook templates

Thank you letter samples: after interview, for recommendation, for scholarship, and more

On this page, you will find a few examples of thank you letters as well as tips to write your own notes, email messages and letters of thanks in a professional manner.

A thank you letter, also referred to as a letter of thanks means a letter or email in which one person expresses his or her appreciation or gratitude to another person. Most of such letters are typed in the form of formal business letters and their length is not expected to exceed one page. Less formal letters that are meant for friends, acquaintances and relatives can be handwritten.

6 tips to write effective thank you letters

• Write it promptly . Send out your thank-you letter as soon as possible after the event (for a job interview, you'd better do this within 24 hours).
• Make it personal . A standard message will be lost among other job-seekers' letters. Address your letter to one person, not just the company or organization in general, and mention details from the event, it will make your thank-you letter stand out.
• Make it short and stick to the point. Make your letter short, direct, clear and concise.
• Sound natural . Express your gratitude and make the thank-you letter sincere, heartfelt and tactful.
• Proofread it before sending . Always carefully check your spelling and grammar. Errors and typos are unprofessional, but nothing could be worse than misspelling of someone's name. Take a minute to double check the spelling of all names in the letter.
• Handwrite, hard copy or e-mail ? In general, typed (paper or email) thank you letters are recommended. Some managers, however, like hand written letters. In the tech industry, a thank-you email is appropriate. E-mails are also fine in less formal situations or if time constraints require it.

On what occasions is it appropriate to send a thank you note? Here are just a few quick examples:

• After a job interview or a business appointment
• When you receive a scholarship, gift or donation
• When you receive a recommendation
• When you establish a new contact

Tip. If your need to write a persuasive request letter , you'll find lot of useful information about the business letter format as well as tips and samples in the above-linked tutorial.

Thank you letter examples

If you have found yourself in a situation when you know that you need to send a thank you letter but cannot come up with the right words, our examples might set you on the right track.

Thank you letter after the job interview (from employee)

Dear Mr./ Ms.,

I want to thank you for taking the time to interview me yesterday for the position of [position name]. I sincerely enjoyed meeting with you and learning more about the [job name] and your Company.

After our conversation and observing the company's operations I am convinced that my [area of experience] experience fits me out more than adequately for the job, and my background and skills can take the Company to new heights of success. I believe I can make a significant contribution to the [new process or project name]. I am excited by your interest in [idea you suggested] and I also have a number of great ideas for [you have great ideas for…]. I feel confident that my experience in [your experience in …] would enable me to fill the job requirements effectively.

As you know (I neglected to mention during my interview that), my work as [previous position] at [previous working place] provided an excellent background as well as understanding of all the aspects of this kind of job. In addition to my enthusiasm, I will bring excellent qualifications, skills, assertiveness and the ability to [your ability] to this position. I am more convinced than ever that I will fit in beautifully as a member of the team and contribute my skills and talents for the benefit of your company.

Please feel free to contact me if I can provide you with any further information. I can make myself available for any further discussions of my qualifications that may be needed.

Follow up thank you letter after the interview (less formal)

Thanks for taking the time to discuss the [Position] and my experience in [area of experience] with me. I really enjoyed speaking with you yesterday.

After meeting with you I am sure that my background and skills fit your needs. Your plans for [plans of your employer for] sound exciting and I hope I can contribute to your future success. I think my background in [background in] makes me an asset to your company. I was impressed with your department's energy and positive attitude. I know I would enjoy working with you and your group.

I look forward to hearing from you concerning your hiring decision. If I may be of any assistance, feel free to email or call me again at [your phone number].

Scholarship thank you letter

Dear [Scholarship Donor],

My name is [Name] and I am honored to be one of this year's recipients of the [Scholarship name]. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generosity and willingness to help me achieve my goals. Thanks to your donation, I am able to continue my education at the [College / University].

I am currently [Degree or Program] with an emphasis in [Subjects]. I plan to pursue a career in [Industry] upon graduating the [Institution].

