thank you essay for family

101 Thank You Messages for Family Support with Quotes

Here is a list of 101 ‘thank you messages with quotes for family support’ to show them how much you appreciate them. There are messages to thank your own family for its support of you, and then scroll further down the page for messages to thank others for supporting your family.

Here are messages to thank your own family for its support of you:

#1 I am so appreciative to have the loyal, supportive, and caring family that I do. Thank you for accepting me for who I am and where I am at right now. It is a huge source of comfort to know how much I am genuinely loved.

#2 My family is a priceless gift, greater than anything I can imagine. If it weren’t for your help, I am not sure what I would do. I do not have the words to tell you how truly fortunate I feel to have you in my life. Thank you for supporting me.

#3 Thank you for respecting who I am and helping me to flourish even though we disagree about a number of things. I know it must not be easy to open your heart like you have and accept my decisions, and so I thank you all the more for doing so. Our family bond is unbreakable and united we will be able to get through anything. Thank you for creating our strong family unit.

#4 If I could choose anybody at all to be in my corner, backing me up, through all the difficulties of life, it would be my family a hundred times over. Thank you for always being the most reliable and supportive people I could ever hope to know. It feels awesome to have a strong safety net!

#5 A family like mine is a treasure greater than any I can imagine. You nourish my soul so I can fight my battles in this world. You listen to my troubles and give me the advice I need so I can be victorious in life. Knowing I have you to turn to gives me the strength to do it all again. Thank you for supporting me. You are my lifeline.

#6 There’s no bond stronger than family. Thank you for always supporting me, even when it is not easy to do. Without you, I could not get through the hard times.

#7 It is not always easy for me to talk about what is going on, but thank you for being there for me. I know I have the strength to handle anything as long as I have the love of my family behind me. Thank you for always supporting me.

#8 You have supported me every step of the way during my journey through my [heartache/sadness/anxiety/depression]. The support of my devoted family is more precious than all the gold in the world. Just knowing you are there for me gives me the foundation I need to work through this tough time and get to a better place in my life.

#9 You’re my family, my friend, my rock and my comfort. You make me feel like I belong, and have a tribe to come back to out of the cold, harsh world. I know I am safe and loved with you, and that feeling is priceless. Thank you for always being there to support me.

#10 You have been my light in the darkness. You always pick up the phone when I call and stop what you are doing and make time to talk. I can feel that you are right there, with me in my struggle. It feels so good to know I am not alone in this. Thank you for being my family.

#11 Thank you for being the best family I could ever ask for. Your support gives me the strength to weather any storm that comes my way.

#12 You are the most amazing and supportive family that anyone could ever wish for. You have kept me going when I felt like giving up, in ways that you may not even be aware of. My gratitude to you is infinite and endless. Thank you.

#13 How lucky I am to have a family like you. Thank you for supporting me through trying times, always believing in me, and for giving me strength.

#14 Thank you so much for supporting me along my journey in life. I will forever owe my achievements to my dedicated, caring and thoughtful family. I would not be the person I am today without your help.

#15 Like a sturdy and well-laid foundation, you as my family have allowed me to grow and flourish in ways I would have never expected. I am so comforted to have all of your support and then some. I hope to be able to support all of you in the same ways that you have supported me.

#16 Your joy, wisdom, kindness, and strength have carried me through so many hard times. Thank you for being there. I’m so lucky that you’re my family.

#17 Your compassion, understanding, and thoughtful suggestions in hard times mean more to me than I can ever express. I am so happy that I was born into this family. Thank you for always being there.

#18 What a gift you are to my soul. Thank you for being there for me when times are good or bad. I’m so grateful that we’re family.

#19 The best families are there for you in times of joy and in times of sorrow. This is just a note to let you know that I have the best family. Thank you for always being there for me.

#20 I don’t know what I would do without you. How lucky I am to have such a giving, caring family. Thank you for always being there.

#21 Your endlessly caring and giving spirit is what guides me when times are tough. I’m so grateful to have a family like you. Thanks for always being there.

#22 Thank you for always being there. Every day, you lead by example and show me the true meaning of family.

#23 Thank you to my amazing family for being so giving with your time, love, and advice. I wouldn’t be where I am without you.

#24 Not only are you in my family, but you’re a best friend to me. Thank you for always being there and for giving me so much love and support over the years.

#25 You’ve got my back, and I’ve got yours. That’s what family is all about. Thank you for supporting me through good times and bad.

#26 When times are trying, knowing that my family is in my corner gives me the strength to carry through. Thank you for always being there.

#27 I can’t imagine where I would ever be without the support of my amazing family. Thank you for always being there for me.

#28 To my wonderful and loving family: your compassion, strength, and unconditional love are what carry me through my darkest days. Thank you for being there.

#29 Thank you for being by my side when times are tough. Having a family like you makes me feel so deeply loved and gives me strength.

#30 If words of gratitude were balloons, I would be soaring above the clouds. Thank you for being with me every step of the way during these hard times. You’re the best family I could ever ask for.

#31 I am so lucky to have family that fills my heart with strength, joy, and love. Thank you for being there when I needed you the most.

#32 Your love, wisdom, care, and strength has meant to the world to me. I’m so lucky to have you as my family. Thanks for always being there.

#33 When I need a friend, I know that I can always call on you. What a gift to have you as family. Thanks for always being there.

#34 Thank you for being my family, and for being by my side through the thick of the storm. I would never have made it through without you.

#35 Friends come and go, but family like you is forever. Thank you for your unconditional support and for always being there for me.

#36 When times are tough, I know that you’re always there for me and that you will know just what to say. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

#37 May God always bless you and keep you. I feel so thankful to have you as my family. Thank you for always being there.

#38 Thank you for being by my side when I didn’t have the strength to carry on. I’m so blessed to have you as my family.

#39 Thank you for always being there through the years. Having you as my family means so much to me.

#40 Thank you to my wonderful family for being by my side when times are hard. I don’t know how I would ever get through these storms without your strength.

Here are messages to thank others for supporting your family:

#1 Thank you for being such a constant and generous supporter of our family. We will forever appreciate the tender and selfless care and compassion you have shown us. We will never forget this!

#2 Thank you for being a true friend to my family. Coming over to talk to us and just being there made a huge difference. Thank you for taking the time and caring so much.

#3 The compassion you showed us during this difficult time was so touching. Thank you for being there to help us when we needed it most. May your kindness be repaid a hundred times, and may your life be full and long.

#4 Thank you for watching over my children while I was away. They say it takes a village, and it truly does. It gave me great peace of mind knowing they were well-cared for and safe with you.

#5 Thank you for helping us out. We could not have done it alone. It is in the times when you need help that people show their true colors, and you did. We love your colors! Thank you for being a loyal friend to our family. Please let us know when we can help you in return. We are here for you.

#6 Our family cannot thank you enough for lending us a helping hand during these difficult times. We truly appreciate your kind help and support.

#7 Dear friends, no words are enough to express our gratitude for what you have done for our family. Your incredible generosity helped us survive our challenging financial difficulties. We could not have made it through without you. Thank you so very much. Each and every one of us is eternally grateful.

#8 Your [daily visits to the hospital] were so comforting to me and lifted my spirits. Thank you very much, from my family and me. You are such a selfless and devoted friend.

#9 There are times when it is hard to ask for help. But you didn’t wait to be asked. Instead, you came and stayed until we felt better. Thank you for having such a big and kind heart.

#10 Our doors are always open for you, our home is your home. Your warm-hearted, considerate and unconditional support was a lifeline for us. Please consider us family and thank you so deeply for all you have done for us.

#11 Please accept our sincerest thanks for helping our family during the times of severe crisis. Your letters and calls let us know how much you cherished our friendship.

#12 Your offer [to host our guests in your house] was such a thoughtful gesture. Thank you for your kindness.

#13 We are extremely fortunate to have such caring neighbors. [Our dog would have got lost] if not for your assistance. Thank you very much.

#14 Thank you ever so much for inquiring [about my grandmother’s health] every day. She loved knowing her friends remembered her.

#15 Thank you very much for being so supportive to us last year. Things are improving now, and we look forward to a productive new year.

#16 You have such an amazing friend to our family and helped us so much. I hope we can do the same for you.

#17 Our family is thankful to you for being [a great teacher and pushing our children to do better every day]. You are a true role model for the young generation!

#18 Your strength and perseverance continually inspire us. Your kind heart melts ours. Thank you for always being there for us. We appreciate you so much.

#19 Thank you for supporting our family as we tried to understand how to navigate our new reality. Your presence is so appreciated.

#20 Whether it was emotional or financial support, you were always willing and generous. Thank you for your kindness.

#21 We are so honored to call you our closest family friend. People like you show others what humanity is about. We are forever grateful.

#22 We appreciate your help more than you will ever know. I want you to know how loved you are.

#23 From our family to yours – thank you very much for being perfect [relatives]. Your kindness knows no limits, and we are so proud we can call you family!

#24 We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to you for [financing our son’s studies]. Thank you for opening a door for him.

#25 Words cannot express how thankful we are for your help after [we lost our house to fire]. Thank you for providing [shelter to us]. Your friendship is a true gift, and we are so very grateful.

#26 We want the opportunity to thank your staff for the memorable service you organized for [our grandfather]. Your professionalism allowed us not to worry about details and [grieve in peace].

#27 On behalf of my extended family, I wish to thank you all for coming to share [our grief today]. It warms our hearts to see we have true friends who care.

#28 There are problems and misunderstandings in every family. Thank you for showing us grace and moving beyond what has happened. We look forward to spending time with you again soon.

#29 Thank you for thinking of during hard times. Your kind note of support was a big source of inspiration for our family.

#30 Nothing is better than knowing you have friends who care. Thank you to your entire family for being so hospitable and kind.

#31 Thank you for treating us as your own and making [the holidays] unforgettable. We had so much fun spending [Christmas] with your family!

#32 Dear friends, please consider this small gift as a token of appreciation for everything you have done for our family. Thank you.

#33 Thank you for taking the time to attend [our son’s wedding]. Our family enjoyed having you stay with us. Thank you for your generous gift.

#34 You can’t imagine how helpful you have been for our family. We don’t know what we would have done without you.

#35 We couldn’t believe our eyes when we received your generous gift. It will make our lives so much easier. Thank you for supporting our new family!

#36 We are truly lucky to have people like you in our lives. People who never judge but always help. My family is eternally grateful to you.

#37 May God bless you abundantly for your continuous support and care for our family. You are a true gem!

#38 As we express our gratitude, we want you to know what we are ready to help you whenever you need it. Please, don’t hesitate to come to us.

#39 Your unlimited acts of kindness inspired us to hope that things would start getting better soon for our family. We wouldn’t have survived without you. Thank you.

#40 What you did for us is beyond what we could have ever imagined. How can we ever repay you? We are thankful from the bottom of our hearts.

The Most Famous Quotes to Include with Your Thank You Message for Family Support

“Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” Michael J. Fox

“A happy family is but an earlier heaven.” George Bernard Shaw

“Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family.” Anthony Brandt

“Families are the compass that guides us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.” Brad Henry

“The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.” George Santayana

“The only rock I know that stays steady, the only institution I know that works, is the family.” Lee Iacocca

“Everyone needs a house to live in, but a supportive family is what builds a home.” Anthony Liccione

“Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.” David Ogden Stiers

“Without a family, man, alone in the world, trembles with the cold.” Andre Maurois

“You need a strong family because, at the end, they will love you and support you unconditionally.” Esha Gupta

“I sustain myself with the love of family.” Maya Angelou

“The strength of a family, like the strength of an army, is in its loyalty to each other.” Mario Puzo

“So much of what is best in us is bound up in our love of family, that it remains the measure of our stability because it measures our sense of loyalty.” Haniel Long

“When trouble comes, it’s your family that supports you.” Guy Lafleur

“When all the dust is settled and all the crowds are gone, the things that matter are faith, family, and friends.” Barbara Bush

“Family is the most important thing in the world.” Princess Diana

“Family is a life jacket in the stormy sea of life.” J.K. Rowling

“To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.” Barbara Bush

“The most important thing is family and love.” John Wooden

“I have a wonderful shelter, which is my family.” José Carreras

“Home is where you are loved the most and act the worst.” Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Please take a moment to pin this post to Pinterest.

101+ Thank You Messages for Family (Heartfelt & Inspiring)

There is nothing more rewarding than sharing your life with an amazing family. You will experience many ups and downs, but know that you have people who support and love you no matter what.

Knowing how to say thank you in a meaningful way shows our gratitude for their presence in our lives and accomplishments. I put together a list of great thank you messages for family to help you express your appreciation!

#1 It is only because of you, my family, that I have been able to live such a wonderful life. Thank you for being there every step of the way, from my childhood through adulthood.

#2 I can think of no one else but family that I’d rather spend time with than you! You are so special to me and I am so grateful that we share something as strong as family ties.

#3 Thank you for always being here for me – even when we don’t see each other very often. Thanks to you, I know I will never be alone and I promise to do the same for you whenever you need it

#4 There are not enough words in any language to express just how thankful I am to have such incredible parents like yourself. You go above and beyond every day to make sure that I am safe, happy, and healthy.

#5 I couldn’t imagine life without you. You are an outstanding mother/father, sister/brother…! Thank you doesn’t even begin to describe what I feel for you. So, I want to say thank you for being exactly who are.

#6 Thank you for everything that you do for me! Your kind heart and generous nature have made my world a better place over the years. And just so there is no confusion – it’s not just me that feels this way about you!

#7 I have enjoyed success, good fortune, and good health because of the presence that you have been in my life. I will always be grateful for that. Thank you so much, my family.

#8 You have given me a wonderful life full of joy and laughter. I appreciate everything that you have done for me and I hope to repay you someday. Until then, know that I love you very much!

#9 I may not tell you as often as I should how much your support means to me. So thank you from the bottom of my heart for always being there with a helping hand when I need it most.

#10 On every festival and special day, we try and make sure that we spend quality time with our family. You are the first and last thing I think of every morning and night and I just want to take this time out to thank you for your kindness and love.

#11 Thank you for loving me, even when I didn’t deserve it. Thank you for being there when nobody else was. There is no way I could ever thank you enough for everything that you’ve done for me. Ever since we were young, all I wanted was to make you proud of me, and now that I’ve grown up into who I am today…you couldn’t be prouder. So thank you for loving me always…and thank you for being my family.

#12 Thank you for watching me grow up and always being there whenever I need you. You may not be related by blood, but it doesn’t matter to me- all that matters is how much you care about me, even if we sometimes go weeks without talking. Just know I love you too, no matter what…and thank you for everything.

#13 You’ve been the best parent a child could ever want or hope for. Thank you for accepting me as your own child from day one, without question or condition. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and teaching me all the lessons in life that make me who I am today…thankful to call myself your daughter! More than anything, thank you for always being there for me and loving me like your own daughter.

#14 Thanks for always believing in me! For trusting me to follow my dreams, support me even when they were crazy dreams, and loving me unconditionally. You guys are amazing parents and role models on more than one level. Thank you for being the best!

#15 I’m so grateful to have you in my life. You are a constant source of love, understanding, and encouragement! I am so happy that I have you guys in my corner!

#16 You guys taught me everything: how to walk, talk, eat with utensils… your love and support has helped me accomplish everything I have. Thank you for being the most incredible family I could have ever asked for.

#17 Thank you so much for all of your help, patience, and guidance! You are my role models and heroes in every way. I love you so much!

#18 I’m so lucky to be one of your kids… all of you are so loving, strong, smart, capable… everything that everyone wants to see in their parents. There are no words to describe how grateful I am that our paths crossed. Thank you!

#19 Dear Family, thank you for all of the support that I get from you! You are my rock when I need stability, and my comfort when life throws me a curve ball. I love each of you dearly.

#20 I’m so thankful to have such an amazing family like mine! There is not much in this world or any other one that could ever replace what we have together. Thank you for always being there for me.

#21 Thank you to each member of our little family, especially my dad and mom. Thank you for sacrificing so much so that I can be who I am today! Without your help, guidance, and love, none of this would be possible today- thank you don’t seem enough to say!

#22 My dearest brother/sister/relative, I don’t thank you often enough for everything that you do. Whether it be big or small, you are constantly there for me and I am so thankful for that.

#23 You may not know this, but I think about how grateful I am to have someone like you in my life all the time. You mean more to me than words can express; thank you for always being there when I need you most!

#24 I wanted to write this letter to let you know that your friendship means the world to me. No matter if we go days without talking or hours without seeing each other, no matter what happens, our bond is unbreakable and I will always love you.

#25 There’s something special about having family nearby. I’m so grateful that you have been a part of my life, and that you continue to be a positive influence on me. Thank you for all that you do.

#26 I want to thank you not only as a family member, but as someone who considers you one of their best friends. You are very special to me and even though we don’t get the chance to talk often, I am eternally grateful for everything that you do.

#27 No matter how far away you are, family always have a place in my heart. I hope you can feel how much I miss you everyday, even when we are apart.

#28 There is nothing in this world that makes my heart smile more than our family being together at one table enjoying good food and great company. Thank you for hosting the feast tonight!

#29 I treasure moments with my family because time never stops moving forward, so it seems like they are few and far between these days. Thanks for squeezing me into your schedule today!

#30 I am so grateful to have amazing parents who continuously support me through everything I do. They are incredible people and wonderful role models, for which I am truly thankful. Thank you Mom and Dad for everything!

#31 It doesn’t feel like home everyone is gone. I am so happy we were able to spend some time together and I appreciate you for making the trip. Thank you so much!

#32 I had a lot of fun during your visit and it was great seeing you again, especially after all this time. At least now I know why everyone thinks you’re weird! Haha, jk! Thanks for coming out to see me.

#33 It seems like it’s been forever since I’ve seen you last, but it really has only been a few weeks at most. Your visits are always too short, but that gives us something to look forward to until next time. Thank you for stopping by to say hello!

#34 There is nowhere I’d rather be than by your side. No matter how big our family gets, no matter the struggles we face together, I know that you will always have my back and I will forever have yours.

#35 I don’t know what I would do without you in my life. You are so incredibly special to me, and I am so grateful for all of your love and support. Thank you for being here with me through thick and thin.

#36 You are the world to me, little one! I can’t wait to see how growing up with us as parents has shaped who you become in this world. We love you more than words could ever explain.

#37 Thank you for always supporting me in every decision I made since day one. You’re my backbone and I’m so grateful that you guys decided to adopt me into your family.

#38 Mom/Dad, thank you for everything that you have done for me; from unconditionally loving and caring for me to tolerating all of my quirks and mood swings.

#39 I can never tell you how much I care about our relationship: it means the world to me. You guys are now the best friends I could ask for! Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to spend time with me.

#40 I want to thank you for having such a big heart and always putting others before yourself. You are a wonderful example of what a healthy, loving family should be like.

#41 Sometimes I think that you get the wrong impression about us from other people’s words and actions. But let me make myself perfectly clear: you don’t have to change anything. The way you are is perfect just the way it is! Thank you for being our family.

#42 I am grateful that we share so many great memories together growing up and will have even more in the future! Thank you for being there for me through everything, and thank you for being my mom/dad/brother/sister etc .

#43 One day when we’re old and grey, I’ll sit you down and share all the things I couldn’t say when we were young. Thank you for everything that you did for me, and everything that you still do for me today.

#44 Thank you for understanding and accepting me as your own child. You’ll never know how much it means to hear those words from my own family.

#45 Thank you for always being there when we need you, even if I haven’t been exactly what a good son should be. You are an unbelievable parent and role model, and I love feeling like I can always turn to you whenever something goes wrong in my life.

#46 Even though we fight sometimes, I will always love each one of you with every fiber of my being because this family is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am so incredibly thankful for every single one of you.

#47 I love every moment with my family, whether it’s a quiet night at home or a big trip somewhere- those moments are always some of my favorites. Thank you for being such an incredible part of my life, I can’t imagine life without you.

#48 My family is the best thing that has ever happened to me. You have influenced who I am as a person and taught me lessons that I will never forget about the world and myself. Thank you for being in my life, I could not be luckier to have each and every one of your loving faces in my life!

#49 You are all such wonderful people that deserve nothing but happiness in life. The world is a better place with you all in it.

#50 I wouldn’t have been able to become who I am without the love and support of my family. Thank you for always being there for me, no matter what. You are my backbone, and I am so grateful to have each one of you as part of my life.

#51 Words cannot express how happy your smiles make me! Every day, thank you for helping me see that everything is going to be alright.

#52 Thank you for taking such good care of me when I was ill! Your patience and kindness is appreciated more than you’ll know.

#53 Thank you to each and every one of you who has made this family into its own little beautiful creation. We love having fun with each other, and I thank you for creating this family for me to be a part of.

#54 To my family, thank you for always being there for me. You were able to come through with just the right words at just the right times. I know that if I ever need anything, any one of you will be there. Thank you so much!

#55 Thank you to each and every one of you for making it possible to become who I am today. If it wasn’t for your love and support, I don’t think I could have turned out this well! There is truly no way that I can repay all of your kindnesses, but hopefully by continuing to be myself, I can show you how much it means to me.

#56 Thank you so much for being the bestest ever parents in the whole world! I love that no matter what happens, you guys are there to support me. You give me my space when I need it, but never let me go too far away. Thank you!

#57 I know that our relationship is not always perfect; but even though we disagree at time, I am thankful to have all of you in my life who make up my family. Thank you for everything!  We fight together, cry together, laugh together – and most importantly -we love eachother forever no matter what!!

