My parents have always stressed the importance of writing thank-you notes after receiving gifts, being invited to things, staying at people's houses, etc. Though I rarely write them (lack of time, bad memory, a feeling that saying thank you in person was probably enough and better for the environment, no expectations for getting any from others), I do feel bad about not doing so.

I was wondering if anyone else was raised with similar expectations, and how you feel about giving and/or receiving such notes? I'm torn between thinking its a useless practice, and thinking it might be a nice way to let people know they're appreciated and not being taken advantage of.