DEAR MISS MANNERS: Pre-pandemic, two longtime friends invited me for dinner at their home once or twice a year. In the thank-you notes I’ve sent afterwards, I’ve mentioned that I’ve had a wonderful time -- the atmosphere is warm, and they’re good company -- and that the meal was delicious (I’ve made specific reference to at least one dish each time). But I’m worried that my notes are repetitive.
I realize that sincere (if repetitive) notes are better than none, and I have no intention of not sending a note should they, or anyone else, make a meal for me in the future. But I wonder whether I am overlooking some additional element that should be included.
GENTLE READER: How about the conversation? “I am so glad that we were able to shed some light on the subject of sea turtle preservation. Freya really made me think about my position and now I am deep into a study of their migration habits.”
A thank-you letter at all is a rare thing. A good one, even more so. Miss Manners commends you for your efforts -- and assures you that making yours thoughtful and specific will, at the very least, increase your desirability as a delightful dinner guest.
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)