Strange customs
The BBQ - aka our engagement party - was very nice. I like the family of my fiancé. They are fun and easy to talk to. Food was also great. Have to thank my future mother-in-law again.
But there is one custom which is - in my eyes at least - a bit weird. But seems to be like this in the whole of the UK. Luckily I heard - or discovered - this just in time. Whenever you get presents you are supposed to write thank-you-cards! How strange! I see the point in it in regards to also making an effort as to actually just receiving the presents - and then the bestowed will remember which one is from whom. Very polite, very british I suppose. We in Germany don't do this. We say thank you and that's it. Hmmm, now I understand the carelessness with which they treat cards. I was always surprised at this, but now I come closer to understanding it. It's still a bit sad though (to usually dismiss of cards so carelessly).
Now have to make a list of who gave us what and send them cards. Weird but, well, why not. I always adjusted to native customs, why not to this one as well. I understand now also the panic of some to try to figure out who gave you what - I always regarded this a bit with a sardonic smile, but I guess, this "secret" has reveiled itself now.
I am learning now about this etiquette:
But there is one custom which is - in my eyes at least - a bit weird. But seems to be like this in the whole of the UK. Luckily I heard - or discovered - this just in time. Whenever you get presents you are supposed to write thank-you-cards! How strange! I see the point in it in regards to also making an effort as to actually just receiving the presents - and then the bestowed will remember which one is from whom. Very polite, very british I suppose. We in Germany don't do this. We say thank you and that's it. Hmmm, now I understand the carelessness with which they treat cards. I was always surprised at this, but now I come closer to understanding it. It's still a bit sad though (to usually dismiss of cards so carelessly).
Now have to make a list of who gave us what and send them cards. Weird but, well, why not. I always adjusted to native customs, why not to this one as well. I understand now also the panic of some to try to figure out who gave you what - I always regarded this a bit with a sardonic smile, but I guess, this "secret" has reveiled itself now.
I am learning now about this etiquette:
- www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2005-12-26-thank-you-notes_x.htm
- www.associatedcontent.com/article/18435/thank_you_notes_the_art_of_this_timeless.html
- www.giftingresources.com/gifts/thankUnoteEtiq.aspx?gift=68
- www.wisegeek.com/should-i-write-a-thank-you-note.htm
- ezinearticles.com/?Thank-You-Cards&id=411715