By awarding me the [Scholarship name], you have reduced my financial burden allowing me to focus more on learning and motivating to complete my degree. Your generous contribution has also inspired me to help others reach their goals in higher education and give back to the community once I begin my career. I thank you again for your generous support that made my scholarship possible.

Thank you for recommendation (from employer)

I wanted to thank you for recommending [person you recommended] to a position of [position]. I am sure that [person] will bring along some great ideas and will be a valuable employee in our department.

Thank you for recommendation (from the person recommended)

I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the recommendation letter you wrote for me.

I know you put a great deal of time, energy and effort into it and hope you know how much I appreciate your support as I begin this next stage in my life.

I enjoyed working with you, and I am truly thankful for the complimentary things that you said about me. As I have searched for a job in my field, your letter has opened doors and provided opportunities that will be a good start for my new career. I hope I can do the same for someone else one day.

I will keep you updated on any responses I get.

I appreciate your time and would like to call upon you again for future opportunities.

Personal thank you letter

I'm writing this note to let you know that your input and assistance contributed greatly to the success of [process or event they helped with]. I especially appreciate [what you especially appreciate].

Your expertise, the information and frank advice you have given, as well as the contacts you have shared with me have been invaluable to me during this process.

It's wonderful to have good friends like you, who are always willing to pitch in when we need you most. Even though you said it was not a problem, you still deserve to know that the favor is truly appreciated. As always, it was a pleasure working with you.

Personal thank you letter (less formal)

Email templates for thank you letters.

In case you plan to send your thank-you letters or notes by email, our Shared Email Templates can save your time enormously. Instead of typing or copy-pasting a message for each recipient, set up a template just once and reuse it whenever you want!

With the help of the built-in macros, you can quickly personalize your letters - automatically populate the To, Cc, Bcc and Subject fields, enter recipient-specific and context-specific information in predefined places, attach files, and more.

Your templates are accessible from any of your devices, whether you use Outlook for Windows, for Mac, or Outlook Online.

You may also be interested in

• How to use Outlook Copilot to draft and summarize emails
• Emojis in Outlook: how to get and use
• How to import contacts into Outlook
• How to backup Outlook emails and other items
• How to archive in Outlook automatically or manually
• How to delay email sending in Outlook

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Land your dream job, 5 thank-you letter examples for extending gratitude to your network.

Alexis Perrotta

Whether you’re job searching, brushing up on professional skills, or considering a sector switch, you’re probably engaging in countless interactions that warrant a show of appreciation. 

Perhaps you received a job lead and a pep talk from a former colleague, or maybe you had an informational interview with someone who has become a mentor. Perhaps you are lucky enough to have a family member who’s your biggest fan. Whatever the situation, one way to show your gratitude is by simply writing a thank-you note. Read on for five thank-you letter examples and templates, and a little more on gratitude, too!

Why gratitude matters

Before getting into writing your thank-you letters, let’s talk about gratitude and its benefits not just for the recipient, but for you as the “giver of thanks” as well.

Showing gratitude is a great way to clear your mind when you are feeling overwhelmed . After moving at top speed or going through the motions for a prolonged period, slowing down to contemplate how those around you add value to your life can be a salve. Defining who you are thankful for (and why) is a proactive exercise not only in considering and appreciating your network, but in gratitude and self-care, as well.

According to studies by Robert Emmons and others, gratitude’s physical, psychological, and emotional perks include:

• Stronger immune system and lower blood pressure
• More joy and pleasure, more optimism and happiness
• More forgiving and outgoing outlook, less lonely and isolated feelings

For these reasons, we suggest finding more opportunities to say thank you; no need to reserve your gratitude just for after a job interview or at an annual review. Here are some situations worthy of a note of thanks, as well as some examples of how to put it in writing:

The trusty “job lead” friend

Do you have that friend who’s always in-the-know about the latest job openings, even customizing what they send based on your interests and a strong understanding of your abilities? A thank-you note is a great way to show appreciation and also let them know they are really on the mark with their suggestions. Try a note like this:

Dear [NAME],

I just wanted to share how much the job leads you send mean to me. The attention you pay to the details of each opportunity is clear, because what you pass along always seems to match not only my interests but my abilities, too! What you do is so motivating and keeps me energized and positive in my job search. To know that you consider me able to do [SKILL] and [SKILL] builds my confidence and  keeps me applying for more jobs where my [SKILL] skills can really shine. I truly appreciate that you’ve taken such an interest in my job search and am grateful for the way you’ve stepped in as my personal “career sleuth!”  

