You aren't writing an epic paragraph. Somewhere between a few sentences and a signature is fine for most occasions. And it doesn't have to be too challenging either. If your card is really important and you're concerned to get it right - then practice first by showing it to someone else whose opinion you respect.

When you know how your message is received make a note of the following:

Watch their face for a reaction.

Did your message or mark go down well, or was it found wanting?

What can you learn about what you wrote - or didn't?

What might you do better next time?

Listen to what they have to say about your efforts and take some time out to listen to what other people might write. At the end of the day you'll want your message to do it's job and convey your message accurately.

What you write and how you write it will to some extent depend on the relationship you have with the recipient.

Personally, I love giving cards - paper cards and email cards.

I give them away, plan them, create them, send them off and place them lovingly in others' hands.

For me the process of card writing is fun and stress-free. It's fun to choose and it's fun to make.

Writing the message is only part of the deal. If you've done the hard work in choosing them, you should be thinking about the one you're to give it to.

As you choose your card you might be thinking of

What they'd like.

What they'd think of the card you choose.

What the message says - and does not.

What you could add.

How you might say it/write it.

What words you'll use.

Where to write it on the card.

What kind of writing instrument (pen and ink) you'll use.

Reflecting on the whole process of thinking about, buying and then writing your message will make the whole card writing and giving process one of joy - rather than stress.

Card giving is one of our socially acceptable activities. We give cards at all of life's major events. They console, commiserate, cajole, and celebrate - amongst others.

If you start to think about the person you want your message to go to, more than what you say, then you'll be inspired to write the right thing!

Think less of yourself and more them.

Think more of the message rather than the words

Think more of the future rather than the present

Think how the words will be read and understood

Think more of why rather than how

Think less of 'what if I do', and more 'if I don't'

We are all much more capable at writing our thoughts that we think. Our own words say it so much better than a shop card with a printed greeting. If you HAVE to buy one of these then do add your own message.

Better still, use a blank card and fill it with your words - and your handwriting.

Handwriting brings with it an emotional response that will talk from the card forever. The memory of you - and what you mean to the one you give it to, will forever be part of the card. It will stay part of the memory of the moment that you gave the card - and they received it.

So once you've got the message right, get the writing part right too.

Write it nicely - in a nice pen

Think about the writing instrument you use and how it will take to the paper

Not all papers take the same inks properly

Can you check it somewhere unobtrusively?

Perhaps you want to try out a new pen or a different writing style

Try a calligraphic pen and see how angles can alter your handwriting

So there you have it. Once you've got the card choose your message carefully, write it nicely and give it with love.

Everyone of these actions will give the card so much more feeling. It will help you to write your greeting with more sincerity and to give it with genuine care and affection.

As in all social skills, it 's one to be learnt. Card giving can bring out the best in us. So be in no doubt.

You'll never have to worry about what to write in a card again!