It isn’t always necessary to get something in return, but sometimes, it is nice.
There isn’t a hard and fast rule.
Moms would say a Thank You note is always appropriate. So would Miss Manners and of course, Martha Stewart.
There are times, however, when I do not think that a Thank You note is needed. Really. There are times in your life when a sincere thank you, verbal or otherwise, is acceptable. Or, just knowing that you know they appreciate it…because there are times when there just isn’t enough time or energy to mention it.
I got a very nice note of appreciation the other day. It was sweet, appreciated and welcome – not needed – but nice.
At other times, you may do something above and beyond – over and over again. You don’t expect anything in return, you do it as a labor of love, or because you want to help, you have the time and yet…a note of thanks would show that they are grateful for the assistance, gift or advice.