#58 This family is everything to me! I would not know what to do without any of you. Thank you for being the best family ever.

#59 I know that I can always count on my family, no matter what! Thank you for being so supportive and loving. I couldn’t have asked for a better family!

#60 My friends are like relatives, except they aren’t related to me by blood. Thank you so much for not only being my friend, but also part of my family. It means the world to me!

#61 What would life be without my amazing family? They are always there when I need them most. Thank you for everything that you do–you are all fantastic!

#62 I love that you are my family, and thanks for sticking by my side through thick or thin.

#63 Family is what matters most in the world, and I thank you for being mine. Have a great day!

#64 There’s no way I could make it through all this without you guys. Thanks again for being there every step of the way! You are awesome!!

#65 You are my rock; always supporting me even when things get rough. Thank you for being there for me all these years!!! Love ya!!!

#66 You came into my life when I needed someone most; thank you for sharing your love and wisdom with me. I am so grateful for you, and all that you do to help me on my journey of life.

#67 My family may not be the most conventional family in the world, but we are happy together. Thank you for making sure I make good decisions, and teaching me valuable lessons along the way.

#68 I know that this time of year is hard for us without our mother/father/son/etc., but I want to let you know what a huge impact they had on my life. They will forever live on in our hearts. Thank you for sharing your memories with me during this difficult time.

#69 Only the family knows the good and bad of who we are. Thank you for all that you’ve shared with me over the years, and I hope there is more to come. We will get through everything as long as we do it together.

#70 Family isn’t always defined by blood or marriage, but people who care and respect each other unconditionally. Thank you for being my family; I am honored to call you my own.

#71 I don’t know what I would do without you in my life! You have been such a wonderful addition to our family, and watching everyone grow with you has been such a joy!

#72 You took the time to come with me wherever I had to go whether it was school or the doctor’s office. You showed that even though we are miles apart, our relationship is special and important enough for you to make effort despite your busy schedule.

#73 Thank you for supporting me no matter what. You’ve always given me the courage to follow my dreams, and I couldn’t have done anything without your support. Thank you for believing in me!

#74 I can’t imagine how hard it must be to send your child off into the world by themselves, but you know that I will never let you down because if there is one thing I am sure about is that I owe everything to my parents.

#75 You are amazing! The fact that after all these years, it still feels like home here with us speaks volumes of who you are as a person. Thank you for being an amazing parent!

#76 Thanks for always willing to open your home to us whenever we needed it. You don’t have any idea how much it means to us.

#77 I know that we aren’t super close, but I just wanted you to know that no matter what happens, as long as I live, you and your family will always have a place to go home to. Thank you for being my home away from home!

#78 Thank you for understanding the need of teaching me how things worked around here. Your help made this transition so much easier on me and I appreciate everything that you’ve done more than words can say.

#79 My parents may be crazy or embarrassing sometimes, but they mean well and they love us unconditionally. That means more than anything else in this world. Thank you for everything.

#80 I know that I can bug you sometimes, but I want to say thank you for putting up with me and always being there when I need help raising my two boys. I love you!

#81 Thank you for the wonderful memories of times gone by that we shared in our childhood. We may not be in touch as often as we’d like, but I treasure every memory!

#82 You are more than parents, friends or guardians to me. You are the reason I believe in myself, and I am so grateful for all of the sacrifices you made for me.

#83 I’m not sure if we can buy love with money, but I know that I wouldn’t want to try if it meant losing our relationship. Thank you for being there and caring about me no matter what happens.

#84 Thank you for always having my back and supporting me every step of the way! Although we don’t agree on everything, I still feel so lucky to have such a great family behind me cheering me on.

#85 We spent time looking through old photos together tonight and it brought back so many awesome memories! I know that our time together will be filled with awesome new memories just like that one. Thank you for being such an important part of my life and I am so glad we’re related!

#86 I know you didn’t ask to be in my life, but it is so much better because of you. You’ve helped me through so many tough times and I can never repay everything you did for me. Thank you for everything that you have done.

#87 We were all a wreck when mom was in the hospital, but with everyone there, she had nothing to worry about. It meant a lot to her that everybody came together to support her when she needed us most. We love you! Thanks for always being there for us!

#88 Thank you for all of your help putting this party together. It means so much more than just another party: This party has meant that we’re one step closer to becoming a family forever and ever! Thank you for making this day so special.

#89 I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you. You are the best sister, daughter, friend, confidant, etc. Thank you for always being by my side! I will never forget your help in making all of these memories come alive.

#90 Thank you for all that you have done to make this family into a strong unit. We couldn’t be more grateful for everything that you do. The kids love having another parent around and it means everything to us knowing that we have your support always watching over us.

#91 I cannot imagine what my life would be like without the love and support of my amazing family behind me every step of the way. You are all proof positive that blood really is thicker than water! Thank you for always being there for me and letting me know that I can always count on you.

#92 It is because of your love and support that I was able to accomplish so much. You have no idea how much you mean to me, but I will spend the rest of my life trying to prove it to you!

#93 Your sacrifices brought our family together. Thank you for loving us enough to put aside your own happiness, so we can be a happy family together. It is an honor and a privelege to be your child!

#94 Even though some members of our extended family live far away, I know that they are always in our hearts. I love you all very much and hope to see you soon!

#95 It’s so wonderful having such a loving family. We may not agree on everything, but we will always be there for one another when it counts most. Thank you for being my family!

#96 The love that comes from this family is extraordinary. Without your support, none of our lives would ever have been possible. Thank you for everything you did to make us who we are today!

#97 I just wanted to let everyone know that I am thinking about each and every one of you this Thanksgiving! There is nothing better than sitting down together over a good meal and just catching up with life in general. Thank you for by me through thick and thin! Happy Thanksgiving!

#98 Family is the most important part of life. I am so grateful to have all of you by my side, and I hope that we can always be there for each other no matter what happens in the future! Thank you Family.

#99 I just wanted to say how thankful I am that you are all a part of my family. There’s nothing better than being able to celebrate together with good food and good company. Thanks for everything, guys!

#100 Thank you so much everyone for being a part of our lives this year… It has been a huge blessing having such a beautiful family group around us, thank you for showing up in our lives more often than not.

#101 I hope that this Thanksgiving finds all of you well and happy. It has been far too long since I have seen some of you, but the memories are never far away. Thank you for being there for me, and I hope to see you soon!

#102 This year is not starting off on the right foot. Thanks to the weather problems that have been causing storms, our road trip may be canceled. However, it’s ok because home will always be where my family is. And no matter how many miles separate us physically, we will always somehow feel connected.

#103 There are no words to express my gratitude for you and everything you have done for me. Thank you so much, and I’m so thankful we are family.

#104 There is nothing more important than the love that we share, and I am thankful that you all helped me find it. You will always be in my heart.

#105 Thank you for being such a great role model to our children, Brother/Sister-in-law! We can always count on you when we need help with picking out a gift or lending us your lawn mower. We appreciate all of your support and know that we turned out pretty good because of it! Thanks!

In conclusion, these messages will allow you to express gratitude for your family in a way that they’ll be sure to appreciate. Share with them the ways in which their support has helped you get through tough times.

Now, go ahead and thank your family on by sending one of these messages!

Related posts:

• 101 Inspirational 50th Birthday Messages and Quotes (Heartfelt & Sincere)
• 50 Thinking About You Messages for Him (Love Filled & Fun)
• 101+ Thank You Boss (Heartfelt & Inspiring)
• 55 Thank You for Your Hard Work and Dedication
• 61 Thank You for Volunteering Messages (Heartfelt & Inspiring)
• 53 Thank You Mentor Notes & Messages (Heartfelt & Inspiring)
• 101+ Thank You Mom Messages: Heartfelt Ways To Say Thank You For Being My Mother
• 101 Farewell Messages to Coworkers Leaving the Company (Inspiring)
• 41 Thank You for Shopping Small Messages (Heartfelt & Inspiring)
• 42 Thank You for Checking on Me Messages (Heartfelt & Inspiring)

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

How to Write a Heartfelt Thank You Letter to Family

Updated 12/12/2022

Published 09/8/2020

Amy Wolkenhauer, BA in English/Creative Writing

Contributing writer

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

Expressing gratitude is a great way to reduce stress and increase overall happiness. Plus, when others receive appreciation through cards, letters, or email, they’re also going to start feeling those same benefits. 

Jump ahead to these sections:

When should you write a thank you letter to your family, steps for writing a thank you letter to family, example thank you letter to families.

And it’s not just for a little while. Those feelings stay in your brain for months on end, causing good things to happen. If nothing else, that’s the perfect reason to write thank you letters to friends and family to increase positivity all the way around.

Let’s face it, some days we need a bigger boost than others. So, let us take the guesswork of the how-to and get you into sharing some joy with others.

Keep reading for six super easy steps to get you from the greeting to a spell check so you can craft a seamless thank you letter to anyone in your circle of family and friends. 

Etiquette experts will tell you that there's tremendous power in crafting a thank-you letter. After an interview or important meeting, upon receipt of a gift or note of condolence, big and small favors, or, especially, following emotional support and comfort after a significant loss, you hold the most critical key to ensuring the wheel of gratitude still spins.

Hand-written notes, as opposed to emails or text messages, are widely regarded as the more favorable method for delivering the best thank-you letter. Why? There's a time and effort put into the hand-written note that isn't possible with electronic communication, including choosing the card or letter, a suitable pen, and a stamp. That, and then there's, finding the space and time to gather thoughts before one even begins crafting words of gratitude. 

The hand-written note is its own little symphony, so let's break that down a bit more and find out why each element (or instrument) matters.

Paper and Cards 

You might have a few pieces of blue-lined notebook paper lying around. Nonetheless, you wouldn't (likely) choose it for a letter of gratitude after familial grief support, let alone after an interview. Instead, blank cards or decorative paper are better suited. 

Pro-tip:  Buy appropriate cards or paper stock in bulk to have a ready supply. 

Suitable Pens

Your handwriting could fall short if you don't have the right pen. For instance, a fine-tipped rolling ballpoint pen won't write smoothly on rigid cardstock. But at the same time, a felt-tipped marker won't look professional. So, what do you do? Test out the paper and pen ahead of time.

Often overlooked, the proper stamp is the icing on the cake of any piece of handwritten mail. Opt for a seasonal stamp, and your letter may lose its luster. Choose a cartoon, and you risk looking unprofessional. 

Pro-tip : Suitable stamps should work for any occasion or time of year.

One last thing. It's never too late to send a letter of gratitude, whether a month or a year after the fact. A letter, once received, is the memory that remains.

Each of the steps works whether you’re sending your letter of gratitude via email or a handwritten thank you note. Just remember to send it out as soon as possible, so that you don’t forget to send one at all. Read on for ways to show gratitude in just a few simple steps.

1. Greeting 

At the beginning of your thank you letter, address the recipient appropriately. If you’re on familiar terms, then use something informal and friendly. Otherwise, if it’s a great aunt, say, then use a more formal salutation. Here are some examples.

• Hello, [Name].
• Hey, [Name].
• Hi, [Name].
• Use a nickname
• Good Morning, [Auntie].
• Dear [Uncle Bob]:
• The [Ed Johnson] Family,

2. Starting out

Instead of dialing right into the thank you, why not start with a reason that someone often comes to mind. Starting a letter this way lets people know that you’re trying to connect with them on a personal or deeper level than just acquaintances. Just be as authentic as you can.

• "I hope this card (letter or email) finds you well.”
• “I saw this and thought of you.”
• “Yesterday, I was reminded of you when…”
• “Do you remember that time when…?”

Most people appreciate the little sentiments, especially from close friends and family members.

3. Say, thank you

The next step is to express your gratitude. Choose simplicity and try to get to the point quickly. Don’t forget to mention exactly why you’re showing an appreciation by mentioning specifics. Take a look at a few examples here:

• “Thank you for the basket filled with delicious bread and honey.” 
• “You remembered! Thank you so much for my penny press from Wall Drug.”
• “Thank you so much for your donation to Camp Michigamme in our mother’s name.” 
• “We had such a lovely time last weekend. Thanks for inviting us to join you up at the cabin.”
• “We’re so grateful for the lovely potted plant and letter of encouragement you sent last week”.

Pro-tip: if you send the note via email, put ‘Thank You’ in the subject line. 

4. Explain the impact 

Don’t abruptly end the letter now. People appreciate hearing more. Tell them how they’ve helped, offer some specifics, and remember to be personal.

Because this is a letter to family members, you’ll want to communicate as much as you can. Here’s how to start:

• “The sympathy basket you sent was so thoughtful. It got us through the tough days of not wanting to cook. The bread was especially delicious with your homemade honey. Thank you for making things easier during this difficult time.”
• “I have been collecting those pennies since we were kids. Thanks, big brother.”
• “The time at the cabin was more than just relaxing. We appreciate getting to know my siblings again after all of these years. Thank you for being such wonderful traveling companions.”
• “It’s heartwarming to know that we have an amazing family that is always looking to add some comfort in our lives. We appreciate all you do for us.” 

Pro-tip: explain the impact, but save some details for a coffee or dinner together.

5. Signing off

Although closing a letter is simple, consider how formal you would like it to sound based on the previous few steps. Here, you might add some thank you quotes if they are appropriate, or use one of these simple options:

• I owe you one,
• Many thanks,

With gratitude,

• Warm wishes,
• Kind regards,

Then, sign or type your name in a manner suitable for your audience.

6. Proofread your letter

If you’ve typed an email, this will be an easy task. Otherwise, just give your letter a quick read-through to correct any little errors you see.

If you’ve forgotten to mention anything, put a ‘p.s.’ at the end with whatever you need to say.

From siblings to extended family and even neighbors, writing any letter of heartfelt gratitude comes with some boxes to check off. Now that you’ve got those six simple steps in mind, here are a few examples of what that looks like from start to finish. 

Example letter for a specific family member

Hey, ladybird! 

I saw this card, and it reminded me of when we went to the cabin with Mom and Dad. Do you remember that neighbor lady who made those excellent pickles? Mrs. Crowley, I think? I thought she was about 60 or 70 years old back then, but I was chatting with Dad the other day, and apparently, she’s still working in her garden every year.

Also, I received the loveliest little trinket in the mail yesterday. It’s beautiful! I plan on wearing it until it falls off. Thank you so much for remembering my birthday. I appreciate that you go out of your way to find such unique and beautiful gifts. So, thank you, thank you. 

I know you’ve been busy lately, but I would love to get together. Plus, I need to show you how well my new bling works with my wardrobe. How do you know me so well? 

Thank you for always being so thoughtful.

Example letter to family for support 

Good Morning, Auntie—

I saw your favorite flower yesterday and thought of you. There was a bee enjoying its pollen, but I wasn’t quick enough to snap a photo; otherwise, I would have sent it to you.

I also wanted to say thank you. I feel like I don’t say it enough, but I am always so grateful for your support these last few years. You and Uncle went out of your way to make sure I could get into college and have enough money to buy food and pay my bills.

Last week, I was filling out a scholarship application and had to answer some questions about what makes me the best candidate and why. It gets easier to talk about what I’ve been through, but it never really gets easier, you know? Anyway, I’ve attached it to this email so you and uncle can read over it.

I mentioned how I wouldn’t be here without your support. I was never taught gratitude when I was living with my parents, but you changed that. From the time I stepped into your life, I’ve known nothing but appreciation and thankfulness for what you’ve helped me achieve.

I look forward to the day when I can start to pay you back.

Example letter for family and friends after a funeral

The Puralewski Family,

I hope this card finds you well. 

First, I wanted to let you know how grateful we all are for the help and support you’ve been showing to our mom since Dad died. She’s needed friends and neighbors like you to be supportive and present as she maneuvers through this grief. She’s relayed all of the times you’ve checked in on her, too. That makes her feel safer in the neighborhood.

I understand you recently had some friends offer to help her with the upkeep of their home. Thank you for suggesting them. She’ll need some help with the lawn work and maintenance here forward. Let me know if there’s anything you need from me on that front. 

Mom also mentioned that you sent over some thoughtful gifts after the funeral. Thank you for that. I believe she treated herself to a dinner one evening instead of trying to cook for herself. It’s a strange feeling to be cooking for one suddenly, so I know she appreciated the gift.

I am enclosing my phone number and email with this letter just if you need to get a hold of me or any of my siblings.

Again, thank you so much for all you’ve done. You’ve warmed our hearts during this difficult time.

Joe Snyder and Family

Example thank you letter to family for their hospitality

Dear George and Judy, 

It was lovely to see you both after all this time. To have such a wonderful conversation made my visit that much better.

Before I forget, I just wanted to make sure I dropped a note to tell you how grateful I am for you opening your home to me while I visited Michigan. It's been so long since we were able to have a conversation that it was nice to catch up fully. Mom and dad were already so busy preparing for the wedding and hosting soon-to-be in-laws that I am sure they also appreciated the extra breathing room. Besides, I believe I got a better deal and less stress.

I hope I wasn't too much of a bother coming in late on Friday night. We were delayed at the restaurant, having a great time catching up with old friends. It's surprising to see so many familiar faces still around town. You remember the Smiths, don't you? Their eldest, John, was my classmate, and it seems he and his partner are already parents of teenagers—time flies, I guess. Still, I was happy to hear about everyone's life stories and growing families.

As I mentioned, my house is always open if you’d like to visit the West Coast. Now that I know you like visiting wineries, Henry and I would love to take you to see some of the ones near our home. One nestled in a valley just north of here that we discovered last summer is also women-owned and fully sustainable. We take our pups and enjoy the afternoon by their pond. It's one of those remarkable finds that only the locals know about. 

Again, it was so lovely to see you. I appreciate your friendly hospitality and warm linen (nice touch, btw). 

Take care, and please visit as soon as you can. We'd love to have you.

All the best, 

Example thank you letter to family for gifts or money

Hello Aunt Michelle and Uncle Ray, 

I saw this card, and I instantly thought of you. 

Oh, my goodness! Above anything else, I love it when people give gift experiences. Thank you so very much for your thoughtfulness and generosity. 

Mark and I talked about how we hadn't taken professional photos since the wedding, so a balloon ride is a perfect opportunity to remedy that. In fact, we're planning a whole Saturday around it, including dinner nearby at this new farm-to-table restaurant that just opened. We can't wait – and we have you both to thank for such a fun, upcoming adventure.

Thank you again, and we both hope you're doing well! (We'll send photos.)

Love always,

Mark and Sophie

Hello Aunt Michelle, 

We are so grateful for you thinking of us. A balloon ride is one of those perfect experience gifts that allow us to plan an entire day around the event, so who knows what we'll come up with. But we'll be sure to send you lots of photos afterward.

I also wanted to ask how things have been. Mom told me that Uncle Ray was experiencing knee problems and might be having surgery soon, so I just wanted to offer my help. I'm happy to help with chores or make dinners until Uncle Ray can get around, moving again.

You've always been there for mom and dad, so it's the least I can do to repay all those kindnesses. I make a mean Robin Williams pasta, so keep me posted.

All my love, 

Example thank you letter to family on your birthday

Dear Sophie, 

Hey you, birthday girl. Wake up and get some coffee! 

Every morning, day after day, week after week, and year after year, there's a challenge that's just too big to overcome. But every day, you prove them wrong. You're another year older, another year wiser, and you're still here fighting. I am so proud that you've come this far. You - I - we are so much stronger every day.

That's why you're celebrating differently this year. First off, you're going to go to yoga today. Then. It's a mental health day. You're skipping work for some self-care. But you're going to keep repeating these words all day today:

• This year, I will love myself more.
• I have a right and an obligation to be the best version of myself.
• I am not perfect, but being perfect is an unachievable goal. And super time-consuming, so who wants that anyway.
• My failures are about to be my strengths. 
• I have to get back up no matter how many times I fall.
• If I feel sad, then I feel sad. If I feel anxious, then I feel anxious. It's okay to have any emotion, just not become one.
• I give myself permission to step away from the craziness of others.
• There's no more waiting to be courageous. My time is now.

Whenever you feel out of place, it's important to remember that the most effective support system is the love one gives to themself. By the end of today, you’re going to own a new truth, including loving who you are and being grateful for everything you're about to become.

Yours truly, 

Example thank you letter to family after a long trip or vacation

Greetings, Dad!

I hope you are doing well! Mark and I miss you dearly.

We just got back from our trip, and the first thing I thought about was writing you a letter. I was constantly reminded of you and mom the whole time, but mostly you.

You would have loved our boat captain, André. Like you, Marlin Perkins and David Attenborough are his idols. And suppose you could get past his oddball movie quotes (sound familiar?). In that case, you'd hear Nietzsche and Suzuki in just about every other sentence. He said, "Man is the cruelest animal," but "To live is enough." 

So, there I am, experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime chance, a "first" moment I knew would happen again. I am just about to meet these giant mythic beauties. I realized that in the middle of all these spiderwebs of emotions, I wasn't just grateful to be your kid, but I appreciated your curiosity.

Dad, I have you to thank. You sacrificed so much for me to do and say and be everything my heart ever wanted. You fostered my love of the environment, but it's more than that. 

And so, just as I was about to meet a humpback whale for the first time in my life - scared, curious, and full of some childlike giddiness - I realized that the very moment where I was both afraid but unwilling to give in to my fear... that my strength and commitment to saving this planet - is because of you. 

