Ruby Telford, of Bury St Edmunds, asks: “How can I get my grandchildren to write thank-you letters?”

Gratitude is a defining human characteristic. So we must educate our young in writing thank-you letters by example, patience and persistence. They will thank us in the long run for teaching them humanity. PH

Roger Dyson, Sydenham: “Get them to text or e-mail. It’s their culture.”

Campbell Robertson, Aberdeen: “They probably have not been taught how to construct a letter.”

Mrs E. Nice, York: “Quite simple — no thank-you letter, no presents.”

Philippa Selignan, Cardiff: “By setting a good example and writing thank-you letters to them. Have a word with the parents (one of whom you raised).”

Jonathan Smith, St Albans: “Send a cheque and deliberately forget to sign it. A thank-you letter pointing out your error will be swiftly forthcoming.”

Dorothy Laws, Rugby: “Tell their parents to instruct them to do so.”

Readers are invited to send their responses to this week’s question by January 17. A selection will be printed in a fortnight.

Is it correct for the man in all circumstances to hold the door open for the woman?

Charlie Fisher, Durham

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