Nowadays, sending a letter to someone via postal mail is an obsolete form of communication. Many people use email or even social media platforms like Facebook. The reasoning behind it is quite simple: It’s so much easier to reach someone that way and postal mail and letters and can get lost in transit.
Nevertheless, I still send letters to friends who live in other states at least once a month. Here’s why:
Throughout the year, there are many holidays that will give you an excuse to write something to a friend — Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, and many more. I believe sending an e-mail is cool. But nothing reflects your feelings better than a greeting card. When you send your friend a letter on a special holiday, he or she will feel more appreciated since you took your time to sit down to write something for them or because you thought about that friend when picking up a greeting card. What’s more, it will make your friend’s day a whole lot brighter to see something in his/her mailbox other than the utility bill.
Additionally, paper letters are more private.
Many times I will find myself reading an email and having someone hover over my shoulder (either intentionally or not). Yes, I can always tell them “what are you looking at?” but I find that it is more private and personal when you are holding a letter than reading in front of the computer.
Letters can also be kept as a keepsake. They’re a great way to recreate memories from the past. At the same time, you can also recognize the sender’s handwriting and determine if the letter was legitimately written. Interestingly enough, old letters have even been used to solve cases by forensic researchers. So letters can be used as criminal tips.
Finally, there is so much you can say in a letter.
There is no character limit so you can freely express yourself. Plus, you can add fun stickers, draw something pretty, and even send your friends coupons, and other paper ephemera. There is even a penpal group called Pocket Letter Pals in which people swap mail with the idea of making new friends who enjoy scrapbooking and crafting.
Personally, I am a member of Pocket Letter Pals and I have been swapping “happy mail” with different people from around the world. It has given me the opportunity to become creative while also meeting others.
So, don’t be afraid to send a postcard or a letter to an old friend of yours, especially one who’s not on social media. They will be very glad to receive your letter. I can assure you of that based on my own experience.
Featured image via Pexels