And though some days it's like fighting against the wind to make some change, there are days that I will take with me for the rest of my life. That morning, I dove into the water with childlike wonder, realizing that I would stop at nothing to meet and then save these beautiful creatures. 

Because of you, I look north and south every morning, trying to be a worthy ancestor. You did that. 

Sophie (and Mark)

Expressing Gratitude Leads to a Better You

Researchers have discovered that communicating gratitude has physical, psychological, and social benefits leading to a more robust immune system, better moods, and even stronger interpersonal relationships. 

Whenever you express it, you’re releasing serotonin and dopamine, which leads to increased self-worth and, ultimately, greater happiness. So, take time every day to be grateful—especially for all of the small things. 

• Holland, T. "The Power of Gratitude: What Happens to Your Brain When You're Thankful."  Health Matters,  Dignity Health, 14 November 2017 . www.dignityhealth.org
• Sliwa, J. "A Grateful Heart is a Healthier Heart."  News and Advocacy,  American Psychological Association, 2015 . www.apa.org

Categories:

• Relationships

You may also like

How to Write a Gratitude Letter + Examples

How to Write a Thank You Letter to Your Mentor: 6 Steps

How to Write a Letter of Encouragement + Examples

How to Write a Professional Thank You Letter (Examples)

Thank You, Family: 100+ Messages That Glow With Gratitude

Gabrielle is an experienced freelance writer and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience using equine-assisted therapy.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

Letting your family know how much you appreciate them can be such a meaningful experience for them. There are many ways you can say thank you family and share your gratitude for them.

Messages to Thank Your Family

Thanking your family is a thoughtful way to share with them how much they mean to you.

• 70 Thanksgiving Questions to Keep You Gabbing While You Gobble
• 100+ Funeral Quotes to Help Say a Final Goodbye

Thank You Family Quotes

Thank you family quotes to consider saying or writing to your loved ones:

• Thank you for always supporting my dreams!
• Thanks for being my rock--I'm so grateful to have you in my life.
• I appreciate your immense kindness and am so thankful to have such an amazing person in my life.
• Thank you for being you--I love you so much!
• Thanks for your constant guidance and love.
• I appreciate everything you've done for me!
• Thank you for always being so thoughtful!
• Thank you for being a constant source of support. I truly appreciate your words of wisdom.
• Thanks for being so wonderful!! I love you so much!
• Thank you for your loving guidance. I appreciate all of your thoughtfulness.
• I wanted to say thank you for you always being there for me. I feel very lucky to have such a wonderful person in my life.

How Do You Say Thank You to Your Family?

Ways to say thank you to your family:

• Thank you to the most amazing family I could have asked for.
• Thanks for being the best family ever. I love you.
• Thank you all for being so incredible. I feel so grateful to have such a loving family.
• To my family--thank you for all that you do. Your support means the world to me.
• Thank you for always making me smile. I truly appreciate all of you.
• When I'm feeling low, I know I can always count on you all. Thank you for being such a supportive family.
• I hit the jackpot with you all. I love all of you so much!
• Just wanted to thank you all for being so awesome! I truly have the best family!
• Thank you to the most incredible family I could ask for. You all are the most important people in the world to me.
• I don't say it enough, but I am so thankful to have you all in my life. I love you so much.
• You are all my favorite people and I'm thankful for each and every one of you. I love you!

How Do You Appreciate a Family?

You can show your appreciation for your family by telling them specifically what you are thankful for:

• Thank you for helping me move! I'd love to take you all out to dinner to say thank you!
• I appreciate all of your kind words. You all really helped me work through that tricky problem.
• I am so grateful that we are all so close. I appreciate all of your friendship.
• Thank you for helping me through this rough patch.
• I appreciate what you did for me today!
• I value your opinion and thoughts so much. I want you to know that I appreciate you taking the time to chat with me today.
• I want you to know how much you mean to me. I love you all so much.
• What you all did was such a big deal to me. I am so grateful to have such a loving family!
• I appreciate you always having my back.
• To show my appreciation for you all, I'm making a special dinner this weekend for us to enjoy together!
• Please accept these gifts as a token of my appreciation for all that you've done for me.
• I appreciate you always believing in me. It feels so good to have such a strong support system.

How Do You Say Thanks to All?

To thank more than one family member:

• Thank you all for making my day so wonderful!
• Thanks to each of you for being so incredibly supportive during this difficult time.
• I wanted to share how thankful I am to have such a caring and compassionate family who I can always count on.
• Thanks to the best family ever! You are all amazing!
• You're all beyond incredible- thank you for sticking this out with me!
• You all mean the world to me!
• Thanks to every single one of you who helped me out today!
• Thank you everyone for believing in me today. I love you all!
• Where would I be without my incredible family? Thank you all for making my day so special!
• You are all the best and I'm so thankful for your constant support!
• You all make the world a better place! Thank you for participating today!
• Thank you all for making me feel so loved today!

Messages of Thanks to Send

Thank you message examples:

• Thank you so much for the thoughtful gift! I absolutely love it and will use it all the time.
• Thank you for taking the time to tutor me today! It was incredibly helpful!
• Thank you for watching my kids today! They had the best time with you!
• Thank you for hosting my bridal shower. It was beautiful, and I had an amazing time.
• Thank you for always showing me kindness and for jumping in whenever I need some advice.
• Thanks for checking on me today! It made me feel much better!
• Thank you for the delicious dinner. It was so fun doing a big family dinner!
• Thank you for dropping off the lovely flowers! Every time I see them, I smile.
• Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me about my current situation. I really appreciate hearing your perspective.
• Thank you for making me laugh today--I needed that!
• Thanks for always keeping me grounded! You are all the best!

Birthday Wish Thank Yous

If your family sends you thoughtful birthday wishes, you can say:

• Thanks for reaching out on my birthday!
• Thanks for thinking of me on my b-day!
• Thank you for the b-day wishes! Your card was very sweet!
• Your birthday card was very thoughtful! Thank you so much!
• Thanks for all the birthday wishes! They were very thoughtful!
• Thank you for sending me such a kind b-day note. Made my day!
• Thanks for taking the time to write such a thoughtful birthday card to me!
• Thanks for sending me b-day wishes and brightening my day!
• I loved the b-day card! Thank you so much!
• Thank you for such kind words on my birthday! It meant a lot to me!
• I really appreciate you sending me such a thoughtful birthday message. I love you.

Short Thank You Messages

Sometimes it's nice to keep your message short and sweet:

• Thanks so much! I love you.
• Thanks--I appreciate it!
• Thanks for helping me out. I'm grateful for our relationship.
• Thanks again! Much appreciated!
• I'm grateful for you!
• I'm thankful to have you in my life.
• Thank you for your kindness!
• Thanks for being you!
• Just wanted to say thank you!
• Wanted to reach out and say thanks again!
• I'm thankful for you!

Ways to Say Thanks for the Help

Examples of thank you sayings for help:

• Thank you for taking the time to help me out the other day. I truly appreciate it!
• Words cannot express how grateful I am to have someone there for me when I need support. Thank you for helping me today!
• Thank you so much for your assistance today--I could not have finished that project without your amazing help!
• Thanks for sticking with me today and providing support. I feel so lucky to have you in my life.
• I so appreciate you offering to help me out today! It was very thoughtful of you.
• I am so touched that you spent the day helping me. I will be forever grateful for your gesture of kindness.
• I am so grateful for all of your help. I feel so lucky to know I have such a kind and considerate person in my life.
• I wanted to reach out and express my gratitude for all of your help this past week. It really meant a lot to me.
• Your help today meant the world to me. Thank you so much.
• I don't know how I could have gotten through today without your help. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
• I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you taking the time to help me. It meant a lot to me.

Ideas to Say Thanks for a Gift

If your family gives you a gift, you can consider saying:

• I just wanted to reach out and say thank you for the incredible gift. It was so thoughtful of you to think of me.
• Thanks for the beautiful present! You know me so well!
• You know the way to my heart! Thank you for such an amazing gift! I absolutely love it!
• Thanks so much for thinking of me--this is truly a perfect gift!!
• I am beyond grateful for the gift you sent me. It was an incredibly thoughtful gesture!
• You truly know what I love! The present is absolutely perfect and I am so grateful.
• I could not have asked for a better present! Thank you for being so thoughtful!
• What an amazing gift! I truly appreciate you thinking of me!
• Thank you so much for the very generous gift! You didn't have to do that, and I am beyond grateful!
• You know me so well! Thank you for such a special present!
• I just received your gift in the mail--thank you so much for such a kind gesture!

Thank You to My Family

A simple note of gratitude to your family or sentiment of thanks for your friends who are like family can express your gratitude for them. Whether you are writing your loved ones a card, or saying thank you in person, doing so can mean the world to them.

Readings With Hope

100 Thank You Messages for Friends and Family

The love, support, and shared memories we have with friends and family are the vibrant threads that give our lives the true meaning that it deserves. Taking a moment to express gratitude for these precious connections doesn’t just warm our own hearts, it strengthens the bonds that hold us together.

A heartfelt thank you, whether for a dear friend or cherished family member, can have a profound impact. 

Here are some thoughtful messages to show your appreciation. 

Thank You Messages for Friends

• Hey [Friend’s Name], Just wanted to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support recently. Going through [brief situation] wouldn’t have been the same without your cheering me on and your infectious positivity. You’re a true friend, and I’m so lucky to have you in my life. Thanks for everything!
• Remember that time we went [shared memory]? Those are the kind of moments I cherish because of your vibrant personality and your ability to make even the most mundane things an adventure. Thank you for all the laughter and memories, friend. Here’s to many more!
• I never thought I’d find someone who could tolerate my [funny quirk] , but you do it with grace and often even find it endearing . Thank you for accepting me for who I am, weirdness and all. You’re a gem .
• Life can get pretty tumultuous sometimes, but having you as a friend makes it so much smoother. You’re always there to lend a listening ear and offer sage advice. Thank you for being my rock.
• From [inside joke] to late-night talks, our friendship is filled with moments that make me smile. You have this incredible ability to make me feel understood and validated . Thank you for being my confidante.
• I don’t know where I’d be without your unwavering belief in me. You push me to be my best self and celebrate even my smallest victories . Thank you for being my biggest cheerleader.
• They say true friends are hard to find, but I struck gold with you. You’re compassionate , hilarious , and always up for anything. Thank you for making life so much more fun .
• Thank you for being the shoulder I cry on and the partner-in-crime for all my shenanigans . Our friendship is a tapestry woven with laughter, tears, and everything in between. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

• Looking back on all the times we’ve shared, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for your unconditional friendship. You’re the kind of friend who picks you up when you fall and celebrates your successes like their own. Thank you for being you.
• You inspire me to be a better person every day. Your resilience , optimism , and strength are truly admirable. Thank you for being a role model and a wonderful friend.
• Hey [Friend’s Name], The world can feel a little daunting sometimes, but knowing I have you by my side makes it all the more bearable. Thank you for your steadfast presence and for always being someone I can confide in. You’re a true friend.
• Our friendship is like a symphony , a beautiful blend of shared experiences, harmonious laughter, and the occasional discordant moment (remember that karaoke night?). Through it all, our bond remains strong. Thank you for making the music of life so much richer.
• I can’t thank you enough for the way you champion my dreams, even the ones that seem a little outlandish . Your enthusiasm is contagious, and it pushes me to keep reaching for the stars. Thank you for believing in me.
• Thank you for being the keeper of all my secrets (even the slightly embarrassing ones!). Your discretion and loyalty mean the world to me. You’re a friend I can truly trust.
• Life throws us all sorts of curveballs , but having you as a friend makes facing them a little less scary. You have a way of turning even the most grueling situations into something manageable, often with a healthy dose of humor . Thank you for making me laugh, even in the tough times.
• Our friendship is a haven , a safe space where I can be myself without judgment. Thank you for creating a place where I feel accepted and truly understood .

• They say that friends are the family you choose, and I couldn’t have chosen a better one than you. You bring so much joy and light into my life. Thank you for being the sunshine on a cloudy day.
• Thank you for being the catalyst for so many of my greatest adventures. You’re always up for trying new things and pushing me outside my comfort zone. Life is never dull with you around!
• I cherish the way we can just hang out in comfortable silence, no pressure to fill every moment with conversation. Those moments of quiet camaraderie are just as important as our deep talks. Thank you for being someone I can be comfortable with, no matter what.
• Thank you for reminding me of the good in the world, even when I’m feeling a little cynical . Your compassion and generosity are truly inspiring.
• Our friendship is a tapestry woven with threads of shared memories, laughter, and inside jokes. Thank you for being the co-creator of this beautiful and unique masterpiece.
• You’re more than just a friend, you’re practically family . Thank you for being there for all the holidays, celebrations, and even the mundane moments in between. You make life feel richer and more fulfilling.
• Looking back on all the years we’ve been friends, I’m filled with so much gratitude . Thank you for the countless memories, the unwavering support, and for simply being you. You’re one of a kind!

Thank You Messages for Family

• To my amazing family, thank you for always being my anchor in the storm. Your unwavering support and compassion have helped me navigate life’s challenges with a sense of security . I wouldn’t be who I am today without your guidance and endless love.
• Mom and Dad, words can’t express my gratitude for your sacrifices . You instilled in me the importance of determination and integrity , which are the cornerstones of everything I’ve achieved. Thank you for believing in me, even when I doubted myself.
• Siblings, you’re more than just family, you’re my confidantes and partners in crime. Thank you for the countless laughs and shared secrets. You’ve taught me the meaning of loyalty and the joy of having someone who truly understands you.
• To my entire family, your wisdom has been a guiding light throughout my life. Thank you for the countless stories, warm hugs, and for always making me feel cherished . Your love is a treasure I hold close to my heart.
• To my extended family, thank you for being the cheerleaders on the sidelines of my life. Your enthusiasm and encouragement have fueled my fire and made every celebration even more special.
• Family, thank you for creating a home filled with laughter and love . You’ve taught me the importance of forgiveness , acceptance , and the strength that comes from being united .
• I feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such a supportive and compassionate family. Thank you for always having my back, through triumphs and tribulations . You make me feel like I can achieve anything.
• Words seem inadequate to express my appreciation for all you do. Thank you for the countless meals cooked with love, the shoulders to cry on, and the celebrations that will forever be etched in my memory.

• Looking back, I realize some of the greatest gifts I’ve received are the traditions we’ve shared and the memories we’ve built together. Thank you for making my life so enriching .
• Family, you are my constant , my refuge , and my source of unwavering love. Thank you for simply being you.
• To my dearest family, thank you for the audacity to dream big and the courage to chase those dreams. Your relentless pursuit of your passions has shown me that anything is possible with hard work and a sprinkle of family magic.
• Mom, Dad, siblings – you’ve been my champions , cheering me on even when I stumbled. Thank you for celebrating my victories , big and small, and for offering a comforting hand when I fell. Your unwavering belief has made all the difference.
• Family dinners, holidays, and even the occasional squabble – these are the moments that weave the rich tapestry of our lives together. Thank you for the ordinary moments that hold such extraordinary meaning.
• Grandma and Grandpa, your enduring love story is an inspiration to us all. Thank you for showing me the power of commitment and the joy that comes from a life shared with someone you love.
• Family, you are my safe harbor in the stormiest seas. Thank you for offering a listening ear, a warm embrace, and a place where I can always be myself, flaws and all.
• Looking around at all of you, I see a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of humor , strength , and resilience . Thank you for teaching me the importance of finding joy in the everyday and facing challenges head-on.

• Words can’t express my gratitude for the unconditional love you shower upon me. Thank you for accepting me for who I am, quirks and all. Your love is the foundation upon which I stand tall.
• Family dinners filled with lively conversations and laughter are some of my most cherished memories. Thank you for creating a space where I feel connected and loved.
• Looking back on our family adventures, I realize the most valuable souvenirs are the memories we’ve created together. Thank you for embarking on these journeys with me, forging a bond that will last a lifetime.
• Family, you are the wind beneath my wings . Your encouragement lifts me up and propels me forward. Thank you for believing in my potential and inspiring me to reach for the stars.
• Thank you for the countless lessons learned around the kitchen table, the wisdom passed down through generations. Your guidance has shaped me into the person I am today.
• Life throws its curveballs, but with your unwavering support , I know I can overcome any obstacle. Thank you for being my rock, my confidante, and my source of unwavering strength.
• Family, you are the greatest gift I could ever ask for. Thank you for simply being you, and for the love that binds us together.

Founder @ ReadingsWithHope.com

I make sure that your cards don't go empty handed.

Similar Posts

100 Thank You Messages For Colleagues and Coworkers

30 Thank You Messages for a Baby Gift

40 Thank You Notes for a Physical Therapist [+Messages]

60 Romantic Appreciation Quotes For Boyfriend

100 Thank You Messages for Teacher Appreciation Week

What to Write in a Funeral Thank You Card

• AI Content Shield
• AI KW Research
• AI Assistant
• SEO Optimizer
• AI KW Clustering
• Customer reviews
• The NLO Revolution
• Press Center
• Help Center
• Content Resources
• Facebook Group

Thoughtful Thank You Messages for Family Support

Table of Contents

Your family is always there for you, even in your most challenging times. If you’re looking for a gesture your loved ones will appreciate, consider sending them a thank you message for family . Expressing your gratitude for their support will make them feel valued and loved.

A heartfelt thank-you message is likely the best gift you can give your family for the good things they’ve done for you. Finding the right words to express your thanks can be challenging. We’ve made it easy for you by compiling thank-you messages you can send to your family.

This guide lists some of the most heartfelt messages your family will love.

Why You Should Send a Thank-You Message to Your Family

Your family is always there to support, encourage, and lend you a helping hand. They assure you everything will be okay, even when it doesn’t seem like it. In the worst and happiest times, they give you a reason to smile.

When you reflect upon your life, you’ll see that your family is one of the many vital factors for your happiness. Sending a thank-you message to your family is an effective way to show them you appreciate their support. They’ll feel special and valued when they receive such a message.

Thank You Message for Family

A thank-you message is the perfect way to express gratitude and appreciation to your family . Here are some sample thank-you messages you could send to your family members to appreciate them for their support.

• Thank you for providing a wonderful home for me. Your kindness means the world to me. I feel so good knowing that you’re my family.
• It’s so gratifying that I have a loyal, supportive, and caring family. Knowing that I’m loved is so comforting. Thank you.
• Family is a gift worth more than anything I can imagine. I wouldn’t be here today without your help. Thanks for supporting me.
• I’m so grateful to you for respecting who I am and helping me flourish. I know it’s hard to accept my decisions sometimes, but you do regardless. We have an unbreakable family bond, and we’ll get through anything. I’m glad to be part of this fantastic family.
• I appreciate your support. You always listen to me and make sure I’m happy. What you may not know is how much you’ve done for me. Thank you for being there for me.
• I am glad to be your son. You’re great parents, and I appreciate everything you do for me. Your love makes me want to be the best person I can be. I love you.

Thank You Message to Family for Support

• If I could choose anyone to support me through all the hard stuff in life, it would be you, my family. You are the most reliable and supportive people I could ever ask for. I feel lucky I have a good safety net!
• My family is worth more than anything I could imagine. You strengthen me, so I can fight my battles in this world. Knowing I have you, gives me the power to do great things. Your support means a lot to me. Thank you.
• There’s no stronger bond than family. Thank you for supporting me. Without you, I wouldn’t have gotten through the tough times.
• You’ve been there for me every step of the way during my [heartache/sadness/anxiety/depression]. I’m so grateful to have your support. Knowing you’re there for me gives me the foundation to move forward and get things done.

Wrapping Up

A thank-you message is a great way to show appreciation for your family’s support . You can tell them you’re grateful for their help and care. Your message will leave them with a pleasant memory to always think back on. If you’re struggling to put your feelings into words, use any of the thank you message for family above.

Pam is an expert grammarian with years of experience teaching English, writing and ESL Grammar courses at the university level. She is enamored with all things language and fascinated with how we use words to shape our world.

Explore All Thank You Email Articles

Write a thank you for salary increase letter sample.

Nothing beats the joy of receiving a favorable compensation adjustment in your company. Aside from its benefits to your lifestyle…

• Thank You Email

Writing a Positive Thank You Email After a Rejection Letter

Getting rejected for a job application might seem like the most heartbreaking experience. That is the reality in the corporate…

Great Thank You Note Examples for LinkedIn

Gratitude plays a big part when it comes to building strong professional relationships. And as Porter Gale says, your network…

Thank You for your Feedback Messages (Answer Templates)

Companies send a lot of thank you for your feedback message. Whether you’re fixing an issue or replying to a…

Writing a Thanks Message For Your Son!

Sometimes, you feel like you should be thanking your children. Yes, raising their diapers, preparing their food, and sending them…

Writing a Sincere Thank You Note for Webinar Speaker

Inviting a guest speaker for your event is a tedious task to do. The effort that this distinguished person will…

Find a store

The long overdue thank-you: show your appreciation with a thank-you letter.

She was a family friend who lived in Chicago. I was moving there from my tiny hometown. On a snot-freezing day in January, my friend took time off from work to help me find an apartment I could afford—in a neighborhood with sidewalks that weren’t cordoned off with yellow crime-scene tape. Not an easy task, considering my secretary’s salary.

Being a self-absorbed twentysomething at the time, I didn’t even recognize—much less acknowledge—this act of kindness.

Until 20 years later. By then, I couldn’t find out where she was to thank her.

Then came Facebook.

