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Original poster

Expressing gratitude

10 replies

FiveExclamations · 14/12/2014 17:43

When my DD receives presents she always expresses her gratitude by saying something like "Cool" or "Awesome" enthusiastically (doesn't matter if it's socks or video games, she always acts equally grateful).

A relation in her 60s has complained about it saying that they want a "proper" thank you actually including the words "thank you".

It's trivial so we've asked DD to do it though DH and I are toying with the idea`of bellowing COOL! when we get our gifts.

Just wondering what other people think, does it matter how gratitude is expressed as long as it's genuine or is our relation a misery guts being a bit picky?

OP posts:
Original poster
FiveExclamations · 14/12/2014 17:44

DD is 11 if it makes a difference.

OP posts:
FunkyBoldRibena · 14/12/2014 17:47

Picky. I'd much rather AWESOME than a meek 'thank you'.

senua · 14/12/2014 17:48

I can see the relative's problem.
"Cool" is a comment on the item. It is not an expression of gratitude to the giver. Can you explain this distinction to DD?

diddlediddledumpling · 14/12/2014 17:49

I think it does no harm to teach her that the convention is to say 'thank you'. She'll be expected to express gratitude to lots of different people for lots of different things during her lifetime, and many of them will think like your relation. Indeed, she may well he expected to express gratitude for things she doesn't think are cool or awesome.
It's about manners. Once she's in the world of work, awesome and cool won't really be appropriate.

TInselaffe · 14/12/2014 17:51

Not picky. I think it's a bit rude not to say the actual words 'thank you'. It takes two seconds.

Saying awesome etc is sweet of your DD but the thank you should be automatic. It's a thank you for the thought, not just a present IMO.

TeenageMutantNinjaTurtle · 14/12/2014 17:52

er yes. she should say thank you. "cool" is about the item, "thank you" is about the giver.

Original poster
FiveExclamations · 14/12/2014 17:58

Hmm, I see what many of you are saying about it being about the thing rather than the gesture, it's usually said with a big grin to the giver and a hug but I will make sure to remind her next time.

OP posts:
Jackie0 · 14/12/2014 17:59

Of course she needs to say "thank you".

BJBarbz · 30/03/2015 13:36

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Queazy · 19/04/2015 19:50

I'm not picky but at 11, I think your dd needs to start saying thank you for gifts too. I don't think it's picky tbh.

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