How to say thank you

1. Here's an idea

A complimentary letter is called a buttercup because it butters up the recipient. Buttercups are nice. Even nicer are buttercups about someone to their boss.

If you have a store clerk, accountant, tailor, auto mechanic, maître d’, kid’s teacher - or any other worker you want special attention from in the future, the sure-fire way to make them care enough to give you their very best is to send a buttercup - to their boss. The buttercup might read as follows:

‘Dear (name of supervisor),

I know how important customer service is to an organisation such as yours. This letter is to commend (name of employee). S/he is an example of an (employee title) who gives exceptional customer service. (Name of business) continues to have my business thanks in great part to the service given by (name of employee).

Gratefully, (Signature)’

You’ll forever be a VIP in the employee’s book - and will have also pleased the boss no end as well.

2. Viewpoint

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."

3. Smile & ponder

Broadway star, Ethel Merman appeared in a 20th-anniversary revival of Irving Berlin’s 'Annie Get Your Gun' in 1966. The singer was notoriously allergic to flowers.

On opening night, a package from Tiffany’s, the high-class New York jewellers, was delivered to her dressing room. Inside was a miniature flower - made of gold. …