Why this works: In addition to expressing your appreciation, you are affirming that what is being sent is helpful and that if they continue sending leads, they are on the right track.

The informational interviewee-turned-mentor

Did you ask someone for an informational interview who accepted and ultimately took you under their wing? Maybe they went above and beyond to keep the conversation going, shared great resources, or invited you to an event attended by key hiring managers in your field. Here’s an example of how you can show your gratitude:

Thank you for taking the time to chat with me about your career in [AREA OF EXPERTISE/ISSUE AREA] over the last few weeks. I learned so much about [TOPIC] and [TOPIC], and will be sure to check out what you shared with me. I am so appreciative of not only the way you have taken me under your wing after our first meeting, but your continued generosity with your time and resources. The interest that you show in my success and development is something for which I feel very grateful.

Please know that my offer to assist with your [TOPIC/ISSUE AREA] project still stands. If my skills are not the best match, I’m happy to pass along the message to my contacts in an effort to find a great volunteer!

Why this works: In addition to showing gratitude, you are offering to assist your mentor. If your skills are not an appropriate match, a willingness to tap into your networks is a great alternative!

The “biggest fan” family member

Many of us have a family member who has earned the title “biggest fan.” In their eyes, no challenge is so insurmountable that we can’t overcome it, and our accomplishments are always worthy of celebration. Here’s an example of how to express your gratitude:

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all the support you’ve shown me throughout my career, particularly during [PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE OR ACHIEVEMENT].

You’ve always been someone I could call my biggest fan; sometimes, it seems like you remember my achievements even better than I do myself! 

I appreciate your ability to see how my talents can make a difference, and you’ve made me a believer too! After a chat with you, I feel more confident and capable, and for that I will always be grateful.

Why this works: Keeping it warm and appreciative is a great way to strengthen familial bonds. It expresses not just appreciation, but also some details on just how much your biggest fan has impacted your well-being and confidence. When they know it’s working, they are more likely to keep it up!

The “saved the day” colleague

Whether you’re grappling with a workplace issue or you’ve been digging around for the most cost-effective way to complete a project, support from a colleague can make a big difference. When a co-worker saves the day, try a note like this:

When you found me sitting at my desk tapping a pen last week, you could have just walked on by and left me to my [NAME YOUR OBSTACLE/CHALLENGE]. Instead, you pulled over a seat and went right to work with me! I can’t thank you enough for not only your teamwork and support, but for your vote of confidence; you really helped me overcome the issue. I truly appreciate the way you used your own insights to develop a really seamless solution that provides benefits all around!

Knowing now how your team tackles [ISSUE/CHALLENGE], I’m happy to compare notes the next time the issue arises so we can achieve similar success.

Why this works: Positive interactions with colleagues allow for a more supportive relationship that helps everyone thrive. While your co-worker probably stepped in without any expectations, always take an opportunity to see your organization and its work from the perspective of another department—maybe even identify a way that you can provide insights for that area.

The “just lets me vent” friend

This person knows that talking it out may be all you need. No unsolicited ideas or solutions, brainstorming sessions, or “I told you so's." This friend simply allows you to vent and work out your feelings. When you’re ready to express feelings—namely, gratitude—of a different kind, try this:

When you asked me how things were going yesterday, you may not have known exactly what you were in for! After letting me talk for nearly an hour about [CURRENT ISSUE IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE], I wanted to express my appreciation. The sympathetic way you listened without going into “solution mode” was just what I needed. I really felt heard and understood; you have a rare gift for that!

Thank you not only for being there, but for giving me exactly what I needed at the time. I can now say that after thinking “out loud," I feel ready to tackle this issue, head-on. Thank you!

