NO, Thank you.
The Evolution of Thanking Someone in Advance
By Amira Ansari
How and why did people start including “Thank you in advance” at the end of their emails? The first time I saw it was in my 20’s, and I remember rereading it, then just sitting there, confused. Was this person degrading me? Were they being sarcastic? Were they mad? Ironically, their signature at the end included “Thank you,” as well. Most people graze over it, but anyone who really knows me knows I detest the term, “Thank you in advance.” This doesn’t mean I detest anyone who uses the term, but it does mean any time I see it, I squirm. There are a few (I think solid) reasons I have this reaction.
First of all, please realize that since your email, itself, is written and sent in advance, writing, “Thank you in advance,” in unnecessary. Your actions are in advance. Just simply say, “Thank you.” Do it in advance or after, but please drop the “in advance.”
It also strikes me that thanking someone beforehand is less meaningful, in general. Would you ever physically say to a barista, “Thank you in advance for this coffee I’m about to order from you”? No, that would be silly. It’s extra.
There is another connotation to the term “Thank you in advance” that slaps me in the face (metaphorically, because I like my face – it’s my pride and joy) when I see it. It alludes to haughty and elitist idealisms. Are you haughty and elitist? Yes? Well, then, thanking someone in advance may be just what you meant. You are assuming that what you are asking for will be agreed to. It’s a bit pushy for my taste.
Also, thanking someone in advance could come across as needy. Are you needy? Is thanking someone once not enough?
Thank you for reading this, after the fact.
Photos by Ariana Suárez & JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash
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By Amira Ansari How and why did people start including “Thank you in advance” at the end of their emails? The first time I saw it was in my 20’s, and I remember rereading it, then just sitting there, confused. Was this person degrading me? Were they being sarcastic? Were they mad? Ironically, their signature…