But what if seeking her out after all these years made her think I was crazy? I was older and wiser now, so I refused to let my insecurities talk me out of expressing my gratitude. And by doing so, I learned that it’s never too late to say, “Thank you.”

Do you have a long-overdue thank-you? Gratitude has no expiration date. Here are a few simple rules to get you started with a letter of appreciation.

Inspired? Create and share by tagging @hallmarkstores .

Be personal You can’t beat expressing gratitude with a pen and paper. It tells the person you’re thanking that he or she is important enough for you to take a little time and use words that aren’t crazy abbreviations typed with your thumbs while you’re watching TV.

Be honest The best way to begin is to acknowledge that yes, you’re kinda late with the appreciation. Try something like: “I know it’s been a long time,” or “This may seem out of the blue.”

Be specific There’s a chance the person you’re thanking has forgotten about what it is you’re so grateful for. What’s important is that you haven’t. Describe briefly what he or she did for you and what it meant.

Be sincere You don’t have to write an essay. Your “thank you” can be short. It just needs to be, to be from the heart and to make an impact on the person you’re thanking. How you do that is up to you.

Suzanne Heins is a writer and hopeless animal lover. When she isn't taking care of her two adopted pound dogs, she's cooking up new low-carb creations in her kitchen or playing dominoes with her in-laws.

You may also like

Lgbtq free lgbtq+ coloring pages to celebrate iconic figures during pride month.

There are a lot of amazing, positive words you could use to describe Pride Month. Joyful. Uplifting. Supportive. Prou...

Father's Day Celebrating two dads on Father's Day: Tips and ideas inspired by real families

As a dad, I appreciate Father’s Day. Even though my family has never made a really big deal out of it, it’s always so...

Thank You 100+ teacher appreciation gift ideas to say “thanks for all you do!”

In 6th grade, my homeroom teacher made us illustrated, laminated bookmarks—each one a custom collage of our interests...

Christmas Dr. Finkelstein’s Lab Tree Topper

Fans of Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, we have a frightfully fun new addition for your tree! Kee...

Graduation Graduation gift ideas for every level of education

My little brother starts kindergarten this year, and I’m already bracing myself for the tears—mine, not his. I know t...

Lifestyle Free printable When Calls the Heart Bingo card to celebrate the Season 11 premiere!

Who's ready for a Heartie Party? You know we are! So much so, we created a bingo card to add a whole extra layer of f...

Christmas Star Wars: A New Hope™️ Collection

You don’t have to travel to a galaxy far, far away to experience an epic adventure! Each stocking holder performs sce...

Christmas Wreath of Memories Keepsake Ornament

Get a special behind-the-scenes look at how Keepsake Artists Gregor Benedetti and Rob Stanphill collaborated on the d...

Christmas Howliday Helpers First in Series Keepsake Ornament

Do you want the inside scoop on an im-paws-ibly cute new series? We’ll throw you a bone—Keepsake Artist Sharon Visker...

Christmas Keepsake Ornaments ShowToppers Mini Collection

We’re so excited to introduce our new ShowToppers collection. Featuring three unique designs, each tree topper is int...

Christmas Keepsake Ornaments North Pole Village Table Decoration

Keepsake Artist Sharon Visker is here with a special delivery of Christmas magic! Hear how she brought this bustling ...

Christmas Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™️ Storytellers Collection

Ready for a little magic? Featuring light, sound and real dialogue from the movie, Harry, Dobby, Ron, Hermione and th...

Christmas Disney The Haunted Mansion Collection

Welcome, foolish mortals, to the Haunted Mansion! Featuring interactive light, music and dialogue from the classic Di...

Christmas The Grinch Wreath

This amazing motion-activated wreath may not steal Christmas, but it’ll definitely steal the show! Complete with ligh...

Christmas Twelve Days of Christmas First in Series Keepsake Ornament

Watch as Keepsake Artist Gregor Benedetti and Senior Design Technician R.J. Stebbins collaborate on the first ornamen...

Christmas Christmas Is… First in Series Keepsake Ornament

Keepsake Artist Tim Bishop didn’t have to go too far to find inspiration for his first Keepsake Ornament series. Duri...

Christmas Cup of Cozy First in Series Keepsake Ornament

Sugar and spice and everything nice, that’s what the new Cup of Cozy series is made of! Hear how Keepsake Artist Iman...

Arts, Crafts & DIY 9 DIY memory box ideas to keep special days close at heart

Every incredible trip, amazing party and huge milestone comes with its own unique memories and little objects worth h...

Mother's Day Make Mother’s Day sips extra fun with Charmers

Introducing our new Charmers collection: Adorable drinkware that lets you sip in style, no matter the occasion! Just ...

Mother's Day How to make an indoor picnic for Mom this Mother’s Day

It’s not always a picnic trying to find the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, but creating an indoor picnic can be! With...

Added to your cart

We're sorry.

There was an error adding this product to your cart. Please close this window and try again.

237+ Thank You Messages For Family To Honor Your Dear Ones! (Images)

Having a solid and sound association with each individual in your family is especially fundamental. Regularly sharing heat-touching family messages assists with boosting the bond, as great family quotes do.

It doesn’t make a difference to whom you are sending family messages. It could be your parents, loved ones, siblings, or some other individuals; here, we have different Thank You Messages for Family you will discover worth sharing.

Table of Contents

How Do You Say Thank You to Your Family

• Say “Thank you” sincerely.
• Express gratitude for their love and support.
• Show appreciation for their presence in your life.
• Acknowledge their sacrifices and efforts.
• Thank them for their understanding and forgiveness.
• Offer words of gratitude for their guidance and advice.
• Thank them for their patience and understanding.
• Express appreciation for their generosity and kindness.
• Recognize their contributions to your happiness and success.
• Express gratitude for the memories and experiences shared together.

Thank You Messages for Family

• I’m never scared of passing on in light of the fact that I have just been to paradise that is my family. The main immaculate spot where I generally feel content for being. 
• I never comprehended that I have such a stunning family. Thank you for being there close by in my hour of emergency. The journey through the troublesome time was simple as all of you were there with me. 
• You relinquished your own joy, just with the goal that I could be happy all the time. It might take a lifetime, yet I’ll do everything to compensate for what you have accomplished for me. 
• The main stone I realize that stays consistent, the main establishment I realize that works, is the family. 
• I truly value the manner in which my relatives have turned out from troublesome circumstances and feel fortunate to be a piece of this sublime and adoring family. 
• One day I’ll be effective and individuals will ask me which school I went to. I’ll state, ‘It doesn’t make a difference since it is my family who made me what I am today. 
• My family is my honor and pride. I have achieved everything in my life by following the path of my parents. They have guided me in all possible ways to achieve my dream in reality. 
• I am really honored to have a family which I have. Regardless, I know every one of you will consistently be there to direct me and help me. 
• My whole family is my pillar of success in life. They have motivated me to chase my dream without fear. I got their support throughout my journey in life.
• The universe works in insane manners. Your good karma will come in waves; thus, do your terrible, so you need to take the great with the awful and press forward. 
• The best joy is family bliss. I’m glad to be with you. You push me forward to arrive at my objective; you lift me up to fill my spirit; it’s your affection that makes my entirety. 
• Family is the best source of medicine during healing and difficulties. 
• Where there is an upbeat family like our own barely, there is a need for companions. I truly feel honored and glad to be a piece of yours. 
• We are fortunate that we were intended to be a happy family until the end of time. 
• May bitterness never contacts us; may the hands of God eagerly bless us. For whatever length of time that it’s about our family bliss, I trust it will be eternal and interminable. 
• I wish a desire for you. It’s a desire I wish for, not many. The desire I wish for you is that every one of your desires works out as expected, so continue wishing as all the best are consistent with you. 
• I thank the almighty for giving me the best family I can ever ask for. They are my life support to live with joy and happiness. I admire them the most.
• I have figured out how to appreciate each moment of my life being joyful, particularly for my family. 
• Family faces are enchantment mirrors. Family always stood with you through thick and thin like no other on this planet. 
• You were brought into the world together, and together you will be forevermore; however, let there be spaces in your fellowship. What’s more, let the breezes of the sky move between you. 
• May the sun consistently sparkle upon our family; may the holding of us be sure to follow. Together we carry on with the existence overlooking all tints and distresses. 
• I will always be unable to depict in words what my family intends for me. If anybody needs to know, they should go inside my heart to see. 
• Families and companions structure the absolute nearest of bonds you will ever understand. It is practically incomprehensible for you to have a cheerful existence without help from these significant gatherings of individuals. 
• To my family, you are my quality. You have been remaining alongside me in thick and flimsy, which motivates me to do extraordinary things. I truly value our sound family relationship. 
• Your family and your adoration must be developed like a nursery. Time, exertion, and a creative mind must be brought continually to keep any relationship prospering and developing. 
• Let it out or not, in our family, we are companions. Every one of us is each other’s closest companion. This is the mystery of our solid relationship and upbeat home. 
• I have an awesome safe house, which is my family. I have a magnificent association with my sibling and sister; this causes me to feel that I know consistently where I have a place. 
• I am honored to have such huge numbers of incredible things throughout my life – family, companions, and God. All will be in my contemplations day by day. 
• Soup is a great deal like a family. Every fixing improves the others; each group has its own attributes, and it needs time to stew to arrive at full flavor. 
• I am blessed to have a family like this. I cannot replace them with anything else in my life. That settles on each choice exceptionally simple. 
• I am inseparable from my family. Perhaps not the entire world, yet an embrace can change the universe of a relative or companion. 
• Something that predicament us as a family is a common comical inclination. 
• I’m a moderate. I don’t generally require a lot to appreciate a decent occasion – simply my family and the minimum necessities.
• I’m the most extravagant man ever right now since I have every one of you as my family. Thank you for all that you’ve accomplished for me. I love my dear and exquisite family! 
• Families are everlasting because any place I go, I miss them. Whatever I do, I need them since whoever I love; I love the most. 
• My priority is to spend time with my family, followed by my busy career. 
• My affection for my family is warm, charming, mindful, and sweet – it is all that my heart needs to thump. I love my family most in addition to other things. 
• Love is such a goal thing. That is to say; I can say I love my family, or I love my Diet Coke. So I surmise, in various ways, no doubt, I do put stock in affection. 
• I feel like a piece of something truly unbelievable for being right now. I’m fortunate enough that I will adore and be cherished for a mind-blowing remainder. 
• Expect genuine romance on the grounds that there is nothing that could bring a genuine suspicion that all is well and good into the family. 
• I respect my family from the core of my heart. I always treat my family with respect. I don’t constantly like you. I don’t generally embrace you. But I still need you by my side where I can count on you in my heart. I generally love you and always will. 
• In family life, love is the oil that facilitates erosion, the concrete that ties nearer together, and the music where strings are attached.
• When there is such a decent family like you, there is not really any requirement for companions. Thank you for being an amicable family. 
• I am everlastingly thankful to God for gifting me with such an extraordinary family. You have constantly shielded me from the disasters of this world. Much thanks to you such a great amount for your adoration and love. 
• My dear family, you have confronted such a significant number of hardships in life to give me a cheerful life. You have yielded on such a large number of beneficial things in life just for me. 
• Today I am happy, affluent, and fruitful simply because of you. I can’t thank you enough for your adoration and backing. 
• Nobody on the planet thinks about us as our relatives care for us. They are consistently there to shield us from terrible things and show us the best approach to beneficial things. 
• My family instructed me to live in a tough way, they ingrained great habits and qualities in me. They showed me the estimation of difficult work, order, and devotion. 
• Today I arrived at the pinnacle of accomplishment simply because of my family. Today I need to give them an ardent much obliged. 
• I accept that my family is the best family on the planet. I express gratitude toward God for giving me such a dazzling, supporting, and mind-blowing family. 
• My family constantly aids me through the thicks and slender of my life. Today I need to thank my relatives for their adoration, backing, and thankfulness for me.

Thank You Messages for Friends and Family

● Thank you for being there for me through thick and thin. Your love and support mean the world to me.

● I am so grateful to have you as my friend/family. Your kindness and generosity never cease to amaze me. Thank you for everything.

● Words cannot express how thankful I am to have you in my life. Your friendship/familyship brings me so much joy and happiness.

● Thank you for always being a shoulder to lean on and a listening ear. Your presence in my life is invaluable.

● I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for all the times you’ve stood by me. Your unwavering support is truly appreciated.

● Thank you for being my rock, my confidant, and my source of strength. I am lucky to have you as my friend/family.

● Your friendship/familyship has enriched my life in countless ways. Thank you for being a constant source of love and inspiration.

● I am forever grateful for the beautiful memories we’ve created together. Thank you for making my life so much brighter.

● Thank you for the laughter, the adventures, and the unforgettable moments we’ve shared. You make life more meaningful.

● I can’t thank you enough for all the times you’ve lifted me up when I was down. Your kindness and compassion have made a world of difference.

● Thank you for being there to celebrate my successes and for cheering me on during the challenging times. Your belief in me means everything.

● I want to express my deepest appreciation for your unconditional love and acceptance. You make me feel cherished and valued.

● Thank you for always being honest with me and for offering guidance when I needed it most. Your wisdom is truly invaluable.

● I am forever grateful for the bond we share. Thank you for being an amazing friend/family member.

● Your presence in my life fills it with warmth and joy. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend/family member.

● Thank you for the countless acts of kindness and the selfless ways you’ve shown your love. I am truly blessed to have you in my life.

● I want to express my heartfelt thanks for your unwavering loyalty and for always being there when I need you. You are a true friend/family member.

● Thank you for being a constant source of encouragement and for believing in me even when I doubted myself. Your support means everything.

● I am grateful for the laughter, the tears, and the beautiful moments we’ve shared. Thank you for making life’s journey so much sweeter.

● Thank you for being the incredible friend/family member that you are. Your presence in my life is a gift I treasure every day.

Thank You Message for Family Group

● Dear family, I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for each and every one of you. Thank you for always being there for me through thick and thin.

● To my amazing family, thank you for being the foundation of my life. Your love and support mean the world to me.

● Words cannot fully express how grateful I am to have such a wonderful family like you. Thank you for your unconditional love and for making every moment together special.

● Thank you, dear family, for always being my safe haven. Your presence brings so much joy and happiness to my life.

● I want to express my sincere appreciation to my family for their constant love and encouragement. You inspire me to be the best version of myself every day.

● My dear family, thank you for the laughter, the tears, and everything in between. You are the reason I always have a smile on my face.

● As we navigate through life’s ups and downs, I’m grateful to have a family like you by my side. Thank you for your unwavering support and understanding.

● Thank you, my beloved family, for being my rock and my refuge. Your love gives me strength and fills my heart with warmth.

● I am truly blessed to have a family that loves me unconditionally. Thank you for your endless patience, kindness, and understanding.

● To my incredible family, thank you for the countless memories we’ve created together. Each moment spent with you is a treasure I will cherish forever.

● Thank you, dear family, for accepting me for who I am and loving me wholeheartedly. Your acceptance has given me the courage to embrace myself fully.

● My heartfelt thanks to my family for the love and support you shower upon me every day. Your presence in my life is a gift I will forever cherish.

● I want to express my deepest gratitude to my family for always believing in me. Your belief has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams fearlessly.

● Thank you, my dear family, for the countless acts of kindness and the love that knows no boundaries. You are the embodiment of what true family means.

● In this family, I have found love, strength, and unwavering support. Thank you for being the guiding light in my life.

● To my incredible family, thank you for teaching me the values of compassion, empathy, and togetherness. You have shaped me into the person I am today.

● Thank you, dear family, for the laughter and the tears we share, for the memories we create, and for always making me feel loved and cherished.

● I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to my family for the unconditional love and the countless sacrifices you make for our happiness. Thank you for everything.

● My dear family, your presence in my life fills it with warmth and happiness. Thank you for being the source of my strength and my greatest blessing.

● To my beloved family, thank you for being my home, my sanctuary, and my greatest support system. I am forever grateful for each and every one of you.

Thank You Wishes to Family

● Dear family, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for always being there for me. Thank you for your unconditional love and support.

● To my amazing family, words cannot express how grateful I am for everything you do. Thank you for being my rock and my inspiration.

● Thank you, dear family, for making my life so special. Your presence brings immense joy and happiness to my days.

● My dearest family, I am truly blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for the love, laughter, and cherished memories we share.

● With sincere appreciation, I want to thank my family for standing by me during both the good times and the tough times. Your unwavering support means the world to me.

● Thank you, my beloved family, for being my constant source of strength. Your encouragement and belief in me have helped me overcome challenges and achieve success.

● To my incredible family, I am grateful for the countless sacrifices you’ve made for my happiness and well-being. Thank you for everything you do.

● Dear family, thank you for showering me with love and understanding. Your acceptance and understanding have made me a better person.

● I cannot thank my family enough for the love and care they have given me. You have taught me the true meaning of family, and I am forever grateful.

● Thank you, dear family, for being my safe haven and my sanctuary. Your presence brings warmth and comfort to my life.

● To my extraordinary family, thank you for always believing in me and encouraging me to reach for the stars. Your faith in me is invaluable.

● My heartfelt thanks to my family for being my greatest cheerleaders. Your constant support and encouragement have motivated me to chase my dreams.

● Thank you, my dear family, for creating a loving and nurturing environment that allows me to grow and thrive. Your love is my greatest strength.

● I want to express my deep gratitude to my family for the countless memories we’ve created together. Thank you for making every moment special.

● Dear family, thank you for the laughter and joy you bring into my life. Your presence fills my heart with happiness and gratitude.

● My loving family, words cannot convey how grateful I am to have you in my life. Thank you for your unwavering love and devotion.

● Thank you, dear family, for being my pillars of support. Your presence in my life is a constant reminder of how fortunate I am.

● To my incredible family, thank you for the endless love and care you provide. I am truly blessed to be a part of such a wonderful family.

● My deepest gratitude to my family for the unconditional love and understanding they show me every day. Thank you for accepting me for who I am.

● Thank you, my beloved family, for being my source of inspiration and strength. Your love and support are the foundation of my happiness.

Thank You Message to Family and Friends for Support

● Dear family and friends, I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the unwavering support you have shown me. Thank you for always being there for me.

● To my incredible family and friends, thank you for being my pillars of strength during both the highs and lows of life. Your support means the world to me.

● Words cannot fully convey how grateful I am to have such an amazing family and friends like you. Thank you for your endless love and support.

● Thank you, dear family and friends, for your constant encouragement and belief in me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without you all.

● I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful circle of family and friends. Your support has been a guiding light in my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

● Thank you for standing by me through thick and thin, dear family and friends. Your love and support have given me the strength to overcome any challenge.

● My heart is filled with gratitude for the love and support I receive from my amazing family and friends. Thank you for always having my back.

● I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to my family and friends for being my rock and source of inspiration. Your support has been invaluable to me.

● Thank you, dear family and friends, for your unwavering belief in me. Your encouragement has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams.

● To my incredible family and friends, thank you for being my cheerleaders and for always pushing me to be the best version of myself. I am forever grateful.

● Thank you for your love, kindness, and unwavering support, my dear family and friends. You have been my pillars of strength, and I am eternally grateful.

● Words cannot express how grateful I am to have such an amazing family and friends like you. Your support has been a constant source of motivation for me. Thank you.

● Thank you, dear family and friends, for your unconditional love and support. I am truly fortunate to have you all in my life.

● I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family and friends. Your support has lifted me up in times of need, and I am forever thankful.

● Thank you, my dear family and friends, for your unwavering support and for always being there for me. I am truly blessed to have you in my life.

● My journey has been made brighter and more meaningful because of the love and support I receive from my incredible family and friends. Thank you for everything.

● I am deeply grateful to have such an incredible support system in my family and friends. Your presence in my life has made all the difference. Thank you.

● Thank you for being my guiding lights, dear family and friends. Your support and encouragement have helped me navigate through life’s challenges.

● My sincerest thanks to my amazing family and friends for standing by me through thick and thin. Your love and support have been my anchor.

● To my beloved family and friends, thank you for being the foundation of my strength and happiness. Your unwavering support means more to me than words can express.

😍 Want to Read More, Explore 👇 This Article

Similar Posts:

• 301+ Thank You Messages For Godparents That Astonish! (Images)
• Celebration of Life Day: 452+ Wishes, Messages, Greetings & Quotes (Images)
• 285+ True Love Quotes That Will Leave You Awestruck! (Images)
• 605+ Love Quotes That Will Sweep You Off Your Feet! (Images)
• 236+ Wedding Wishes for Brother That He Will Adore! (Images)

“Business, marketing, and blogging – these three words describe me the best. I am the founder of Burban Branding and Media, and a self-taught marketer with 10 years of experience. My passion lies in helping startups enhance their business through marketing, HR, leadership, and finance. I am on a mission to assist businesses in achieving their goals.”

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

5 Strong UPenn “Thank You” Essay Examples

What’s covered, essay example 1 – the power of the arts, essay example 2 – turning a flaw into a talent, essay example 3 – girl dad, essay example 4 – thank you for the music, essay example 5 – middle school english.

• Where to Get Feedback on your UPenn Essays

Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania is one of the eight Ivy League institutions. Its beautiful campus features unique red-and-green-brick buildings, gorgeous tree-lined paths, and lots of tributes to Ben Franklin. In addition to its elite academics, UPenn is also known for its thriving student life–it’s even nicknamed “the social Ivy.” UPenn also enjoys the benefits of being situated in the heart of Philadelphia, just a stone’s throw from myriad museums, gardens, cathedrals, and historic sites, including Independence Hall.