Why this works: This note shows that in addition to being appreciative of the person’s time and attention, you are ready to take whatever next step you two may have discussed. People are more inclined to help out in the way you need them to when they feel like it makes a true, lasting difference.

As you move through your career journey, take note of all the people who have helped you along the way. When you start noticing the small (or big) acts they’ve had a hand in, you’ll realize that a large part of your career wins are made possible because of the support you receive from your network.

Taking a moment to express your gratitude through a thank-you letter isn't just a courtesy; it's a powerful tool that can nurture relationships, cultivate goodwill, and open the door for future opportunities.

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13+ Thank You Letter For Assignments And Email Templates

Want Thank You Letter For Assignments? Have you ever wanted to show your appreciation to someone but didn’t know what to say? If so, read on to learn how to write a thank you letter! Thank you letters are a great way to show your appreciation for someone’s help or generosity. They can also be used to thank someone for their time or for giving you an opportunity. Writing a thank you letter is also a good way to maintain relationships with people who are important to you. When you take the time to write a letter, it shows that you care about the person and that you value their relationship with you.

One of the best ways to show your appreciation for someone’s work is to write a thank you letter. A thank you letter is a formal way to express your gratitude for someone’s help or assistance. There are many different situations where you might want to write a thank you letter, but the general format is the same. Below is a template you can use to write your own thank you letter.

What is Thank You Letter For Assignments?

Email has become such commonplace in daily life that it’s easy to overlook how powerful it can be as a business tool. You can use email to build relationships, cultivate new business opportunities, and keep your current clients happy. But with so much potential, it can be difficult to know where to start. One of the most important things you can do is write thank-you letters for assignments emails after working with a client.

A well-crafted thank-you letter reassures your clients that they made the right decision in choosing you, and it helps to solidify the relationship for future business. But beyond the basics of saying “thank you,” there are a few other things you can do to make your thank-you letters truly effective.

There are four main parts of any thank-you letter: the opening, body, conclusion, and signature. The opening is where you will state the purpose of your letter. For example, “Thank you for interviewing me.” The body of the letter is where you will elaborate on why you are writing. This is where you will mention specific details about what the person did and how it helped or affected you. For example, “Your advice has been extremely helpful in my job search.”

Finally, conclude your letter with another expression of thanks and well wishes for the future. For example, “I appreciate your time and consideration.” And don’t forget to sign your name at the end! Thank-you letters are not difficult to write, but they can make a big impact. A little effort goes a long way in showing your appreciation and building strong relationships with others!

Thank You Letter For Assignments format

The email format for sending a letter is simple and includes just five essential parts:

• Subject line ( How to write a good email subject line That Opened 10x )
• Opening line and body

Thank You Letter For Assignments

Template 1:

Letter Template 2:

Template 3:

Related: 09+ Thank You For Admission In College Letter & Templates

Thank You letter of assignment sample

Letter Template 4:

Template 5:

Letter Template 6:

Template 7:

Related: 9+ All The Best For Your Future Endeavors Letter & Email Samples

Assignment letter template for Thank you

Letter Template 8:

Template 9:

Letter Template 10:

Sample letter of assignment of the contract

Template 11:

Letter Template 12:

Template 13:

Related: 123 Email subject lines for Teachers [Samples included]

Thank You Letter For Assignments subject lines

Thank you for assignments lines are great to use in order to increase engagement with your students. By using these lines, you are thanking the student for their work while also providing them with an incentive to do more assignments. This can help to create a more positive learning environment, as well as improve grades and classroom participation. Thank you for assignment lines can be used in a variety of ways, such as giving bonus points, gift cards, or simply providing positive feedback. Whatever way you choose to use them, thank you for assignment lines are a great way to show your appreciation for your students’ hard work. Thank you!

