How To Write A Heartfelt Appreciation Message To A Friend, Colleague, Or Anyone

Saying thank you when someone has done you a good turn is not a lost art in the 21st century. The words "thank you" are still two of the most powerful words we can use to convey appreciation to another person, and sending an appreciation message remains one of the best ways to truly let someone know you are grateful for what they have done for you.

An appreciation message can be any expression of gratitude or thanks, from a simple note sent by email to an ornate card with a handwritten letter delivered in the mail. As family strategist and coach Sonya Belleti, LCSW, explains, people often send appreciation messages after receiving a gift, to thank someone for showing up for them (such as to a wedding or funeral), or to help stand out after a job interview.

"An appreciation message is one way to let someone know how much you appreciate them for what they have done for you," licensed clinical social worker and health coach Sarah Brown, LCSW, tells mbg. "It is so important to show appreciation to others, and sometimes giving an appreciation message can go a long way."

Brown notes that appreciation messages can be meaningful to send out to truly anyone who has affected you personally: "Think, hairstylist, child care worker, personal trainer, coach, mentor, etc. They can also be used for colleagues and for your team if you are in a leadership role in a work setting."

"The benefit of living in the digital age is, with only a few keystrokes and the tap of a button, we can immediately reach out to everyone we want to thank," says Belleti. "The method of outreach depends on your relationship with the recipient."

Friends are important people in our lives, so it is important to let them know what they mean to us and to show gratitude and appreciation for the things they do for us. "The key to writing appreciation to friends is to be specific about what you are grateful for," Belleti says.

Many times, and in many cases, we expect and assume our family will do things for us when we need them to and that they will show up for us. Because of this, it is even more important that we show gratitude to them so they don't feel taken for granted.

Sending appreciation messages to a boss or colleague can be a little tricky because it is important to strike the right tone. However, a well-written appreciation message can go a long way toward building positive relationships with your co-workers. Writing an appreciation message is also an opportunity to give colleagues credit for their contributions and to receive deserved recognition.

Teachers are some of the most hardworking and dedicated professionals in the workplace. Unfortunately, they are often one of the most overlooked in terms of receiving recognition and praise for their contributions. Sending an appreciation message or thank you can go a long way toward letting them know you appreciate their work and commitment. When writing an appreciation message for a teacher or educator, Belleti advises, "It is great to share a specific fond memory of highlight of something that was impactful during the school year."

People can tell when they're receiving a routine thank-you note sent simply for social graces, Belleti notes. So, if you're going to send a note, she recommends really focusing on trying to be specific in your message and really gear it toward each individual.

"The best timeline to send an appreciation message is within two to four weeks after an event," says Belleti. "However, it is important to remember that appreciation is not limited by time, so a heartfelt thank you sent later is always appreciated."

Showing gratitude to someone who has done something for you improves the well-being of not only the recipient but also the sender. Practicing gratitude daily has been proved to have positive psychological, social, and emotional benefits. It helps build thriving and healthy people and societies and improves the quality of one's life.

"When we show appreciation for the small and big things, we are all better for it," says Belleti. "Who doesn't want to know that their actions or words had meaning, and who doesn't want to know they have people who support them? Appreciation opens our heart and is a win-win for everyone involved."