To the Graduates of 2014...It's time to grow up.

I love seeing young people grow up and be successful.  It's awesome when you know they have worked hard and after all of that time get to finish something and start something new.

Some are wrapping up high school...a huge milestone.  Going off to college is exciting, scary and a big grown up thing to do.  Some are jumping out of the world of exams, class and their parents $$ to a giant world of business, professions, and performance reviews.

Here is some advice from a 40-something that has been there, done that.

• Having your parents address your graduation invitations makes you look like you really aren't ready to go out on your own....still have Mommy change your sheets too I bet.

• The people you invite to your graduation, speak to them when you see them.  If you haven't thanked them for your gift, MAN UP and walk over and say -- Thank you so much for the gift you sent.  Are you not prepared to do that?  Maybe you aren't ready for the real world.  These are people who know and love you...and wish for your success...what about those competing against you?  

• You sent an invitation to an event....that you know they will not attend.  You counted on it actually because you only had four tickets to the actual graduation.  (What would you have done if I REALLY showed up!?!?!?)   So let's talk about the REAL reason you sent the invitation....a GIFT.  Of course, you need to fund your dorm room...or maybe some of you will buy books a computer or something!  I'm in!  I did it!  But I wrote a Thank You note for EVERY gift I received and you should too.  Here's why:  People expect them.    If you didn't give me a hug, call me to thank me, or send a biplane over my house saying thank you (notice I didn't say Text me - for the love of God do not text a thank you)  for the gift, you better spend 2 minutes of your summer break thanking me for the monetary gift I sent you...Yes you have time - we're friends on Facebook -- remember?

• College Grads - create a linked in Profile and connect with all of these adults you are inviting to your graduation.  You never know who might connect you to your next job.   You're being responsible and sending them a Thank You note!

• Don't know what to say in your  Thank You note?  Come on, it's time to use that education your parents paid for....GOOGLE IT.

• Did your parents tell you that you didn't have to send a note?  You do.  They lied.  If you do not take the time to thank someone for a gift - you didn't deserve a gift.

So the devil's advocate of my rant would say...it's wrong to give a gift and expect something in return.  True.  And I'm not expecting a $100 out of their first paycheck.  The Thank You note is not about the note itself, it's about the time spent writing it.  Taking time out for others -- is the art of gift giving.