I’m not saying that I’m the best pen pal in the world
because life happens and gets busy so setting aside the time to handwrite a
letter can be difficult. But there are many joys that come from sending and receiving
a handwritten letter that sometimes you just have to make time to do it.
I have
a handful of friends who I write letters to and it’s very casual in the sense
that we don’t expect a response immediately. If anything we just send a quick
text saying “Got your letter!” or “Your letter is in the mail!” just so we know
that it didn’t get lost (which has happened to me before). Sometimes not even
knowing to expect a letter brings a bit of excitement when you open your
mailbox.
1. It’s more meaningful!
Honestly, as we get older most of the letters we receive in the mail are just
bills and promotional offers. Even notifications from social media in our
inboxes get deleted almost immediately once read. I always get excited when I
see that I have a handwritten letter waiting for me in the mail. Someone who I
know is trying to communicate with me and it feels great.
2. It takes time!
When
was the last time you sat down to write an actual page long letter? I’m not
talking about a quick list of things to buy at the grocery store but a whole
page written about your day or what’s going on. I mean, sure typing it would be
a breeze and sending a quick text or message is super simple but that’s not the
point. Sitting down and writing a letter
allows you to think more and develop what thoughts you’d like to share. The
person who receives the letter knows this and enjoys it.
3. They can be more than just letters!
I have a friend who is such a great artist that she draws all
over the envelope so not only am I getting a nice handwritten letter but I’m
getting a piece of art as well. I am not an artist at all but I love to seal
the envelope with a fun or cute sticker. I’ve had plenty of people tell me they
loved my letter and are holding on to the sticker by putting it on their
fridge.
4. Improve your own handwriting and decipher others!
My hand writing is not the neatest and I
know and fully accept this. It is at least legible especially when compared to
some of my friends who develop a squiggly-swirly type writing when they get in
a hurry. That’s sort of the fun part of letter writing though isn’t it?
Actually seeing someone’s handwriting rather than whatever font is used on a
certain website or messaging service. You learn how to decipher their writing
as if you’re solving a mystery of some sort.
5. It’s personal!
The people who we take the time to write letters to are obviously important to
us and they know that because we’ve taken the time to do so. We get a chance to
write about things we wouldn’t necessarily write about on social media. They’re
going to get the story first hand from us and possibly even be the only ones to
ever hear about it. This helps to develop a strong friendship with whoever you
may be writing to.
6. Sometimes it doesn’t even have to be a whole letter!
When I write a letter I want to make the
most of the stamp that I’m paying for. So I write two pages front and back
filled with stories and tales to my friends about what I’m doing while asking
or answering questions from the letter I’ve received. I travel quite a bit and
so it’s easy to pick up a postcard and write a quick little message such as
“Wish you were here so we could eat all this gelato together!” Then you can
take it to the lobby in the hotel you’re staying at and ask them to help you
mail it. Now you have a little hand written note that tells the person you’re
sending it to that you care. It also helps make a conversation topic for later.
7. Fancy stationary and envelopes!
I know I’ve mentioned drawing on envelopes and using stickers
but have you seen the fancy stationary and envelopes that people have created
for you to use? It’s all just super cute and half the time when I see it I
snatch it up to buy because I love the look of it so I can only imagine how
much my friends will love getting my letter in such a cute manner.
So don't forget to set aside some time to write a letter to
someone you care about today and show that you're thinking about them. It'll be
worthwhile and could lead to a deeper connection between the two of you than
you've had before.