Between its superb academics, vibrant social scene, and prime location, UPenn is one of the most competitive schools in the country. As a result, your essays need to shine, to set you apart from other smart, talented applicants. In this post, we’ll break down five responses to UPenn’s “Thank You” supplemental prompt, which was just added during the 2022-2023 applications cycle. We’ll lay out what each essay did well, and any areas for improvement.

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized.

Read our UPenn essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.

UPenn “Thank You” Prompt

The following essays respond to this prompt:

Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!) (150 – 200 words)

Since this prompt is a recent addition to UPenn’s list of supplements, and doesn’t fit neatly into one of the classic supplemental essay boxes (like “Why School?” or “Why Major?” , you may not be quite sure where to start. To help you out, we’ve compiled five responses real students wrote to this prompt. You can read the essays below, and get our breakdowns of each one’s strengths and weaknesses.

Dear Mrs. Peterson,

After finishing my drawing of Timothée Chalamet this semester, I was stunned by its beauty—it was one of the first pieces that I was proud of. Because of the debacle with the charcoal drawing of my sister last year, I avoided drawing another human. Yet, you persisted in encouraging me to tackle this challenge; from achieving Timothée’s chiseled cheekbones to highlighting his curls, you always stood by my side—even when I wanted to quit.

Honing my artistic abilities was only a portion of what you taught me. You always encouraged me to be vulnerable, and I am gratified by our insightful conversations. From consoling me through the stress of finals to supporting my aspirations of becoming a lawyer, you never wavered in listening to my stories. You weren’t just my art teacher, but my shoulder.

I am inspired by how you lead your life with compassion and authenticity. Watching you build a community through dialogue furthered my own love of interaction as an instrument to foster connection. Thank you for being my guidepost. You made a home for me in your class, and it saddens me that I will be leaving it soon.

Gratefully,

Future Empathetic Lawyer

What the Essay Did Well

A strong hook is an essential part of any essay, to really draw a reader into the story. This writer does an excellent job immediately grabbing our attention by describing a tangible object that represents why they are thankful to their art teacher, which is a far more powerful technique than just saying something general like “You have made me a much better artist.”

The drawing of Timothée Chalamet also serves as an anchor for the traits the writer wants to highlight about themselves, such as risk-taking (taking on the challenge of drawing “his chiseled cheekbones…[and] curls” ) and perseverance ( “you always stood by my side” ). Remember that showing your reader something about yourself, through a tangible example like an art project, makes your points far more convincing than just telling them you are a certain way, as then you’re just leaving them to take your word for it.

The writer also seamlessly transitions from talking about their drawing to talking about how their art teacher has helped them in general, with the line “Honing my artistic abilities was only a portion of what you taught me.” This line provides the perfect jumping-off point for the writer to show us how their teacher has supported them in non-art contexts as well.

Finally, in a big-picture sense, the writer strikes a great balance between highlighting their art teacher’s virtues, and how those virtues have helped them grow and develop their own personality. With this prompt, there’s a risk that you end up talking too much about the person you’re thanking, and not enough about yourself–remember, you’re the one admissions officers are trying to make a decision about! But this writer avoids that pitfall by always connecting the things they admire in their art teacher to qualities they have developed themselves.

What Could Be Improved

There is not much room for improvement in this essay. The author directly connects the values they have learned from their art teacher to tangible experiences, which ensures their essay will stand out even from other essays written about teachers.

The only point in the essay that reads a little strangely is the inclusion of the word “empathetic” in the student’s signature. Although we can read between the lines that they learned empathy from their teacher, that actually isn’t a value they name outright. They do highlight vulnerability, compassion, authenticity, and connection, so to make the end of the essay feel more cohesive, they could either replace “empathetic” with something like “compassionate,” or just make sure they do explicitly include empathy in the body of the essay.

Dear Mr. Gonzalez,

I want to take a moment to thank you for the encouragement and support you have given me throughout my high school career. You have been a great teacher and mentor, and I am lucky to have you in my life.

However, I would especially like to thank you for helping me discover my gifts and turning them into abilities. All my life, I have been told that my love of talking with anyone and everyone was an annoyance at best and a flaw at worst. You decided to turn this “flaw” into one of my greatest joys. You taught me how to meticulously craft words and introduced me to rhetoric. Before, I never noticed how perfectly my skill for speaking and writing played into my other skills and talents.

You helped me learn that I grow best when thrust into high-pressure situations. The speeches and the competitions you signed me up for made me incredibly nervous but also incredibly proud.

You taught me that anything you love can be used to bring you happiness, and, more importantly, to help others.

Much appreciative,

This student uses this letter to say a touching, genuine thank you to a teacher who has helped them “turn [a] ‘flaw’ into one of [their] greatest joys.” Rather than highlighting a more generic trait like work ethic, the writer chooses a core value that shows they are able to deeply reflect on how they became the person they are, and how this teacher helped them with that development.

The writer’s impressive ability for introspection is also shown by their description of how their loquaciousness has always been a part of them (which we understand from the line “All my life” ), but their teacher was the first person to help that quality blossom. Rather than framing the essay around a quality that someone else taught them directly, they show that they understand growth can happen in a variety of ways, which in turn shows that they are a mature, emotionally intelligent person.

The author begins their essay very generically, by thanking their teacher for “encouragement and support” and saying that he is a “great teacher and mentor.” Remember, the point of any college essay is to help distinguish yourself from other applicants, and these lines could have been plucked from just about anybody’s “Thank You” essay.

Especially given the low word count, the student should use each sentence purposefully, rather than wasting space on general pleasantries. They would be better off starting the letter with the line “I would like to thank you for helping me discover my gifts and turning them into abilities.” As noted above, this personal, specific reason they are grateful to their teacher is really the heart of the essay, and thus should be given as much attention as possible.

Along the same lines, cutting the general introductions at the beginning would also give the writer more space to explain how their teacher helped them become more confident in their gifts. Rather than just saying that he “taught [them] how to meticulously craft words and introduced [them] to rhetoric,” the writer should provide us with an anecdote that shows what their teacher did specifically to improve their speaking and writing skills. This might look something like:

“I will never forget breaking down some of history’s most famous speeches with you, from the Gettysburg Address to ‘I Have a Dream,’ and slowly starting to understand how I could use these great orators’ techniques myself.”

Likewise, in the third paragraph, the student should provide context for how they reacted to high-pressure situations before their teacher started signing them up for speeches and competitions. They could include something along the lines of “In the past, I always shied away from the spotlight and never felt confident enough to pursue my passion for public speaking, but your faith in my talents pushed me to break past my mental boundaries.” By telling us what the student was like before meeting Mr. Gonzalez, this line emphasizes the importance of the lesson they learned from him.

Finally, in the last sentence of the letter, the student says that their teacher has taught them “to help others.” However, the essay never discussed helping others, so this lesson comes out of nowhere. Especially in the conclusion, you want to be sure that the points you make are supported by the rest of the essay. In the case of this student, that means they would be better off just sticking with the line “You taught me that anything you love can be used to bring you happiness,” as that is a quality they have discussed in detail.

I’ll always remember the times you corrected our Arabic-speaking friends when they greeted you with Abu Jack [Jack’s father] instead of Abu Julia [Julia’s father], proudly breaking the patriarchal tradition of referring to parents by the name of their eldest son, even when their first child is a daughter. Despite our disagreements on everything from economics to foreign policy, your simultaneous open-mindedness and commitment to your values remind me to appreciate intellectual plurality grounded in respect.

Thank you for motivating me to constantly learn more with your encyclopedia-like knowledge of the world. For inspiring me to see beauty in language, history, literature, and science. For strengthening my empathy through every late-night dinner debate. For spending hours discussing each book we share, from Sapiens to Sophie’s World.

Please never stop asking me for advice on your poetry to gauge whether your metaphors translate to English. Never lose the softness in your heart that makes you cry while we watch Coco for the third time because it reminds you of your family. Keep reminding me to “demand evidence and think critically,” even though I tease you for buying a sweatshirt plastered with the phrase.

Your mini-you

Although many other applicants are likely to write letters to parents or other family members, this writer ensures her essay will still stand out by structuring her essay around stories and anecdotes that are personal to her relationship with her dad. Her father’s rejection of a “patriarchal tradition,” two specific examples of books they have read together, and her description of one of his favorite sweatshirts all show what makes their connection different from any other between a father and daughter.

More broadly, these personal anecdotes help readers understand this writer’s background as a whole, not just her relationship with her dad. The essays are admissions officers’ number one resource for understanding how you’ll fit into their campus community as a person, not just a student, and this essay gives us a clear sense of the intellect and compassion this writer would contribute to late night conversations with her roommate, interactions with the dining hall staff, and all the other “little moments” that truly define a college experience.

Unfortunately, this essay falls into the trap outlined in our breakdown of Essay Example 1: we learn more about the author’s dad than we do about her. We know he breaks patriarchal tradition, has encyclopedia-like knowledge, loves poetry, and gets emotional when watching the movie Coco, but we don’t learn anything concrete about this student’s values, only that she admires these qualities in him.

To improve this, the author can reframe some of her ideas to be more focused on herself. For example, take the paragraph:

“Thank you for motivating me to constantly learn more with your encyclopedia-like knowledge of the world. For inspiring me to see beauty in language, history, literature, and science. For strengthening my empathy through every late-night dinner debate. For spending hours discussing each book we share, from Sapiens to Sophie’s World.”

Instead of spending most of the space highlighting her father’s virtues, she should rephrase this paragraph to be grounded in actions she has taken as a result of feeling inspired by her father. This could look something like:

“Your encyclopedia-like knowledge of the world has motivated me to linger by paintings in museums for a few seconds longer, to make sure I fully grasp the artist’s intentions, give Moby Dick a second chance even though I couldn’t get past the third chapter on my first attempt, and start self-studying Italian.”

As you can see, fleshing out her ideas in this way will take up space, and right now the essay covers too much ground for her to do this for each point she makes: she touches on Arabic culture, disagreements they have had, films and books they’ve enjoyed together, and general values she has learned from her father like empathy.

Narrowing her focus will give her the space she needs to make the essay more personal, and also communicate in a more cohesive way what her dad has taught her, as right now readers might leave feeling confused about what the most important lesson she has learned from him is. Choosing just one or two things to focus on will make the essay feel more unified.

Dear Mrs. Charles,

Entering your classroom, it was the lively music that drew me in, yet it would be your energetic voice that would hook me into the countless lessons about history for the next nine months. There was no dull moment, only excitement and the curiosity to learn more. You have instilled beyond knowledge, but more importantly, the inquisitive admiration for education and especially America, an impression so deeply indented in an immigrant like me. You looked out for me even when I was too insecure about my residential status to ask for help. With my first ever letter of recommendation, you have since advocated for my academic career. Amidst overwhelming college applications, I sobbed reading your note, “Good Luck My Perfect young woman – You deserve the world!” You continuously believe in my potential, and that faith has emboldened me to be the resilient woman I am today. Thank you, Mrs. Charles, for encouraging me when things seemed impossible, mentoring me when I was lost, and strengthening my confidence when no one was there. It has been an honor to be your student, and I cannot wish for any other teachers to have changed my life this way.

This student’s genuine gratitude towards her teacher comes across in her strong personal voice, which is reflected in engaging lines like “there was no dull moment” and “the inquisitive admiration for education and especially America, an impression so deeply indented in an immigrant like me.” We can tell that the student’s appreciation for her teacher comes from moments that were truly formative for her, and that authenticity wins us over by pulling at our heartstrings with strong word choices and phrasings.

Although this essay does a great job of expressing the emotional depth of this student’s relationship with her teacher, it lacks the specific details to evidence how this relationship has grown over time. For example, the student writes:

“You have instilled beyond knowledge, but more importantly, the inquisitive admiration for education and especially America, an impression so deeply indented in an immigrant like me. You looked out for me even when I was too insecure about my residential status to ask for help.”

While these lines are compelling, and speak to how the teacher looks out for the writer as an individual, not just a student, we don’t get any details about how she “instilled beyond knowledge” or “looked out for” the student. An anecdote that provides some of those details would give us a clearer sense of why this relationship is so meaningful to this student. That might look something like:

“You went out of your way to meet with me every week as I prepared for my mock debate on the pros and cons of the American public education system, a system that, as an immigrant, I had always admired. I had been too nervous about my residential status to ask you for help understanding the points my peers knew instinctively, and so it meant the world to me when you asked me to join you for a snack at your desk after class one day. This discrete support made me feel simultaneously looked out for and empowered.”

Finally, this essay would look better on the page if it were split into two or even three paragraphs. A huge block of text on the page can be daunting, and you don’t want to turn off your readers before they even start. Plus, breaking up your ideas into smaller paragraphs can also make your essay easier to understand, as your reader can focus on one point at a time, rather than trying to keep everything in mind simultaneously as they’re reading.

Also on a structural level, the writer should have a signature of some kind. If you were writing a note to someone in a non-college essay context, you wouldn’t leave it unsigned. So, while it’s a small detail, to be true to what the prompt is asking, this student should include a signature.

Dear Mrs. King,

Even though it has been five years since I’ve stepped into your English classroom at Harrison Middle, I remember the sound of your enthusiastic voice and genuine smile like it was yesterday.

Your energy was contagious and your quick wittedness unmatched. The way you effortlessly enthralled the entire class with your love for writing is something I will never forget. When you organized a classwide debate based on our argumentative essay topics, you captivated everyone to the point where enthusiastic shouts bounced off the walls of the room.

You made us feel warm and comfortable. As a rigorous teacher and thinker, your lessons impacted me in and out of the classroom. The door to your classroom was always open if I needed advice, helping me navigate everything from friendships to high school applications. In your presence, I felt like a friend instead of a student, because that was just your comforting nature. Thank you for the moments with you in middle school that will stay with me for a lifetime.

Warm regards,

This essay’s greatest strength is the author’s use of vibrant, playful language, which helps readers vicariously feel Mrs. King’s enthusiasm and energy. For example, the “enthusiastic shouts bouncing off walls” and feeling “like a friend instead of a student, because that was just your comforting nature” drop us right into Mrs. King’s classroom, and allow us to vicariously understand why this student respects her so much.

This essay’s biggest issue is that most of the writer’s points are very generic, and could have been written by anyone, about any teacher. The point of this prompt is to highlight certain aspects of your personality by describing values you have learned from someone else, but the details we get about Mrs. King are very surface-level, like the sound of her voice, smile, and love for writing. As a result, we don’t learn much about either the teacher’s personality or how she has impacted the writer.

The author should instead include stories that show us specific values and lessons they have learned from this teacher. For example, the line “As a rigorous teacher and thinker, your lessons impacted me in and out of the classroom,” could be about nearly anything. To make this line more informative, the writer needs to get much more specific about what their point is, along the lines of:

“When you took us on a field trip to see a production of Hamlet which had recast Ophelia as a man, you challenged me to reconsider how societal standards, which I like to think I’m able to transcend, unavoidably impact my interpretation of literature.”

This version both identifies a particular aspect of the writer’s personality (their ability to push back on preconceived ideas) and something specific Mrs. King did to help them develop that aspect. As a result, admissions officers now get what they really care about: information about who this student is, and how they would fit in at their school.

Where to Get Feedback on Your Essay

Want feedback on your UPenn “Thank You” essay before you submit? That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Essay about Family: What It Is and How to Nail It

Humans naturally seek belonging within families, finding comfort in knowing someone always cares. Yet, families can also stir up insecurities and mental health struggles.

Family dynamics continue to intrigue researchers across different fields. Every year, new studies explore how these relationships shape our minds and emotions.

In this article, our dissertation service will guide you through writing a family essay. You can also dive into our list of topics for inspiration and explore some standout examples to spark your creativity.

What is Family Essay

A family essay takes a close look at the bonds and experiences within families. It's a common academic assignment, especially in subjects like sociology, psychology, and literature.

So, what's involved exactly? Simply put, it's an exploration of what family signifies to you. You might reflect on cherished family memories or contemplate the portrayal of families in various media.

What sets a family essay apart is its personal touch. It allows you to express your own thoughts and experiences. Moreover, it's versatile – you can analyze family dynamics, reminisce about family customs, or explore other facets of familial life.

If you're feeling uncertain about how to write an essay about family, don't worry; you can explore different perspectives and select topics that resonate with various aspects of family life.

Tips For Writing An Essay On Family Topics

A family essay typically follows a free-form style, unless specified otherwise, and adheres to the classic 5-paragraph structure. As you jot down your thoughts, aim to infuse your essay with inspiration and the essence of creative writing, unless your family essay topics lean towards complexity or science.

Here are some easy-to-follow tips from our essay service experts:

• Focus on a Specific Aspect: Instead of a broad overview, delve into a specific angle that piques your interest, such as exploring how birth order influences sibling dynamics or examining the evolving role of grandparents in modern families.
• Share Personal Anecdotes: Start your family essay introduction with a personal touch by sharing stories from your own experiences. Whether it's about a favorite tradition, a special trip, or a tough time, these stories make your writing more interesting.
• Use Real-life Examples: Illustrate your points with concrete examples or anecdotes. Draw from sources like movies, books, historical events, or personal interviews to bring your ideas to life.
• Explore Cultural Diversity: Consider the diverse array of family structures across different cultures. Compare traditional values, extended family systems, or the unique hurdles faced by multicultural families.
• Take a Stance: Engage with contentious topics such as homeschooling, reproductive technologies, or governmental policies impacting families. Ensure your arguments are supported by solid evidence.
• Delve into Psychology: Explore the psychological underpinnings of family dynamics, touching on concepts like attachment theory, childhood trauma, or patterns of dysfunction within families.
• Emphasize Positivity: Share uplifting stories of families overcoming adversity or discuss strategies for nurturing strong, supportive family bonds.
• Offer Practical Solutions: Wrap up your essay by proposing actionable solutions to common family challenges, such as fostering better communication, achieving work-life balance, or advocating for family-friendly policies.

Family Essay Topics

When it comes to writing, essay topics about family are often considered easier because we're intimately familiar with our own families. The more you understand about your family dynamics, traditions, and experiences, the clearer your ideas become.

If you're feeling uninspired or unsure of where to start, don't worry! Below, we have compiled a list of good family essay topics to help get your creative juices flowing. Whether you're assigned this type of essay or simply want to explore the topic, these suggestions from our history essay writer are tailored to spark your imagination and prompt meaningful reflection on different aspects of family life.

So, take a moment to peruse the list. Choose the essay topics about family that resonate most with you. Then, dive in and start exploring your family's stories, traditions, and connections through your writing.

• Supporting Family Through Tough Times
• Staying Connected with Relatives
• Empathy and Compassion in Family Life
• Strengthening Bonds Through Family Gatherings
• Quality Time with Family: How Vital Is It?
• Navigating Family Relationships Across Generations
• Learning Kindness and Generosity in a Large Family
• Communication in Healthy Family Dynamics
• Forgiveness in Family Conflict Resolution
• Building Trust Among Extended Family
• Defining Family in Today's World
• Understanding Nuclear Family: Various Views and Cultural Differences
• Understanding Family Dynamics: Relationships Within the Family Unit
• What Defines a Family Member?
• Modernizing the Nuclear Family Concept
• Exploring Shared Beliefs Among Family Members
• Evolution of the Concept of Family Love Over Time
• Examining Family Expectations
• Modern Standards and the Idea of an Ideal Family
• Life Experiences and Perceptions of Family Life
• Genetics and Extended Family Connections
• Utilizing Family Trees for Ancestral Links
• The Role of Younger Siblings in Family Dynamics
• Tracing Family History Through Oral Tradition and Genealogy
• Tracing Family Values Through Your Family Tree
• Exploring Your Elder Sister's Legacy in the Family Tree
• Connecting Daily Habits to Family History
• Documenting and Preserving Your Family's Legacy
• Navigating Online Records and DNA Testing for Family History
• Tradition as a Tool for Family Resilience
• Involving Family in Daily Life to Maintain Traditions
• Creating New Traditions for a Small Family
• The Role of Traditions in Family Happiness
• Family Recipes and Bonding at House Parties
• Quality Time: The Secret Tradition for Family Happiness
• The Joy of Cousins Visiting for Christmas
• Including Family in Birthday Celebrations
• Balancing Traditions and Unconditional Love
• Building Family Bonds Through Traditions

Looking for Speedy Assistance With Your College Essays?

Reach out to our skilled writers, and they'll provide you with a top-notch paper that's sure to earn an A+ grade in record time!

Family Essay Example

For a better grasp of the essay on family, our team of skilled writers has crafted a great example. It looks into the subject matter, allowing you to explore and understand the intricacies involved in creating compelling family essays. So, check out our meticulously crafted sample to discover how to craft essays that are not only well-written but also thought-provoking and impactful.

Final Outlook

In wrapping up, let's remember: a family essay gives students a chance to showcase their academic skills and creativity by sharing personal stories. However, it's important to stick to academic standards when writing about these topics. We hope our list of topics sparked your creativity and got you on your way to a reflective journey. And if you hit a rough patch, you can just ask us to ' do my essay for me ' for top-notch results!

Having Trouble with Your Essay on the Family?

Our expert writers are committed to providing you with the best service possible in no time!

FAQs on Writing an Essay about Family

Family essays seem like something school children could be assigned at elementary schools, but family is no less important than climate change for our society today, and therefore it is one of the most central research themes.

Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions on family-related topics. Before you conduct research, scroll through them and find out how to write an essay about your family.