You’ve just completed a project and now it’s time to send a thank you email to your boss or client. But what should you say? “Thank you” is always a great start, but there are a few other things you can include to make your message even more impactful. Here are 8 thank you for assignments subject lines to get you started:

• Thank You For Assignments – Your Appreciation Means Everything To Us
• Thank You So Much For Assignments – We’re So Grateful
• Thank You From The Bottom Of Our Hearts For Assignments – You’re An Amazing Person
• We Can’t Thank You Enough For Assignments – You’re A True Hero
• Words Cannot Express How Thankful We Are For Assignments – You’re A Blessing In Disguise
• Thank You A Million Times Over For Assignments – We’re indebted To You Forever
• God Bless You For Assignments – Thank You From All Of Us

How to Start Thank You Letter For Assignments

A great way to show your appreciation for someone who has gone above and beyond is to write them a thank you note. But what if you’ve never written one before? Not to worry! Here are a few tips to get you started.

When it comes to choosing stationery, there are endless options available. However, it’s important to select something that reflects your personal style. If you’re unsure where to start, consider opting for a simple card with a handwritten message. Here are some tips:

Be specific about what you’re thanking the client for – general thanks are nice, but specifying exactly what you’re thankful for will remind the client of the value you provided and make them more likely to remember you next time they need similar services.

personalize each letter – Generic form letters are easy to spot, and they make it clear that you’re not really interested in building a relationship with this particular client. Take the time to personalize each letter so that it genuinely reflects your appreciation for working with the client.

keep it short and sweet – Thank-you letters don’t need to be long or overly flowery – in fact, brevity is often appreciated since it shows that you respect the client’s time. Just a few sentences is usually sufficient.

Proofread your letter carefully – A thank-you letter is a reflection of your professionalism, so take the time to proofread it carefully before sending. Make sure there are no typos or grammar errors, and that all of the details are accurate.

Sending a thank you note is a thoughtful way to show how much you appreciate someone’s actions. By following these simple tips, you can easily craft a message that is sure to put a smile on their face!

How to END Thank You Letter For Assignments

Assignments are a great way to get students engaged in learning, but they can also be a lot of work for teachers. One way to make the assignment process more efficient is to use a “Thank You” system. This system allows teachers to quickly and easily acknowledge student work, while also providing feedback on areas that need improvement. To use this system, teachers simply write “Thank You” at the top of each assignment. When the assignment is complete, students can then bring their work back to the teacher for a grade. This system saves time and energy for both teachers and students, while also ensuring that all assignments are graded fairly. Thank you for using this system!

Thank you for reading our blog post on thank you letters. We hope you enjoyed it and found the information helpful. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. Also, don’t forget to download our free thank you letter template and sample email templates. Thanks again for stopping by!

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Best Thank-You Letter Examples and Templates

Tips for Writing a Thank-You Letter

How to use examples and templates, interview thank-you letter template.

• Interview Thank-You Letter Example

General Thank-You Note Template

• More Thank-You Samples

Sending a thank-you note after an interview, a networking event, an informational interview, or any other event related to your job search is a great way to show your professionalism. After you get hired, it is also a way to maintain contact with people you met during your job search.

Thank-you notes aren't just for job searching. Sending a written note, email, or LinkedIn message to people who have helped you on the job or have done something that will enhance your career is a good way to cement relationships and show your appreciation.

Alison Czinkota / The Balance 

Send one. You should send a thank-you letter whenever someone helps you with your job search. For example, you should send thank-you notes after job interviews, internships, and informational interviews.

If someone did something nice or helpful at work, send them a thank-you email.

Consider the format. Some people send handwritten thank-you notes, and others send typed letters. Some formal organizations (like law and accounting firms) might prefer a traditional handwritten note. A handwritten note also allows you to give a personal touch to your message. However, most companies are fine with a typed letter. Think about the company culture when deciding the format of your letter.

Send it as soon as possible. You want to send your letter as soon as possible. This is especially important for an interview thank-you letter; you want to remind the interviewer that you are a strong candidate before he or she makes a decision. For this reason, you might choose to send a thank-you email instead of a note or typed letter.

You can also send an email and then follow up with a note.

Be concise. Keep the letter short—no longer than a page. You want to say thank you sincerely but briefly.

