The sooner the better. If you’re thanking someone for their hospitality, Wyse says you shouldn’t wait any longer than two or three days to write; for a present, up to a week.

Keep it fairly short. There are times when you may want to write a longer thank-you letter (to a teacher or close loved one, for instance), but for most situations, three to five sentences are plenty.

With a few crafty steps, you can write an effective recommendation that will reflect well on both you and the person you’re supporting. $3,500 iPhone possible? What to know 📋 How to talk ...

In today's Asking Eric column, R. Eric Thomas shares a reader response about how long you should keep greeting cards.