How to Write an Essay About Your Family History?

How to write an essay about a family member, how to write an essay about family and roots, how to write an essay about the importance of family, related articles.

Inspiring Examples of Thank-You Messages for Teachers & Mentors

By Status.net Editorial Team on November 23, 2023 — 14 minutes to read

Crafting a heartfelt thank you message for a teacher or mentor can make all the difference in acknowledging their hard work and the impact they’ve had on your life. Here are some tips to help you create a meaningful note that truly expresses your gratitude.

First, take a moment to think about the specific things that the teacher or mentor has done for you. This could include lessons they’ve taught, new skills they’ve introduced, or the time and effort they’ve dedicated to your success. Use these thoughts to draft a personalized message that highlights these unique aspects. For example:

Dear Mrs. Brown,

Thank you for your continuous support and guidance throughout the school year. Your patience and dedication in teaching me algebra have made a significant difference in my understanding and confidence. I am truly grateful.

Make sure to provide context in your message. Explain how their support has helped you both academically and personally. Providing concrete examples can strengthen your thank you message and make it more memorable. Here’s an example:

Dear Mr. Johnson,

I wanted to express my gratitude for all the invaluable advice and encouragement you’ve given me during our mentorship. Your insights on pursuing a career in engineering have clarified my path forward, and the time you spent reviewing my college applications boosted my chances immeasurably. Thank you for being such a dedicated and inspiring mentor.

A touch of emotion can go a long way in conveying your appreciation. Don’t be afraid to show your feelings and express how their help and guidance have positively influenced your life. Example:

Dear Miss Lee,

You’re not just a wonderful teacher; you’re also a caring and supportive friend. Your wisdom and kindness have helped me through some tough times, and I’m so grateful to have had you in my corner. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.

A well-written, heartfelt note will mean a great deal to your teacher or mentor. It is an excellent way to demonstrate your appreciation and respect, while also reminding them of the powerful impact they have on their students’ lives.

Simple Thank-You Messages for Teachers

• Thank you for your guidance and support.
• I truly appreciate all that you’ve done for me.
• I am so grateful to have you as my teacher/mentor.

You can also personalize your message by mentioning something specific that your teacher or mentor has done for you. This can make your message more meaningful, and it shows that you have taken the time to reflect on their impact in your life. Here are some sample phrases that you could use:

• Thank you for always encouraging me to try my best.
• I will never forget the late nights you spent helping me with my projects.
• Your patience and understanding made all the difference for me.

Don’t forget to include some words of encouragement or appreciation for the teacher or mentor themselves. They often put in long hours and dedicate their lives to helping others, so it’s nice to let them know that their efforts are not going unnoticed. Some examples include:

• You’re an amazing teacher, and I feel lucky to have learned from you.
• Your passion for your subject is truly inspiring.
• It’s clear that you care deeply about your students, and I want you to know how much I admire that.

If you are comfortable doing so, you could briefly touch on the positive impact your teacher or mentor has had on your life or personal growth. This can be a powerful way to wrap up your thank you message and leave a lasting impression. Here are a few examples to inspire you:

• Your guidance has changed the way I approach challenges, and I am forever grateful.
• You’ve helped me grow into a more confident and capable person.
• I wouldn’t be where I am today without your support and encouragement.

Examples of Thank-You Messages for Teachers

Here’s a list of example thank-you messages that you can use as inspiration to craft your own unique message. Feel free to use these as-is, or adapt and personalize them to suit your own style and relationship with your teacher.

• Thank you for always believing in me and pushing me to reach my full potential. Your guidance and support have made a world of difference in my life.
• I am so grateful for your patience and dedication in helping me grow, both academically and personally. You’ve truly made a lasting impact on my life.
• Your passion for teaching and your ability to make complex subjects easy to understand have inspired me to pursue my own dreams. Thank you for being such a great mentor and role model.
• Thank you for being a constant source of support, encouragement, and inspiration. You’ve shown me the true meaning of perseverance and hard work.
• Your kindness, understanding, and sense of humor always brighten up the classroom. Thank you for making learning so enjoyable and engaging.
• You’ve made such a positive impact on my life, and I can’t thank you enough for all the time, effort, and care you put into helping me succeed.
• Your unwavering commitment to your students’ success is truly admirable. Thank you for being the best teacher I could ever ask for.
• Your dedication to teaching and your ability to connect with your students make you an incredible teacher. I’m so grateful for the time and effort you invest in my education.
• Thank you for being such a caring and compassionate teacher. You’ve made all the difference in helping me overcome challenges and grow as a person.
• Your encouragement and support have helped me to believe in myself and achieve my goals. I couldn’t have done it without you.

Showing Gratitude Towards Mentors

• Thank you for being a guiding light in my life. Your support and encouragement have helped me grow personally and professionally.
• I am grateful for the time and effort you’ve invested in mentoring me. Your advice has been invaluable, and I genuinely appreciate your help.
• You have made a significant difference in my life, and I can’t thank you enough for your guidance and wisdom.
• Your unwavering support and belief in me have given me the confidence to pursue my dreams. Thank you for being an incredible mentor.
• Thanks for being an amazing teacher and mentor. Your patience and dedication have truly inspired me to strive for greatness.

Don’t hesitate to get personal by mentioning specific experiences or instances where your mentor’s advice made a difference:

• I’ll never forget the time you stayed late to help me perfect my presentation skills. Your pointers have significantly improved my ability to communicate effectively, and I am genuinely grateful.
• Your advice on time management has made all the difference during my busy semesters. Thanks to you, I’ve learned how to prioritize tasks and maintain focus on my goals.
• The techniques you taught me for dealing with conflict and difficult situations have been invaluable both in my professional and personal life. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

Or, you can express your gratitude by highlighting your mentor’s qualities that you admire the most:

• Your ability to listen and provide constructive feedback has taught me the importance of effective communication. Thank you for being an excellent mentor and role model.
• Your passion for teaching and dedication to your students is truly inspiring. You have helped me see the value in lifelong learning, and I am grateful for your guidance.
• Your incredible patience and understanding have allowed me to grow, even when I was struggling. Thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement.

Thoughtful Messages for Mentors

• Thank you for always believing in me and pushing me to reach my full potential. Your unwavering support has made a significant difference in my life.
• Your guidance and wisdom have not only helped me grow professionally, but also personally. I am so grateful to have you as my mentor. Thank you for everything you do.
• I truly appreciate the time and effort you put into helping me become the best version of myself. You are an amazing mentor, and I am so grateful for your support and encouragement.

Sometimes, a heartfelt message can brighten your mentor’s day and let them know that their efforts have not gone unnoticed:

• I couldn’t have achieved my goals without your guidance, support, and encouragement. Thank you for being an incredible mentor!
• Your dedication to helping me succeed has made all the difference in my journey to success. Thank you for being a fantastic mentor and for always having my back.
• Thank you for your patience, understanding, and constant support. Your mentorship has been invaluable, and I am so grateful for everything you have done for me.

You can also share a message that highlights specific ways your mentor has helped you grow. You can mention specific instances where their advice or support made a significant impact:

• Thank you for helping me navigate through difficult challenges at work. Your guidance has been a tremendous help, and I appreciate your invaluable insights.
• Your encouragement to step out of my comfort zone has led me to incredible opportunities and growth. Thanks for being an incredible mentor and believing in me.
• Thank you for always being there to offer advice, constructive feedback, and encouragement. You’ve truly made a difference in my career and personal development.

Feel free to make your message as personalized as possible, incorporating memorable experiences and anecdotes:

• The lessons I’ve learned from you, not only about work but also about life, have made me a better person. Thank you for being an extraordinary mentor and shaping my life.
• I will never forget the time you stayed late to help me prepare for my big presentation. Your dedication as a mentor is truly appreciated—thank you for everything.
• I still remember the first day we met, and you told me I had the potential to do great things. Thanks to your mentorship, I believe in myself and my abilities more than ever before.

Personalized Thank-You Messages for Teachers

A personalized thank you message can make all the difference in showing your appreciation. Here are some examples to help you craft the perfect message for your teacher or mentor.

• Consider what personal stories or moments you have shared with your teacher or mentor. You can mention a specific time when their guidance or support made a significant impact on your life. Example : “Dear Mr. Smith, remember the time when I was struggling with my math assignments, and you stayed after class to help me grasp the concepts? Your patience and dedication not only helped me excel in math but also taught me the value of perseverance. Thank you so much!”
• Highlight your teacher’s unique qualities or teaching style that resonates with you. It could be their passion for the subject, their creativity, or their ability to inspire students. Example : “Mr. Brown, your passion for history and engaging teaching style made those lessons fun and brought the past to life. Your lively discussions and interesting anecdotes during class sparked my interest in history like never before. Thank you!”
• You can mention the lasting impact and lessons they have imparted on you that will undoubtedly influence your future endeavors. Example : “Mrs. Garcia, your unwavering support and encouragement throughout our journey in the robotics club has been invaluable. The confidence and teamwork skills you have instilled in me will undoubtedly benefit me in all aspects of life. Thank you for everything!”

Customizable Templates for Messages

Looking for the perfect way to express your gratitude to a teacher or mentor? Check out these customizable templates to help you craft the perfect thank you message. Feel free to personalize each message to make it unique and heartfelt.

Template 1: Expressing Gratitude for Support and Guidance Dear [Teacher/Mentor’s Name],

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all the support and guidance you have given me throughout [specific time or event]. Your dedication and passion for teaching have made a significant impact on my life. You helped me overcome challenges and achieve my goals.

Your patience, understanding, and encouragement have been invaluable to me, and I will always cherish the lessons I’ve learned from you. Thank you, [Teacher/Mentor’s Name], for believing in me and inspiring me to continue learning and growing.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Template 2: Commending on a Specific Lesson or Achievement Dear [Teacher/Mentor’s Name],

I wanted to express my gratitude for the extraordinary lesson you taught about [specific topic or skill]. Your unique approach and engaging teaching style made it easy to understand and retain the information. This lesson has proven to be invaluable and has greatly contributed to my success in [specific achievement or task].

Your expertise and dedication to helping your students not only learn but also grow as individuals truly sets you apart. Thank you for making such a difference in my life.

Warm regards, [Your Name]

Template 3: Appreciating the Caring and Encouraging Nature Dear [Teacher/Mentor’s Name],

Thank you for always being such a caring and supportive figure in my life. Your endless encouragement and belief in my abilities have given me the confidence to tackle even the most challenging tasks.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have had you as my teacher/mentor throughout [specific time or event]. Your guidance has positively impacted my academic journey, and I will always be grateful for the difference you have made.

With heartfelt thanks, [Your Name]

Best Practices

• Personalize your message: Share specific examples of how your teacher or mentor has positively impacted your life. This demonstrates that you truly value their efforts and time.
• Choose the right medium: Consider the preferences of your teachers and mentors when deciding how to deliver your message – a handwritten note, email, or even a small gift might be appropriate.
• Timing is important: While there’s no wrong time to express gratitude, consider sending your message after a significant event or milestone. This could be at the end of a school year, after receiving help with a difficult project, or when you achieve a personal goal.
• Keep cultural sensitivities in mind: Be aware of any cultural differences or preferences that may influence how your message will be received. This is especially important if your teacher or mentor is from a different cultural background than you.
• Proofread your message: Before sending your message, give it a thorough read-through to check for any errors or inaccuracies. This demonstrates that you have taken the time to carefully craft your expression of gratitude.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some short and sweet thank you messages for teachers.

• “Thank you for inspiring me every day!”
• “Your patience and dedication have made all the difference.”
• “So grateful for your guidance and support.”
• “You’ve given me the gift of knowledge – thank you!”

How can I express appreciation to a teacher leaving the school?

• Write a heartfelt letter describing the impact they’ve had on you and your classmates.
• Create a photo album or scrapbook filled with memories and messages from students.
• Organize a farewell party, including speeches from students or colleagues who want to express their gratitude.
• Gift them with a keepsake, like a personalized mug or custom-made artwork, that will remind them of their time at the school.

What are some words of gratitude for a mentor’s support and guidance?

• “I’m so grateful to have had you as a mentor.”
• “Your wisdom and encouragement have been invaluable.”
• “Thanks for always believing in me and pushing me to be my best.”
• “Your guidance has made me stronger, wiser, and more confident.”

Can you provide thank you notes from students to teachers?

“Dear [Teacher’s Name],

I wanted to take a moment to say thank you for all that you’ve done for me this year. Your dedication, enthusiasm, and humor have made learning so much more enjoyable. I will cherish the memories and lessons from your class for years to come.

Sincerely, [Your Name]”

“Hey [Teacher’s Name],

Just wanted to say a quick thank you for being such an amazing teacher! You’ve not only taught me the subject matter, but you’ve also taught me what it means to have passion and dedication. I’ll never forget the impact you’ve had on my growth.

Best, [Your Name]”

What’s a meaningful way for parents to say thank you to teachers?

• Write a thoughtful thank you note, sharing specific examples of how the teacher has positively impacted your child.
• Volunteer your time in the classroom or at school events to show your appreciation.
• Offer a small gift as a token of gratitude, such as a gift card, a homemade treat or a special item related to the teacher’s interests.
• Give public recognition, either through social media or at a school function, to show your appreciation to the teacher.

How can a principal show appreciation towards teachers?

• Organize a special “Teacher Appreciation Week” or day with events, treats, and recognition for their hard work.
• Offer professional development opportunities, resources, and support to help them grow in their careers.
• Provide regular feedback and encouragement, celebrating their successes and accomplishments.
• Create a positive, collaborative, and nurturing work environment where teachers feel valued and supported.
• Perfect Ways to Say "Thank You for the Opportunity" (Examples)
• Heartfelt Thank-You Messages and Phrases (Examples)
• Interview Follow-up Email Examples (1-2-3 weeks)
• 10 Smart Examples of An Interview Thank You Email
• Thanking Someone [30 Responses for Professional Scenarios]
• Thank You Messages for Attending the Event: Crafting a Heartfelt Appreciation Note

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

Things you buy through our links may earn Vox Media a commission

The Case for Marrying an Older Man

A woman’s life is all work and little rest. an age gap relationship can help..

In the summer, in the south of France, my husband and I like to play, rather badly, the lottery. We take long, scorching walks to the village — gratuitous beauty, gratuitous heat — kicking up dust and languid debates over how we’d spend such an influx. I purchase scratch-offs, jackpot tickets, scraping the former with euro coins in restaurants too fine for that. I never cash them in, nor do I check the winning numbers. For I already won something like the lotto, with its gifts and its curses, when he married me.

He is ten years older than I am. I chose him on purpose, not by chance. As far as life decisions go, on balance, I recommend it.

When I was 20 and a junior at Harvard College, a series of great ironies began to mock me. I could study all I wanted, prove myself as exceptional as I liked, and still my fiercest advantage remained so universal it deflated my other plans. My youth. The newness of my face and body. Compellingly effortless; cruelly fleeting. I shared it with the average, idle young woman shrugging down the street. The thought, when it descended on me, jolted my perspective, the way a falling leaf can make you look up: I could diligently craft an ideal existence, over years and years of sleepless nights and industry. Or I could just marry it early.

So naturally I began to lug a heavy suitcase of books each Saturday to the Harvard Business School to work on my Nabokov paper. In one cavernous, well-appointed room sat approximately 50 of the planet’s most suitable bachelors. I had high breasts, most of my eggs, plausible deniability when it came to purity, a flush ponytail, a pep in my step that had yet to run out. Apologies to Progress, but older men still desired those things.

I could not understand why my female classmates did not join me, given their intelligence. Each time I reconsidered the project, it struck me as more reasonable. Why ignore our youth when it amounted to a superpower? Why assume the burdens of womanhood, its too-quick-to-vanish upper hand, but not its brief benefits at least? Perhaps it came easier to avoid the topic wholesale than to accept that women really do have a tragically short window of power, and reason enough to take advantage of that fact while they can. As for me, I liked history, Victorian novels, knew of imminent female pitfalls from all the books I’d read: vampiric boyfriends; labor, at the office and in the hospital, expected simultaneously; a decline in status as we aged, like a looming eclipse. I’d have disliked being called calculating, but I had, like all women, a calculator in my head. I thought it silly to ignore its answers when they pointed to an unfairness for which we really ought to have been preparing.

I was competitive by nature, an English-literature student with all the corresponding major ambitions and minor prospects (Great American novel; email job). A little Bovarist , frantic for new places and ideas; to travel here, to travel there, to be in the room where things happened. I resented the callow boys in my class, who lusted after a particular, socially sanctioned type on campus: thin and sexless, emotionally detached and socially connected, the opposite of me. Restless one Saturday night, I slipped on a red dress and snuck into a graduate-school event, coiling an HDMI cord around my wrist as proof of some technical duty. I danced. I drank for free, until one of the organizers asked me to leave. I called and climbed into an Uber. Then I promptly climbed out of it. For there he was, emerging from the revolving doors. Brown eyes, curved lips, immaculate jacket. I went to him, asked him for a cigarette. A date, days later. A second one, where I discovered he was a person, potentially my favorite kind: funny, clear-eyed, brilliant, on intimate terms with the universe.

I used to love men like men love women — that is, not very well, and with a hunger driven only by my own inadequacies. Not him. In those early days, I spoke fondly of my family, stocked the fridge with his favorite pasta, folded his clothes more neatly than I ever have since. I wrote his mother a thank-you note for hosting me in his native France, something befitting a daughter-in-law. It worked; I meant it. After graduation and my fellowship at Oxford, I stayed in Europe for his career and married him at 23.

Of course I just fell in love. Romances have a setting; I had only intervened to place myself well. Mainly, I spotted the precise trouble of being a woman ahead of time, tried to surf it instead of letting it drown me on principle. I had grown bored of discussions of fair and unfair, equal or unequal , and preferred instead to consider a thing called ease.

The reception of a particular age-gap relationship depends on its obviousness. The greater and more visible the difference in years and status between a man and a woman, the more it strikes others as transactional. Transactional thinking in relationships is both as American as it gets and the least kosher subject in the American romantic lexicon. When a 50-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman walk down the street, the questions form themselves inside of you; they make you feel cynical and obscene: How good of a deal is that? Which party is getting the better one? Would I take it? He is older. Income rises with age, so we assume he has money, at least relative to her; at minimum, more connections and experience. She has supple skin. Energy. Sex. Maybe she gets a Birkin. Maybe he gets a baby long after his prime. The sight of their entwined hands throws a lucid light on the calculations each of us makes, in love, to varying degrees of denial. You could get married in the most romantic place in the world, like I did, and you would still have to sign a contract.

Twenty and 30 is not like 30 and 40; some freshness to my features back then, some clumsiness in my bearing, warped our decade, in the eyes of others, to an uncrossable gulf. Perhaps this explains the anger we felt directed at us at the start of our relationship. People seemed to take us very, very personally. I recall a hellish car ride with a friend of his who began to castigate me in the backseat, in tones so low that only I could hear him. He told me, You wanted a rich boyfriend. You chased and snuck into parties . He spared me the insult of gold digger, but he drew, with other words, the outline for it. Most offended were the single older women, my husband’s classmates. They discussed me in the bathroom at parties when I was in the stall. What does he see in her? What do they talk about? They were concerned about me. They wielded their concern like a bludgeon. They paraphrased without meaning to my favorite line from Nabokov’s Lolita : “You took advantage of my disadvantage,” suspecting me of some weakness he in turn mined. It did not disturb them, so much, to consider that all relationships were trades. The trouble was the trade I’d made struck them as a bad one.

The truth is you can fall in love with someone for all sorts of reasons, tiny transactions, pluses and minuses, whose sum is your affection for each other, your loyalty, your commitment. The way someone picks up your favorite croissant. Their habit of listening hard. What they do for you on your anniversary and your reciprocal gesture, wrapped thoughtfully. The serenity they inspire; your happiness, enlivening it. When someone says they feel unappreciated, what they really mean is you’re in debt to them.

When I think of same-age, same-stage relationships, what I tend to picture is a woman who is doing too much for too little.

I’m 27 now, and most women my age have “partners.” These days, girls become partners quite young. A partner is supposed to be a modern answer to the oppression of marriage, the terrible feeling of someone looming over you, head of a household to which you can only ever be the neck. Necks are vulnerable. The problem with a partner, however, is if you’re equal in all things, you compromise in all things. And men are too skilled at taking .

There is a boy out there who knows how to floss because my friend taught him. Now he kisses college girls with fresh breath. A boy married to my friend who doesn’t know how to pack his own suitcase. She “likes to do it for him.” A million boys who know how to touch a woman, who go to therapy because they were pushed, who learned fidelity, boundaries, decency, manners, to use a top sheet and act humanely beneath it, to call their mothers, match colors, bring flowers to a funeral and inhale, exhale in the face of rage, because some girl, some girl we know, some girl they probably don’t speak to and will never, ever credit, took the time to teach him. All while she was working, raising herself, clawing up the cliff-face of adulthood. Hauling him at her own expense.

I find a post on Reddit where five thousand men try to define “ a woman’s touch .” They describe raised flower beds, blankets, photographs of their loved ones, not hers, sprouting on the mantel overnight. Candles, coasters, side tables. Someone remembering to take lint out of the dryer. To give compliments. I wonder what these women are getting back. I imagine them like Cinderella’s mice, scurrying around, their sole proof of life their contributions to a more central character. On occasion I meet a nice couple, who grew up together. They know each other with a fraternalism tender and alien to me.  But I think of all my friends who failed at this, were failed at this, and I think, No, absolutely not, too risky . Riskier, sometimes, than an age gap.

