Dear Heloise: The concern over the lack of thank-you notes in today’s society is ongoing, and the solution seems elusive. Thank-you notes suffer from being categorized as old-fashioned and passe, but expressing gratitude never goes out of style. Instead of forcing, bribing and otherwise coercing people to write such notes, I recommend teaching by example. A grandparent, aunt or uncle can address a note to a grandchild, niece or nephew and thank the young person for some kindness, give appreciation for some achievement, or even share some family news.

Be creative: Notes don’t have to be boring or written in some prescribed format. You can draw, use stickers or colorful pens, or get an unusually shaped card — make it interesting!

I was fortunate to have a grandfather and an uncle who both sent me handwritten notes on a regular basis as I was growing up. Today such notes, including emojis and GIFs, can be composed on the computer, printed out, and sent. Be spontaneous, and don’t expect or demand a response. Have fun and enjoy the process. It can certainly be contagious!

Or why not thank-you postcards? A few years ago, while my partner and I were on a month-long cross-country road trip, I sent daily postcards to our family members. Some of these were handmade; others were provided by the hotels that we stayed in, or they were purchased in whatever city or town we were visiting.

All were well-received, the most enthusiastic recipients being our 4-year-old granddaughter and my daughter-in-law’s college-aged sister. My now-50-year-old son was prompted to send me postcards over the years.

And remember, the gold standard of communication is a handwritten note, but there are many workable variations on this theme. So, have fun with it! — Karen Scott Browdy, Fillmore, California

ID DOG TAGS

Dear Heloise: One of your readers mentioned that she and her husband wear medical dog tags with certain information on them. This is fine for first responders to know, but I certainly caution them not to include their Medicare and other insurance numbers on them. Both could be easily used for fraudulent ventures by unscrupulous individuals. — Dean Hayes, Bellevue, Nebraska

PROTECT TOOTHBRUSHES FROM BATHROOM GERMS

Dear Heloise: In response to the letter about protecting toothbrush from bathroom germs, why not just put the toilet lid down before you flush, then leave it down? I’ve been doing this for years. It also keeps dogs from drinking from the toilet. (And then “kissing” you!) — Susan Sheppard, via email

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.