What I Was Thinking vs. What I Wrote

Ideas for what to write on great Thank You, Get Well, Congratulations, and Happy Birthday Cards.

Oh, how we must often restrain our first instincts! I'm speaking of the times when we have (hopefully!) bitten our tongues while thinking, "I can't respond until I've had time to edit myself."

Sometimes it's much easier to put the polite "spin" onto paper than to force it from the mouth, face-to-face. Can you relate to any of the following?

Thank You Card

What I Was Thinking:
"Thanks a bunch for making me choke down your atrocious cooking, spend a sleepless night with my old friend heartburn, and go through the next day like the walking dead."
What I Wrote:
"Many thanks for including me at your stimulating dinner party! Your incredible hospitality will be long-remembered."

Get Well Soon Card

What I Was Thinking:
"Wow, we flew through that meeting and accomplished so much! And all because that monkey-wrench-throwing windbag is sick at home."
What I Wrote:
"Get Well soon and let us know when you’re on your feet again! We are clearly feeling the effects of your absence at the office!"

Congratulations Card

What I Was Thinking:
"There's no justice: that idiot got another promotion! I've gotta get out of this place!"
What I Wrote:
"Congratulations on your promotion! I can't believe my luck in working for someone as astounding as you are and I hope to really amaze you this year!"

Happy Birthday Card

What I Was Thinking:
"I could be standing here in my birthday suit and no one would remember or acknowledge my birthday."
What I Wrote:
"Happy Birthday to a great gal from all of us! May all your birthday wishes come true!"

Uhm… maybe I just need to start having kinder thoughts?