My younger brother is in his early 20s, handsome, successful, but in many ways: an endearing disaster. By his age, I had long since wisened up. He leaves his clothes in the dryer, takes out a single shirt, steams it for three minutes. His towel on the floor, for someone else to retrieve. His lovely, same-age girlfriend is aching to fix these tendencies, among others. She is capable beyond words. Statistically, they will not end up together. He moved into his first place recently, and she, the girlfriend, supplied him with a long, detailed list of things he needed for his apartment: sheets, towels, hangers, a colander, which made me laugh. She picked out his couch. I will bet you anything she will fix his laundry habits, and if so, they will impress the next girl. If they break up, she will never see that couch again, and he will forget its story. I tell her when I visit because I like her, though I get in trouble for it: You shouldn’t do so much for him, not for someone who is not stuck with you, not for any boy, not even for my wonderful brother.

Too much work had left my husband, by 30, jaded and uninspired. He’d burned out — but I could reenchant things. I danced at restaurants when they played a song I liked. I turned grocery shopping into an adventure, pleased by what I provided. Ambitious, hungry, he needed someone smart enough to sustain his interest, but flexible enough in her habits to build them around his hours. I could. I do: read myself occupied, make myself free, materialize beside him when he calls for me. In exchange, I left a lucrative but deadening spreadsheet job to write full-time, without having to live like a writer. I learned to cook, a little, and decorate, somewhat poorly. Mostly I get to read, to walk central London and Miami and think in delicious circles, to work hard, when necessary, for free, and write stories for far less than minimum wage when I tally all the hours I take to write them.

At 20, I had felt daunted by the project of becoming my ideal self, couldn’t imagine doing it in tandem with someone, two raw lumps of clay trying to mold one another and only sullying things worse. I’d go on dates with boys my age and leave with the impression they were telling me not about themselves but some person who didn’t exist yet and on whom I was meant to bet regardless. My husband struck me instead as so finished, formed. Analyzable for compatibility. He bore the traces of other women who’d improved him, small but crucial basics like use a coaster ; listen, don’t give advice. Young egos mellow into patience and generosity.

My husband isn’t my partner. He’s my mentor, my lover, and, only in certain contexts, my friend. I’ll never forget it, how he showed me around our first place like he was introducing me to myself: This is the wine you’ll drink, where you’ll keep your clothes, we vacation here, this is the other language we’ll speak, you’ll learn it, and I did. Adulthood seemed a series of exhausting obligations. But his logistics ran so smoothly that he simply tacked mine on. I moved into his flat, onto his level, drag and drop, cleaner thrice a week, bills automatic. By opting out of partnership in my 20s, I granted myself a kind of compartmentalized, liberating selfishness none of my friends have managed. I am the work in progress, the party we worry about, a surprising dominance. When I searched for my first job, at 21, we combined our efforts, for my sake. He had wisdom to impart, contacts with whom he arranged coffees; we spent an afternoon, laughing, drawing up earnest lists of my pros and cons (highly sociable; sloppy math). Meanwhile, I took calls from a dear friend who had a boyfriend her age. Both savagely ambitious, hyperclose and entwined in each other’s projects. If each was a start-up , the other was the first hire, an intense dedication I found riveting. Yet every time she called me, I hung up with the distinct feeling that too much was happening at the same time: both learning to please a boss; to forge more adult relationships with their families; to pay bills and taxes and hang prints on the wall. Neither had any advice to give and certainly no stability. I pictured a three-legged race, two people tied together and hobbling toward every milestone.

I don’t fool myself. My marriage has its cons. There are only so many times one can say “thank you” — for splendid scenes, fine dinners — before the phrase starts to grate. I live in an apartment whose rent he pays and that shapes the freedom with which I can ever be angry with him. He doesn’t have to hold it over my head. It just floats there, complicating usual shorthands to explain dissatisfaction like, You aren’t being supportive lately . It’s a Frenchism to say, “Take a decision,” and from time to time I joke: from whom? Occasionally I find myself in some fabulous country at some fabulous party and I think what a long way I have traveled, like a lucky cloud, and it is frightening to think of oneself as vapor.

Mostly I worry that if he ever betrayed me and I had to move on, I would survive, but would find in my humor, preferences, the way I make coffee or the bed nothing that he did not teach, change, mold, recompose, stamp with his initials, the way Renaissance painters hid in their paintings their faces among a crowd. I wonder if when they looked at their paintings, they saw their own faces first. But this is the wrong question, if our aim is happiness. Like the other question on which I’m expected to dwell: Who is in charge, the man who drives or the woman who put him there so she could enjoy herself? I sit in the car, in the painting it would have taken me a corporate job and 20 years to paint alone, and my concern over who has the upper hand becomes as distant as the horizon, the one he and I made so wide for me.

To be a woman is to race against the clock, in several ways, until there is nothing left to be but run ragged.

We try to put it off, but it will hit us at some point: that we live in a world in which our power has a different shape from that of men, a different distribution of advantage, ours a funnel and theirs an expanding cone. A woman at 20 rarely has to earn her welcome; a boy at 20 will be turned away at the door. A woman at 30 may find a younger woman has taken her seat; a man at 30 will have invited her. I think back to the women in the bathroom, my husband’s classmates. What was my relationship if not an inconvertible sign of this unfairness? What was I doing, in marrying older, if not endorsing it? I had taken advantage of their disadvantage. I had preempted my own. After all, principled women are meant to defy unfairness, to show some integrity or denial, not plan around it, like I had. These were driven women, successful, beautiful, capable. I merely possessed the one thing they had already lost. In getting ahead of the problem, had I pushed them down? If I hadn’t, would it really have made any difference?

When we decided we wanted to be equal to men, we got on men’s time. We worked when they worked, retired when they retired, had to squeeze pregnancy, children, menopause somewhere impossibly in the margins. I have a friend, in her late 20s, who wears a mood ring; these days it is often red, flickering in the air like a siren when she explains her predicament to me. She has raised her fair share of same-age boyfriends. She has put her head down, worked laboriously alongside them, too. At last she is beginning to reap the dividends, earning the income to finally enjoy herself. But it is now, exactly at this precipice of freedom and pleasure, that a time problem comes closing in. If she would like to have children before 35, she must begin her next profession, motherhood, rather soon, compromising inevitably her original one. The same-age partner, equally unsettled in his career, will take only the minimum time off, she guesses, or else pay some cost which will come back to bite her. Everything unfailingly does. If she freezes her eggs to buy time, the decision and its logistics will burden her singly — and perhaps it will not work. Overlay the years a woman is supposed to establish herself in her career and her fertility window and it’s a perfect, miserable circle. By midlife women report feeling invisible, undervalued; it is a telling cliché, that after all this, some husbands leave for a younger girl. So when is her time, exactly? For leisure, ease, liberty? There is no brand of feminism which achieved female rest. If women’s problem in the ’50s was a paralyzing malaise, now it is that they are too active, too capable, never permitted a vacation they didn’t plan. It’s not that our efforts to have it all were fated for failure. They simply weren’t imaginative enough.

For me, my relationship, with its age gap, has alleviated this rush , permitted me to massage the clock, shift its hands to my benefit. Very soon, we will decide to have children, and I don’t panic over last gasps of fun, because I took so many big breaths of it early: on the holidays of someone who had worked a decade longer than I had, in beautiful places when I was young and beautiful, a symmetry I recommend. If such a thing as maternal energy exists, mine was never depleted. I spent the last nearly seven years supported more than I support and I am still not as old as my husband was when he met me. When I have a child, I will expect more help from him than I would if he were younger, for what does professional tenure earn you if not the right to set more limits on work demands — or, if not, to secure some child care, at the very least? When I return to work after maternal upheaval, he will aid me, as he’s always had, with his ability to put himself aside, as younger men are rarely able.

Above all, the great gift of my marriage is flexibility. A chance to live my life before I become responsible for someone else’s — a lover’s, or a child’s. A chance to write. A chance at a destiny that doesn’t adhere rigidly to the routines and timelines of men, but lends itself instead to roomy accommodation, to the very fluidity Betty Friedan dreamed of in 1963 in The Feminine Mystique , but we’ve largely forgotten: some career or style of life that “permits year-to-year variation — a full-time paid job in one community, part-time in another, exercise of the professional skill in serious volunteer work or a period of study during pregnancy or early motherhood when a full-time job is not feasible.” Some things are just not feasible in our current structures. Somewhere along the way we stopped admitting that, and all we did was make women feel like personal failures. I dream of new structures, a world in which women have entry-level jobs in their 30s; alternate avenues for promotion; corporate ladders with balconies on which they can stand still, have a smoke, take a break, make a baby, enjoy themselves, before they keep climbing. Perhaps men long for this in their own way. Actually I am sure of that.

Once, when we first fell in love, I put my head in his lap on a long car ride; I remember his hands on my face, the sun, the twisting turns of a mountain road, surprising and not surprising us like our romance, and his voice, telling me that it was his biggest regret that I was so young, he feared he would lose me. Last week, we looked back at old photos and agreed we’d given each other our respective best years. Sometimes real equality is not so obvious, sometimes it takes turns, sometimes it takes almost a decade to reveal itself.

More From This Series

• Can You Still Sell Out in This Economy?
• 7 Stories of Dramatic Career Pivots
• My Mother’s Death Blew Up My Life. Opening a Book and Wine Store Helped My Grief
• newsletter pick
• first person
• relationships
• the good life
• best of the cut
• audio article

The Cut Shop

Most viewed stories.

• Mel B Says She Was Kicked Out of the Spice Girls Group Chat
• The Moms Who Smoke in Secret
• What We Know About the Mommy Vlogger Accused of Child Abuse
• The Case for Marrying an Older Man  
• Is Kate Middleton’s Family Really in Debt?
• What Cut Editors Are Buying From Sephora’s Annual Sale

Editor’s Picks

Most Popular

What is your email.

This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us.

Sign In To Continue Reading

Create your free account.

Password must be at least 8 characters and contain:

• Lower case letters (a-z)
• Upper case letters (A-Z)
• Numbers (0-9)
• Special Characters (!@#$%^&*)

As part of your account, you’ll receive occasional updates and offers from New York , which you can opt out of anytime.

Jennifer Garner is becoming America's Mom — and you can thank Netflix for that

• With a spate of family-friendly Netflix films under her belt, Jennifer Garner is becoming "America's Mom."
• Garner's wholesome Instagram presence and organic baby food brand have also contributed to her "Mom" image.
• It's a lucrative move for her career and her businesses.

Before she was best known for her disarmingly friendly Instagram presence and her Capital One commercials, there was a time when Jennifer Garner could more accurately be characterized as an action star.

Her role as the disguise-wearing, butt-kicking CIA agent Sydney Bristow on ABC's early-2000s hit series "Alias" earned her multiple Emmy nominations over its five seasons and made her a bonafide star.

She followed that by playing the assassin Elektra Natchios in the 2003 superhero movie "Daredevil" and her own spin-off movie "Elektra" two years later. This led to a highly publicized marriage with her "Daredevil" costar, Ben Affleck.

All of that is over now. Garner is no longer in wigs beating up bad guys, nor is she married to Affleck (they divorced in 2018 and have three kids).

But in the ensuing years, Garner made a major pivot to family-friendly content, and it's led to the kind of fame only a few can capture: she's become America's Mom.

Like Tom Hanks, whose career choices made him so beloved by audiences that he became known as America's Dad to Gen Xers, Garner is becoming "Mom" for Millenials. And you can thank Netflix for that.

Related stories

For the last three years, Garner has shown up in highly-watched family-friendly Netflix original movies — 2021's "Yes Day," 2022's "The Adam Project," 2023's "Family Switch" — and Deadline reported this week that she's signing on to star in the streaming giant's upcoming holiday comedy "Mrs. Claus."

Though all these titles have zany PG-rated premises — in "Yes Day," she's a mom who cannot say no to her kids for 24 hours; in "The Adam Project" she's the mother of a time-traveling Ryan Reynolds; in "Family Switch" she's a mom who switches bodies with her daughter — what all these titles have in common is they cast Garner, 51, as a strong mother who is a role model to her kids. And while the plot for "Mrs. Claus" is unknown, it's hard to believe she'll play anything other than a hardworking mother figure to all the elves.

Assuming the mantle of America's Mom isn't a left-field move for Garner. Whether she was in romcoms ("13 Going on 30," "Valentine's Day") or dramas ("Juno," "Draft Day"), Garner has always shined playing roles where she could sell a character's warmth and positivity with her friendly smile.

In the last decade, she's leaned into those qualities off-camera, too. She was seen supporting Affleck while they were estranged in 2018 when he was struggling with alcoholism . She's built a healthy living brand through her Instagram and launched the organic baby food company Once Upon a Farm. And then there are those very wholesome Capitol One commercials.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Once Upon a Farm (@onceuponafarm)

While many female actors of Garner's cohort are focused on serving looks on the red carpet or attending glitzy events to supplement their acting careers, Garner seems content in a more casual arena, where she can rock sweaters and mom jeans and post a video of herself cleaning her cat's butt on Instagram.

Her Netflix roles have cemented her status as America's Mom even further. At the end of "Yes Day," Garner's character comes to the rescue of her rebellious daughter (played by Jenna Ortega), who's stranded at a concert. In "Family Switch," body swapping with her daughter makes Garner's character understand the pressure her child is under. They're typical "mom" roles that Garner imbues with genuine pathos — and after playing so many of these types of characters, audiences feel like they know her.

That's great for Garner's career, and it's great for her businesses. Being friendly and approachable lends authenticity to anything she hawks, whether that's her newest Netflix Christmas movie or another Capital One card. After all, if America's Mom tells you to watch her Christmas movie or drink your fruit juice , she probably has your best interests in mind, right?

Watch: Disturbing details behind "Momfluencer" Ruby Franke's arrest

• Main content

Recommended for you

A thank you note to my family and friends.

As Thanksgiving approaches, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of that delicious, giant feast you get to stuff yourself with on Thursday. The food is definitely one of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving. However, during the holidays, I also love to take a second and really think about what I am thankful for. I know how incredibly lucky I am to have the opportunities that I do, and much of that comes from my family and friends. I wouldn't be able to do half the things I do without them, so I would like to take a minute and just say thank you. One thank you could never be enough, but I hope I always show my appreciation for you.

My family is the reason I am able to do everything I want to do in my life. I have wonderful parents who continually make sacrifices for my sister and me, never letting us forget how much they love us and support us. While my dad's constant worrying is enough to drive me crazy some days, I am lucky enough to have someone who worries about me and cares about me that much. I may argue when others say I am exactly like my mom but, ultimately, that is the largest compliment someone could ever pay me. My younger sister, who was my biggest foe growing up, is now someone I can consider one of my best friends. It has been a rollercoaster growing up together, and I would never change a second of it. I have exceptional grandparents who always go out of their way to help us with whatever we need. I am eternally grateful for all the help and love my family has provided me over the years.

My friends, both old and new, keep me sane and make me insane at the same time. The lovely friends that I have had since high school, or even earlier, thank you for always being there, even though we may not talk for several weeks at a time. I know that no matter what, if I ever needed you, I can always count on you to be there for me. Thank you to my best friends for always being willing for any crazy adventure we may come up with. I don't say it enough but without you all around, I wouldn't be able to appear as put together as I do most of the time. You are my partners in crime and I love every stupid, crazy thing we do together. To my personal cheerleader in everything that I do, I don't think I can ever put into words how much your support means to me. I couldn't do half the things I do without knowing that, even if I fall flat on my face, I would still have you there to pick me up with a well-placed joke and a speech on why everything is going to work out. I love you all and am so thankful that for whatever reason, I am lucky enough to have you all in my life.

Writing this, I hope I was able to express a small part of my gratitude to all of the important people in my life. Without writing a 10,000-word essay, I don't think I will ever truly be able to write it all down but this is a small way for me to really convey how special everyone is to me during this time of year.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Grateful beyond words: a letter to my inspiration, i have never been so thankful to know you..

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

You have taught me that you don't always have to strong. You are allowed to break down as long as you pick yourself back up and keep moving forward. When life had you at your worst moments, you allowed your friends to be there for you and to help you. You let them in and they helped pick you up. Even in your darkest hour you showed so much strength. I know that you don't believe in yourself as much as you should but you are unbelievably strong and capable of anything you set your mind to.

Your passion to make a difference in the world is unbelievable. You put your heart and soul into your endeavors and surpass any personal goal you could have set. Watching you do what you love and watching you make a difference in the lives of others is an incredible experience. The way your face lights up when you finally realize what you have accomplished is breathtaking and I hope that one day I can have just as much passion you have.

SEE MORE: A Letter To My Best Friend On Her Birthday

The love you have for your family is outstanding. Watching you interact with loved ones just makes me smile . You are so comfortable and you are yourself. I see the way you smile when you are around family and I wish I could see you smile like this everyday. You love with all your heart and this quality is something I wished I possessed.

You inspire me to be the best version of myself. I look up to you. I feel that more people should strive to have the strength and passion that you exemplify in everyday life.You may be stubborn at points but when you really need help you let others in, which shows strength in itself. I have never been more proud to know someone and to call someone my role model. You have taught me so many things and I want to thank you. Thank you for inspiring me in life. Thank you for making me want to be a better person.

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life..

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Don't freak out

This is a rule you should continue to follow no matter what you do in life, but is especially helpful in this situation.

Email the professor

Around this time, professors are getting flooded with requests from students wanting to get into full classes. This doesn't mean you shouldn't burden them with your email; it means they are expecting interested students to email them. Send a short, concise message telling them that you are interested in the class and ask if there would be any chance for you to get in.

Attend the first class

Often, the advice professors will give you when they reply to your email is to attend the first class. The first class isn't the most important class in terms of what will be taught. However, attending the first class means you are serious about taking the course and aren't going to give up on it.

Keep attending class

Every student is in the same position as you are. They registered for more classes than they want to take and are "shopping." For the first couple of weeks, you can drop or add classes as you please, which means that classes that were once full will have spaces. If you keep attending class and keep up with assignments, odds are that you will have priority. Professors give preference to people who need the class for a major and then from higher to lower class year (senior to freshman).

Have a backup plan

For two weeks, or until I find out whether I get into my waitlisted class, I will be attending more than the usual number of classes. This is so that if I don't get into my waitlisted class, I won't have a credit shortage and I won't have to fall back in my backup class. Chances are that enough people will drop the class, especially if it is very difficult like computer science, and you will have a chance. In popular classes like art and psychology, odds are you probably won't get in, so prepare for that.

Remember that everything works out at the end

Life is full of surprises. So what if you didn't get into the class you wanted? Your life obviously has something else in store for you. It's your job to make sure you make the best out of what you have.

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations..

Whether you met your new love interest online , through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

1. What do you do for a living?

What someone does for a living can tell a lot about who they are and what they're interested in! Their career reveals a lot more about them than just where they spend their time to make some money.

2. What's your favorite color?

OK, I get it, this seems like something you would ask a Kindergarten class, but I feel like it's always good to know someone's favorite color . You could always send them that Snapchat featuring you in that cute shirt you have that just so happens to be in their favorite color!

3. Do you have any siblings?

This one is actually super important because it's totally true that people grow up with different roles and responsibilities based on where they fall in the order. You can tell a lot about someone just based on this seemingly simple question.

4. What's your favorite television show?

OK, maybe this isn't a super important question, but you have to know ASAP if you can quote Michael Scott or not. If not, he probably isn't the one. Sorry, girl.

5. When is your birthday?

You can then proceed to do the thing that every girl does without admitting it and see how compatible your zodiacs are.

6. What's your biggest goal in life?

If you're like me, you have big goals that you want to reach someday, and you want a man behind you who also has big goals and understands what it's like to chase after a dream. If his biggest goal is to see how quickly he can binge-watch " Grey's Anatomy " on Netflix , you may want to move on.

7. If you had three wishes granted to you by a genie, what would they be?

This is a go-to for an insight into their personality. Based on how they answer, you can tell if they're goofy, serious, or somewhere in between.

8. What's your favorite childhood memory?

For some, this may be a hard question if it involves a family member or friend who has since passed away . For others, it may revolve around a tradition that no longer happens. The answers to this question are almost endless!

9. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

We all have parts of our lives and stories that we wish we could change. It's human nature to make mistakes. This question is a little bit more personal but can really build up the trust level.

10. Are you a cat or a dog person?

I mean, duh! If you're a dog person, and he is a cat person, it's not going to work out.

11. Do you believe in a religion or any sort of spiritual power?

Personally, I am a Christian, and as a result, I want to be with someone who shares those same values. I know some people will argue that this question is too much in the talking stage , but why go beyond the talking stage if your personal values will never line up?

12. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Even homebodies have a must visit place on their bucket list !

13. What is your ideal date night?

Hey, if you're going to go for it... go for it!

14. Who was/is your celebrity crush?

For me, it was hands-down Nick Jonas . This is always a fun question to ask!

15. What's a good way to cheer you up if you're having a bad day?

Let's be real, if you put a label on it, you're not going to see your significant other at their best 24/7.

16. Do you have any tattoos?

This can lead to some really good conversations, especially if they have a tattoo that has a lot of meaning to them!

17. Can you describe yourself in three words?

It's always interesting to see if how the person you're talking to views their personal traits lines ups with the vibes you're getting.