Sell yourself. If this is a thank-you letter for an interview, use the letter as a chance to remind the employer why you are an ideal candidate. Remind them of something you discussed in the interview, or provide some new information that you forgot to mention. This may be your last chance to make a strong impression.

Proofread. Be sure to thoroughly edit your letter. All your communications must look professional and polished.

Thank-you letter samples are a useful way to guide your writing. A sample can help you decide what kind of content you should include as well as how to format your letter. 

Thank-you letter templates can also be very useful. They help you with the layout of your letter, such as how to organize the different sections of your message.

While letter samples and templates are great starting points for your own message, you should always edit a message to fit your situation. A personalized letter or email will make the best impression.

There are guidelines you should follow for writing your letters, including standard length, margins, font, and format. Sending a properly formatted, grammatically correct letter or email message will leave the reader with the best impression.

This is an interview thank-you letter sample.  Download the letter template  (compatible with Google Docs or Word Online) or read the example below.

Interview Thank-You Letter Example (Text Version)

Joseph Q. Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-212-1234 joesphq@email.com

May 21, 2024

Jane Smith Director, Human Resources Acme Office Supplies 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Smith:

Thank you so much for interviewing me for the open sales position. I appreciate the time you spent explaining the hiring process and how your training program works. You’re clearly very knowledgeable about sales and marketing.

I enjoy working in sales and believe I would be an excellent fit for the position. I love a challenge, and your innovative training program intrigues me. 

As we discussed during the interview, my sales numbers at my current job increased by 50 percent over the past three years, and I was at the top of our sales force last year. I’m confident that combining my current experience with your training program will allow me to reach the top of your sales force as well. 

Thank you again for taking the time to talk to me about the position. I believe I can benefit your company and look forward to meeting again soon. In the meantime, please let me know if you need any additional information. 

Signature  (for a hard copy letter)

Joseph Q. Applicant

Contact Information:  If you are sending a printed letter or note, list your contact information above the salutation. If you are sending an email thank-you message, list your contact information below your signature.

Salutation: In formal situations, start with, "Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:" If it's more casual (to a peer, for example), it's appropriate to start with a less formal greeting.

​First Paragraph: Your first sentence should state that you are reaching out to thank the recipient for what they have provided you. In this first paragraph, you might include another sentence reiterating your thanks. For example, you can acknowledge that you know they are a busy person, and you are especially grateful that they took the time to help you. While your tone should come across as expressive and warm, avoid going overboard with effusive praises. Ultimately, you want to be sure your communication is genuine.

Second Paragraph: In your second paragraph, you can explain why you are so grateful and how their support has impacted you specifically, or how you anticipate it impacting you in the future. 

Be specific so that the reader knows this is a personal letter, rather than a generic one you've sent to multiple contacts.

Third (optional) Paragraph: Use your optional third paragraph as a way to maintain your relationship with this person going forward. If you feel like you have something to offer them in return, you could mention it in this paragraph. Alternatively, you could suggest that you'd love to treat them to a coffee or simply that you would like to stay in touch. Ultimately, you should tailor what you say to your relationship with the person, but the goal of this paragraph is to keep the door open to future communication.

​Finally, in your closing paragraph, reiterate your gratitude with a simple, short final sentence.

Your Typed Name

More Thank-You Letter and Note Examples and Templates

Interview Thank-You Letter Example Use this note to thank the interviewer and to mention that you are available to provide more information on your candidacy.

Email Thank-You Message Example Email thank-you message to send directly after a job interview.

General Thank-You Letter Example Here is a general thank-you letter you can send (via email or mail) to the people who have helped you with your job search.

Sample Thank-You Letter Requesting a Second Interview This sample thank-you letter requests a second interview and reiterates your interest in the position.

Sample Thank-You Letter for an Internship Saying thank you for an internship is a good way to show you appreciate the opportunity​ and to continue your relationship with the organization.

Sample Thank-You Letter for a Job Offer Sample thank-you letter accepting a job offer.

