I've spent a decade writing and editing greeting cards. I hate most 'thank you' notes

• Although I've worked in the greeting-card industry for years, I hate most thank-you notes. • I don't need thank-you notes for wedding or birthday gifts — they're often sent out of obligation. • The thank-you cards that really matter come from the heart, and when they're not expected.

I have a secret: I really hate thank-you notes.

Now, for most people, that might not be the biggest deal. After all, the heyday of the greeting card has long since passed, and these days, plenty of folks don't send mail at all.

However, those people also likely didn't spend a decade working in the greeting-card industry.

There's a big difference between 'obligatory' thank-you cards and ones from the heart

Throughout my career, I've edited and written cards for places like Hallmark, American Greeting