18. What makes you the most nervous in life?

This question can go multiple different directions, and it could also be a launching pad for other conversations.

19. What's the best gift you have ever received? 

Admittedly, I have asked this question to friends as well, but it's neat to see what people value.

20. What do you do to relax/have fun?

Work hard, play hard, right?

21. What are your priorities at this phase of your life?

This is always interesting because no matter how compatible your personalities may be, if one of you wants to be serious and the other is looking for something casual, it's just not going to work.

Follow Swoon on Instagram .

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in challah bread or easter bread.

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

A few weeks ago, I was given a loaf of bread called Challah (pronounced like holla), and upon my first bite, I realized it tasted just like Easter Bread. It was so delicious that I just had to make some of my own, which I did.

The recipe is as follows:

Ingredients

2 tsp active dry or instant yeast 1 cup lukewarm water 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup white granulated sugar 2 tsp salt 2 large eggs 1 large egg yolk (reserve the white for the egg wash) 1/4 cup neutral-flavored vegetable oil

Instructions

• Combine yeast and a pinch of sugar in small bowl with the water and stir until you see a frothy layer across the top.
• Whisk together 4 cups of the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
• Make a well in the center of the flour and add in eggs, egg yolk, and oil. Whisk these together to form a slurry, pulling in a little flour from the sides of the bowl.
• Pour the yeast mixture over the egg slurry and mix until difficult to move.
• Turn out the dough onto a floured work surface and knead by hand for about 10 minutes. If the dough seems very sticky, add flour a teaspoon at a time until it feels tacky, but no longer like bubblegum. The dough has finished kneading when it is soft, smooth, and holds a ball-shape.
• Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and place somewhere warm. Let the dough rise 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
• Separate the dough into four pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a long rope roughly 1-inch thick and 16 inches long.
• Gather the ropes and squeeze them together at the very top. Braid the pieces in the pattern of over, under, and over again. Pinch the pieces together again at the bottom.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment and lift the loaf on top. Sprinkle the loaf with a little flour and drape it with a clean dishcloth. Place the pan somewhere warm and away from drafts and let it rise until puffed and pillowy, about an hour.
• Heat the oven to 350°F. Whisk the reserved egg white with a tablespoon of water and brush it all over the challah. Be sure to get in the cracks and down the sides of the loaf.
• Slide the challah on its baking sheet into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking. The challah is done when it is deeply browned.

I kept wondering how these two breads could be so similar in taste. So I decided to look up a recipe for Easter Bread to make a comparison. The two are almost exactly the same! These recipes are similar because they come from religious backgrounds. The Jewish Challah bread is based on kosher dietary laws. The Christian Easter Bread comes from the Jewish tradition but was modified over time because they did not follow kosher dietary laws.

A recipe for Easter bread is as follows:

2 tsp active dry or instant yeast 2/3 cup milk 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup white granulated sugar 2 tbs butter 2 large eggs 2 tbs melted butter 1 tsp salt

• In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, salt, and yeast; stir well. Combine milk and butter in a small saucepan; heat until milk is warm and butter is softened but not melted.
• Gradually add the milk and butter to the flour mixture; stirring constantly. Add two eggs and 1/2 cup flour; beat well. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
• Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
• Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal size rounds; cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll each round into a long roll about 36 inches long and 1 1/2 inches thick. Using the two long pieces of dough, form a loosely braided ring, leaving spaces for the five colored eggs. Seal the ends of the ring together and use your fingers to slide the eggs between the braids of dough.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place loaf on a buttered baking sheet and cover loosely with a damp towel. Place loaf in a warm place and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 45 minutes. Brush risen loaf with melted butter.
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Both of these recipes are really easy to make. While you might need to have a day set aside for this activity, you can do things while the dough is rising or in the oven. After only a few hours, you have a delicious loaf of bread that you made from scratch, so the time and effort is really worth it!

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer..

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake , have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart , no matter how dirty the water may look.

Every year when summer rolls back around, you can't wait to fire up the boat and get back out there. Here is a list of things you can probably identify with as a fellow lake-goer.

A bad day at the lake is still better than a good day not at the lake.

It's your place of escape, where you can leave everything else behind and just enjoy the beautiful summer day. No matter what kind of week you had, being able to come and relax without having to worry about anything else is the best therapy there is. After all, there's nothing better than a day of hanging out in the hot sun, telling old funny stories and listening to your favorite music.

You know the best beaches and coves to go to.

Whether you want to just hang out and float or go walk around on a beach, you know the best spots. These often have to be based on the people you're with, given that some "party coves" can get a little too crazy for little kids on board. I still have vivid memories from when I was six that scared me when I saw the things drunk girls would do for beads.

You have no patience for the guy who can't back his trailer into the water right.

When there's a long line of trucks waiting to dump their boats in the water, there's always that one clueless guy who can't get it right, and takes 5 attempts and holds up the line. No one likes that guy. One time my dad got so fed up with a guy who was taking too long that he actually got out of the car and asked this guy if he could just do it for him. So he got into the guy's car, threw it in reverse, and got it backed in on the first try. True story.

Doing the friendly wave to every boat you pass.

Similar to the "jeep wave," almost everyone waves to other boats passing by. It's just what you do, and is seen as a normal thing by everyone.

The cooler is always packed, mostly with beer.

Alcohol seems to be a big part of the lake experience, but other drinks are squeezed into the room remaining in the cooler for the kids, not to mention the wide assortment of chips and other foods in the snack bag.

Giving the idiot who goes 30 in a "No Wake Zone" a piece of your mind.

There's nothing worse than floating in the water, all settled in and minding your business, when some idiot barrels through. Now your anchor is loose, and you're left jostled by the waves when it was nice and perfectly still before. This annoyance is typically answered by someone yelling some choice words to them that are probably accompanied by a middle finger in the air.

You have no problem with peeing in the water.

It's the lake, and some social expectations are a little different here, if not lowered quite a bit. When you have to go, you just go, and it's no big deal to anyone because they do it too.

You know the frustration of getting your anchor stuck.

The number of anchors you go through as a boat owner is likely a number that can be counted on two hands. Every once in a while, it gets stuck on something on the bottom of the lake, and the only way to fix the problem is to cut the rope, and you have to replace it.

Watching in awe at the bigger, better boats that pass by.

If you're the typical lake-goer, you likely might have an average-sized boat that you're perfectly happy with. However, that doesn't mean you don't stop and stare at the fast boats that loudly speed by, or at the obnoxiously huge yachts that pass.

Knowing any swimsuit that you own with white in it is best left for the pool or the ocean.

You've learned this the hard way, coming back from a day in the water and seeing the flowers on your bathing suit that were once white, are now a nice brownish hue.

The momentary fear for your life as you get launched from the tube.

If the driver knows how to give you a good ride, or just wants to specifically throw you off, you know you're done when you're speeding up and heading straight for a big wave. Suddenly you're airborne, knowing you're about to completely wipe out, and you eat pure wake. Then you get back on and do it all again.

You're able to go to the restaurants by the water wearing minimal clothing.

One of the many nice things about the life at the lake is that everybody cares about everything a little less. Rolling up to the place wearing only your swimsuit, a cover-up, and flip flops, you fit right in. After a long day when you're sunburned, a little buzzed, and hungry, you're served without any hesitation.

Having unexpected problems with your boat.

Every once in a while you're hit with technical difficulties, no matter what type of watercraft you have. This is one of the most annoying setbacks when you're looking forward to just having a carefree day on the water, but it's bound to happen. This is just one of the joys that come along with being a boat owner.

Having a name for your boat unique to you and your life.

One of the many interesting things that make up the lake culture is the fact that many people name their boats. They can range from basic to funny, but they are unique to each and every owner, and often have interesting and clever meanings behind them.

There's no better place you'd rather be in the summer.

Summer is your all-time favorite season, mostly because it's spent at the lake. Whether you're floating in the cool water under the sun, or taking a boat ride as the sun sets, you don't have a care in the world at that moment . The people that don't understand have probably never experienced it, but it's what keeps you coming back every year.

Trending Topics

Songs About Being 17 Grey's Anatomy Quotes Vine Quotes 4 Leaf Clover Self Respect

Top Creators

1. Brittany Morgan,   National Writer's Society 2. Radhi,   SUNY Stony Brook 3. Kristen Haddox , Penn State University 4. Jennifer Kustanovich , SUNY Stony Brook 5. Clare Regelbrugge , University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Trending Stories

100 dynamic duos: legendary pairings that transcend time, the best hozier lyrics: 21 lines that will give you goosebumps, the six most iconic pitbull lyrics of all time, soundtrack of basic: the 20 must-have tracks for every white girl, nostalgic 2000s songs: 100 throwback hits that'll transport you to childhood, best of entertainment top 10 reasons my school rocks, 70 of the most referenced movies ever, 7 new year clichés: break free, embrace change, the ultimate birthday: unveiling the perfect day to celebrate, unleash inspiration: 15 relatable disney lyrics, subscribe to our newsletter, facebook comments.

Restaurant closing: Beloved Edgewater restaurant permanently closes doors

This family-owned eatery has closed its doors after less than two years in business..

La Familia Latin Cuisine Restaurant , located at 2120 S. Ridgewood Ave., unit 8, in Edgewater, announced on social media over the weekend that it was making the difficult decision to permanently shut down.

After celebrating its grand opening with the Southeast Volusia Chamber of Commerce last March during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, now, a year later, the restaurant has closed its doors, attributing the closure to a number of internal challenges.

“Like many long-standing and reputable restaurants recently, this decision comes from many factors,” the Facebook post began. “Failed partnerships, rising costs, strict rules prohibiting proper advertising of our location are just a few to mention.”

The closure leaves many of the restaurant’s loyal customers both shocked and deeply disheartened, with several taking to social media to express their sympathy for the eatery's owners and staff.

“I’m so sorry, very shocking to read this everyone LOVED the restaurant!! Ugh I wish I would have done something to help,” one user commented, with another stating, “We have lost another excellent family restaurant, so sad. The food, service and hospitality was the best! Good luck on your next adventure. Our loss.”  

Six years in the making: Upscale destination restaurant hopes to open this year in Palm Coast

The family-owned eatery was frequented for its unwavering hospitality, vibrant atmosphere with live entertainment, and indulgent selection of authentic Latin cuisine, boasting a lengthy menu of freshly prepared, boldly flavored and generously portioned plates.

The Puerto Rican restaurant assured its followers online that the decision to close, though incredibly difficult, does not negate the outpouring of love, support and kindness that the eatery has received during its time in Edgewater, further noting that the restaurant’s staff has been provided alternate employment opportunities and looks forward to what the future may hold.

“Our staff has been aware throughout the entire journey and has held our hand at every 'what if' and was a huge part of every single decision that has been made … . They have all been provided with new employment by trusted friends in the community and are being well taken care of,” the same post read.

“We are a family and we are proud that you all embraced us and returned the love that we gave! We felt it everyday and our hearts may be broken but they ARE FULL BECAUSE OF YOU!”

Harder than ever before: Navigating the restaurant industry 2024

The news of another beloved restaurant closure further reaffirms the harsh reality small business owners face in the 2024 restaurant climate. In the last six months alone, Volusia-Flagler has experienced more than a dozen restaurant closures, from family-owned pizza shops to seafood restaurants , breakfast spots and everything in between.

According to a 2024 State of the Restaurant Industry Report published by the National Restaurant Association, which compiles forecasts from the association’s economists with data from restaurant operators and consumers nationwide, “98% of operators say higher labor costs are an issue for their restaurant. Ninety-seven percent cite higher food costs. Thirty-eight percent say their restaurants were not profitable last year.”

‘Where it started, where it’s growing’: Family-owned Indian restaurant to open in DeLand

A recent TouchBistro report, titled “The State of Restaurants in 2024,” compiled nationwide data from more than 600 full-service restaurant owners, as well as CEOs and general and area managers, and found a number of industry trends and 2024 predictions as restaurants across the country continue to adapt to a post-COVID world.

According to the report, “58% said inventory costs were their biggest source of financial strain ... 82% of restaurateurs report being short-staffed” and “to offset rising food costs, 67% of operators reported increasing their menu prices in the past six months. On average, restaurateurs reported increasing their prices by 13%.”

Between March 2021 and March 2022, more than 800,000 small businesses were forced to close their doors, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration . And while many small businesses continue to open daily, it has become increasingly difficult for restaurant owners to acclimate to the industry’s current economic climate, with many struggling to meet unprecedented pricing and staffing — among other — challenges of business owning in 2024.

La Familia Latin Cuisine: A heartfelt thank you and goodbye

After the closing “as a family” over the weekend, La Familia Latin Cuisine’s March 30 Facebook post went on to commemorate the success found, relationships fostered and memories made over the last year in Volusia County.

“There was NO FAILURE HERE, everyone who has been a part of La Familia … whether we coexist still or not … has been part of history … in that we brought something to Edgewater that has never been done and we did it impeccably and with love and compassion, class and respect. Our reviews speak volumes!!!!” the post read.

“Please respect the work that we have done and continue to speak about us the way you have throughout this journey. We deserve it.”

latest in World News

‘I walked into my 5 month old son’s room at daycare and was...

Hilarious moment diver flops off board during Olympic pool...

UK couple in race against hurricane season after lightning bolt...

Bone marrow recipient meets wife, children of donor who died...

Tokyo's fascinating public toilets all the rage as tourists take...

Partner of American aid worker killed in Israeli airstrike...

NYC native who survived Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas returns to...

Man, 76, bitten by toilet rat is hospitalized with organ failure...

Bone marrow recipient meets wife, children of donor who died saving lives in oct. 7 hamas attack.

• View Author Archive
• Follow on Twitter
• Get author RSS feed

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

They were supposed to be brothers for life, but October 7 made sure they never met.

An elderly Israeli physicist whose life was saved by a bone marrow donation from a stranger who died in last year’s brutal Hamas terror attack got to meet the slain man’s family and say thank you for his act of kindness, The Post has learned.

Chaim Lindenbaum, 77, expressed his gratitude to the wife and children of Dr. Daniel Levi — who was slaughtered by terrorists as he tried to aid the wounded in his hometown of Kibbutz Be’eri, near the Gaza border.

“It pains me that I never got to meet him – he saved my life,” said Lindenbaum, who had been scheduled to meet Levi face to face just days after the date of the attack.

The elderly scientist was diagnosed with “aggressive” leukemia in 2022 — and doctors said the grandfather could only survive with a life-saving bone marrow transplant.

Fortunately, Levi had signed up to be a bone marrow donor after moving to Israel from Peru — and he came up as a match for Lindenbaum, even though they were no relation.

“It was a perfect match, better than between brothers – I still don’t understand how that happened,” Lindenbaum told The Post from his home in Haifa in the north of Israel.

After finding out he could be a donor, Levi had about one week to prepare for the urgent stem cell transplant, which was arranged through  Ezer Mizion , the world’s largest Jewish bone marrow registry.

The transplant was a success, and the older man wanted to thank his benefactor.

But donor rules forced the men to wait a year before the donor’s identity could be revealed.

They were anxious to greet each other, and scheduled a meeting for after the Jewish holiday season that ended on October 7.

“But that didn’t happen,” said Lindenbaum of the meeting that was not to be.

On that day of terror, Levi, a doctor who moved his young family to Kibbutz Be’eri a year earlier, died as he lived: a hero. 

With frantic pleas pouring in that morning from the kibbutz medical clinic where he worked, he ran into danger – racing to help treat the severely injured.

As his wife Lihi, 34, daughter, Emma, 5, and son, Liam, 2 were hiding in a safe room for seven hours, Levi calmly texted her, “I love you” while Hamas terrorists opened fire.

Israel War Update

Get the most important developments in the region, globally and locally.

Thanks for signing up!

Please provide a valid email address.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .

Never miss a story.

Lindenbaum, who lived in the north of the country away from the invasion, received a phone call from Ezer Mizion weeks later.

Before they told him what happened to Levi, the agency “interrogated” him for 15 minutes about his health, just to be sure he was strong enough to take the horrific news.

“She was afraid I would get a heart attack” when learning of his benefactor’s tragic fate.

“I was very sad, I wanted to thank him. His blood system is in my body,” said Lindenbaum, adding that a part of Levi still lives on in him. “He left, aside from his two beautiful kids, his blood, which is my blood.”

During an  “exciting and emotional” meeting  set up weeks later for the two families by Ezer Mizion, Levi’s widow got a chance to do what her husband dreamed of doing for more than a year, hug his bone marrow recipient.

“I was crying for excitement for him being alive and of course crying for the sadness that Daniel is not there,” said Lihi. “I was so proud to meet the person whose life was saved by Daniel.” 

Bending down to the rainbow-dress clad little Emma, Lindenbaum explained, “I was very sick – my blood was sick. And today I’m healthy, thanks to your daddy’s blood.”

Lindenbaum, who holds a doctorate in physics, said that one-third of patients die after a bone marrow transplant.

“I’m not someone who really believes in miracles – there’s no explanation how this happened to me,” he said, noting the deep connection he forged with Lihi. “I feel she is part of my new family.”

The bitter irony of Levi dedicating his life – professionally and personally – to saving lives while he lost his own in the pursuit of saving people was not lost on Lihi.

The widow will not return to the shattered Kibbutz Be’eri, which was considered the hardest-hit community of October 7 with roughly ten percent of its 1,200 residents killed or abducted. 

“He saved lives in every way – as a doctor, as a person, as a friend in the kibbutz,” she said. “He wasn’t supposed to die this way and at this age – he was supposed to save so many more lives.”

Lihi added that Levi’s knowledge that his bone marrow recipient survived and was healthy made him “so happy and excited.”

“At least the tragedy makes some good things,” she said. “He’s a gift that Daniel sent us. He wasn’t supposed to be alive.”

Share this article:

Advertisement

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

• LISTEN & FOLLOW
• Apple Podcasts
• Google Podcasts
• Amazon Music
• Amazon Alexa

Your support helps make our show possible and unlocks access to our sponsor-free feed.

The "barcodes" powering these tiny songbirds' memories may also help human memory

Regina G. Barber

Rachel Carlson

Berly McCoy

Ari Shapiro

Vincent Acovino

The black-capped chickadee, seen here, is well known for its strong episodic memory. Dmitriy Aronov hide caption

The black-capped chickadee, seen here, is well known for its strong episodic memory.

Tiny, black-capped chickadees have big memories. They stash food in hundreds to thousands of different locations in the wild – and then come back to these stashes when other food sources are low. Now researchers at Columbia University's Zuckerman Institute think unique patterns of neural activity that work like barcodes may be to thank for this impressive feat. Their work was recently published in the journal Cell .

Scientists have known that chickadees possess incredible memory skills. That memory can be a matter of life or death for these birds as food sources dwindle in colder months.

Shots - Health News

A substance found in young spinal fluid helps old mice remember.

Apes remember long-lost friends and family they haven't seen in decades

The hippocampus is critical to the formation of these types of memories. Colin Saldanha , a songbird researcher and neuroscientist at American University unaffiliated with the study, says that the hippocampus in these birds' brains even expands in chickadees' brains as they gather and store seeds each fall. Saldanha is unaffiliated with the study.

"These animals show a level of plasticity in their brains that puts us humans to shame," he says.

Unique brain activity for different memories

Some researchers thought that neurons called "place cells" would explain these birds' ability to remember where their food is stashed. These cells are known to encode information about where things are in space. But recently, a team of researchers found that each time a chickadee hides a seed in a specific location, a unique brain pattern appears in the hippocampus – separate from place cells. Selmaan Chettih likened it to a barcode.

"The hippocampus sort of flipped states," Chettih says. "It was like a switch flipped. And now there was this totally new pattern of activity that was really distinct from the place cells."

To observe this, Chettih and his team built arenas with sunflower seed-filled feeders in the corners. Wooden perches for the birds were scattered throughout, with small flaps where birds could hide seeds.

Credit: Selmaan Chettih

The scientists inserted tiny probes in the chickadees' brains and tracked activity in their hippocampuses. Each time a bird hid a seed under a flap, researchers saw a brief, unique brain pattern appear – what they called the "barcode." Each pattern was specific to an instance of seed-hiding , so different patterns appeared even when the birds hid multiple seeds in the same location or when stashes were created at neighboring perches.

When the birds revisited these sites and retrieved the hidden seeds, the same barcode-like pattern popped up again, as though all the information about each location and seed were associated with a unique brain pattern.

Our memories define us. But what do they look like?

The researchers compared these memories to episodic memories in humans, which are memories of specific events or personal experiences. They're essential to how humans define themselves and bind together moments in time, people, places and sensory information . But the mechanism for how this binding happens is still unclear.

Chettih says it's incredibly difficult to know exactly when an animal is forming a memory. So the fact that this seed-hiding behavior has a clear pattern of activity associated with it may help researchers build a framework for how the brain creates and stores memories .

Goats and Soda

Here's why you should never say, 'you're as stupid as a goat'.

Saldanha says this is what makes the study "truly heroic" — it allows researchers to see a memory in the brain as it is being made. "They're almost relying on the animal's own talents in order to understand ... the neural basis of this remarkable behavior," he says. Listen to Short Wave on Spotify , Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts .

Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave .

Today's episode was produced by Berly McCoy and Vincent Acovino. It was edited by Rebecca Ramirez, Viet Le and Christopher Intagliata. Rachel Carlson, Rebecca and Regina G. Barber checked the facts. Valentina Rodriguez-Sanchez and Patrick Murray were the audio engineers.

• Brain research