I still say that thank you notes are important in personal and business life. The person who makes the effort to say thank you is often the same person who is remembered when opportunities arise. Of course, the acknowledgement needs to be sincere.
I have a part of the family which neither acknowledges receipt of gifts nor says thank you. This is very diappointing to the biological father who states his child is acting exactly how he, himself had acted when raising him.
My biological children and grandchildren have taught my husband how to express gratefulness. His son is stepping up to the plate in so many areas, I will continue to be optimistic about this area, as well. :-)
Right now, I will continue to do things because I want to and not expect anything in return. I have struggled with frustration over this in the past. Believe me, when I say struggled....:-(