Sample Thank-You Note for a Team Member Use these thank-you letter examples to let a team member know how much you appreciate their hard work.

Sample Thank You and Appreciation Letters for a Boss Thank-you letter samples to send to your boss if they do something particularly helpful or meaningful.

Letter of Appreciation Sample Sample appreciation letter to send to a contact who assisted with your job search.

Networking Thank-You Letter Example Here is a sample letter you can send (via email or mail) to networking contacts who help you with your job search.

Job Offer Rejection Letter Examples Sample thank-you letter that thanks the employer for the job offer but politely declines the position.

Sample Thank-You Letter After Being Rejected for a Job Use this sample thank-you note if you applied for a job but got rejected.

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Drake Bell Read Brian Peck’s ‘Disgusting’ Letters of Support ‘Multiple Times’: ‘Worst Ones Are Handwritten’

Drake Bell is still trying to come to terms with the unsealed letters of support that were written for his sexual abuse case against Brian Peck .

“I don’t know how to put that into words but the letters were a new thing to me. I just found out about those last year,” Bell, 37, said on the Thursday, April 11, episode of the “Luminosity” podcast.

Bell was asked whether he read all the letters, to which he replied, “Oh yeah. I’ve read them multiple times. All of them.”

Last month, Bell broke his silence about being a victim of Peck’s abuse in Investigation Discovery’s four-part docuseries Quiet on Set , which addressed the negative aspects of childhood stardom at Nickelodeon. The third and fourth episodes exposed letters of support for Peck (who has no relation to Bell’s former Nickelodeon costar Josh Peck ) written to the judge.

Related: Unsealed Docs Reveal Which Stars Supported Brian Peck in Drake Bell Case

Peck, 63, was arrested in August 2003 for sexually abusing a then-unnamed child. Peck pleaded no contest to performing a lewd act with a victim around 14 or 15 years old and to oral copulation with a child under 16 years old, which resulted in a 16-month prison sentence.

After being handed the unsealed court documents by directors Mary Robertson and Emma Schwartz , Bell recalled his subsequent reaction.

“They are disgusting. There are some [letters] that I cannot believe what is being said. Just the blaming on me [and] the things being said about me,” Bell noted on Thursday. “They are unbelievable. There are some that I can’t even believe.”

He continued: “Some of the worst ones are handwritten. And some of them state, ‘Oh, I am aware of the charges but I would definitely work with him again and hire him again. I would recommend him to any set with kids.'”

Quiet on Set previously emphasized that it was unclear how much Peck’s friends knew about the charges being brought up against him at the time. Bell, meanwhile, recalled a large number of people showing up to the courtroom the day Peck was sentenced.

Related: Drake Bell Details Being Sexually Abused by Nickelodeon's Brian Peck: Doc

Bell also argued on Thursday’s podcast that Peck’s confession — which was recorded on a taped call before the arrest — was brought up in court. As a result, Bell didn’t believe that others were unaware of what charges they were responding to with their letters.

“There was no question of is what I am saying true and is it really how it went down,” Bell said. “It was there and they still wrote letters. That was my fear and my fear was confirmed when I walked into court and there was not an empty seat on his side.”

Some of the names and letters featured in the Quiet on Set doc included Rider Strong, Will Friedle, James Marsden and director Thomas DeSanto . (Strong, 44, Friedle, 47, and DeSanto, 56, have since walked back their support for Peck.)

Taran Killam and Kimmy Robertson were notable names because they appeared on Drake & Josh after asking the judge to grant Peck probation instead of prison time. Bell recently slammed those who wrote letters for Peck only to work with him later.

“I learned that later, I mean, there were multiple people that had supported him that went on to work on Drake & Josh. And I worked with these people every day, and I thought they were my friends,” Bell said on the March 22 episode of “The Sarah Fraser Show” podcast. “They were people in positions of power [writing letters], that they were my bosses. They were directors, they were producers. It was a situation where I thought I was surrounded by, I thought I was safe.”

Related: 'Quiet on Set' Docuseries Exposes Nickelodeon's Past Toxic Environment

Bell wasn’t sure how to deal with the revelation that Peck’s supporters were around him without his knowledge, adding, “I thought, ‘OK, I thought the cancer had been carved out. We’re better now.’ And I had no idea that for four years, I was working alongside people who had supported him, and probably in the back of their mind were thinking of me in a certain way, and I thought they were my friends.”

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Bell later publicly confirmed that Strong is the only person who has since reached out to him personally. Others mentioned in the docuseries either issued a statement or have remained quiet.

Us Weekly has previously reached out to Marsden, Robertson and Killam for comment and the other actors who wrote letters featured in the doc.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

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Sen. Durbin can help stop the country from becoming a 'surveillance state'

The government will not use new, unchecked surveillance powers responsibly. it already habitually abuses section 702, intended for surveillance of foreigners, to search americans’ communications..

Sen. Dick Durbin in Bridgeview on Jan. 19, 2024.

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

The U.S. House of Representatives passed an alarming bill last week to allow the government to conscript Chicago businesses to spy on their customers, employees and everyone they communicate with, from relatives to journalists.

That sounds hyperbolic, but it’s not. The bill is every bit as bad as it sounds.

Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act already allows the government to compel communications companies like Google and Verizon to turn over information. This terrible bill would expand that to any service provider with access to equipment like routers, and let the government order them to help it monitor communications.

That means virtually any vendor who enters your home, or any business you visit, could be forced to become an involuntary government agent. That should chill you to the bone.

SEND LETTERS TO: [email protected]. To be considered for publication, letters must include your full name, your neighborhood or hometown and a phone number for verification purposes. Letters should be a maximum of approximately 375 words.

Congress masked the bill’s destructive impact by exempting hotels, coffee shops and a few other places. That’s cause for alarm, not relief. It admits that, without an exemption, they too could be commandeered by the FBI. Those not specifically exempted still can be.

But you may never know if they are. Under the bill, they’re gagged from telling anyone. Joseph Heller, meet Mr. Kafka.

It’s now up to the Senate to stop the U.S. from becoming an outright surveillance state. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., should lead the fight to save the First and Fourth Amendments.

Durbin wouldn’t be alone. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., called the bill “one of the most dramatic and terrifying expansions of government surveillance authority in history.” Other lawmakers and privacy advocates call it “ Patriot Act 2.0 ” and “ Stasi-like .”

The government will not use new, unchecked surveillance powers responsibly. It will violate your rights. It already habitually abuses Section 702 — intended for surveillance of foreigners — to search Americans’ communications. Fred Hampton ‘s home state should be particularly wary of handing the FBI new surveillance tools.

Durbin recognizes the problem. He co-sponsored legislation to amend Section 702 to end warrantless domestic spying. But the current bill omits his reforms while vastly expanding government surveillance. Under the old Section 702, ordinary Americans could be spied on. Under the new version, they could be forced to spy. Hard to believe, but true.

Durbin has also led efforts to stop surveillance of journalists, including cosponsoring the PRESS Act . But the FISA bill would codify countless new ways to spy on reporters .

The Senate must kill this unconstitutional legislation. Otherwise, say goodbye to your First and Fourth Amendment rights.

John Cusack, founding board member, and Seth Stern, director of advocacy, Freedom of the Press Foundation

Not everyone can afford to pay for higher education

I am writing in response to Sun-Times reader Richard J. White, who was fortunate enough to afford going to DePaul, a private university. I guess it has not occurred to Mr. White that not everyone is as privileged as he is and can afford to go to college.

With the rising cost of college education, many people are straddled with a huge debt once they graduate. Most European nations offer a free college education but with much stricter entrance requirements. Higher education should not be available only to those who can afford to pay.

Regina Gomory, Crystal Lake

‘Normal ‘Republican likes Trump? No thanks

After reading the Sun-Times reader letter of Steven J. Bahnsen , in which he states that as “a normal Republican,” he “will vote for Donald Trump again,” all I can say is, God save us from more “normal Republicans.”

Bindy Bitterman, Uptown