Letter writing is truly a lost art – a vintage skill, if you will. The flow of the pen gracefully etching out your thoughts to someone… The mere thought of it gives me chills. I know it is crazy to think about letter writing in this text-crazy world where attention spans are about 5 minutes long. But oh how I miss them. Even the little notes my girlfriends and I used to write during class, wrap up and pass in the hallways. They were sweet treasures and we need to bring the lost art of letter writing back to life!
The Lost Art of Letter Writing
Letters used to be a staple of communication. Sending news, keeping war-separated lovers connected, sharing a tasty bit of gossip in the halls (not that I condone that) or a way to make a friend half way around the world. Letters recorded our thoughts, our history. I have some lovely letters that my grandfather wrote my grandmother during WWII. They are some of my dearest possessions; filled with love, sentiment, news and some of the most beautiful penmanship I’ve ever seen.
Where are these splendid treasures in the 21st century? Do they still have a place in our text crazed world where we can’t be bothered typing full words, using proper grammar or punctuation? I believe they do – but we must give this art a new revival!
I have a mission – it is to convince others that handwritten letters should and could make a comeback! Let me share with you my 10 reasons to revive letter writing; I think I can bring you back!
5 Reasons to Bring Back Letter Writing
- Handwriting is personal
There is nothing quite like the personal touch of a handwritten letter. The paper filled with the ink of someone’s pen; and the handwriting that is unmistakably their own. This handwriting took effort, training (or lack of it) – it isn’t a font downloaded from a website. There is nothing quite a personal as someone’s handwriting. - Letter writing takes time and thoughtfulness
A text or an e-mail isn’t usually well thought out. It is a mere convenient way to send a few thoughts or a list. But letter writing takes time, effort and reflection. A page of our thoughts, love and news. Let’s be honest, physically writing out a page of words takes more time and energy then hastily typing out a few lines of text or e-mail. - They are worth saving – not easily deleted
We tend to save letters. I still have some from jr. high in my memory box. I have a letter my grandma wrote me shortly after I got married with recipes and marital advice in it. Letters can’t just be deleted in a whim. These get tucked away in drawers, files and boxes for later enjoyment. - The simple joy of getting something in the mailbox besides bills
I don’t know about you but I used to be excited to check the mail. That ended years ago as my mailbox became a bill box. But oh the joy when I get a handwritten note or card! There is nothing quite like walking inside with that little envelope, peeling it open and taking in the gift it offers…truly. - They outlive you
Far after we are gone, no one will care about the million texts we may have sent. But a letter will last. It can even be passed down to the generations to come. Can you think of a single e-mail that would be worth printing out and storing away? Letters are legacy!
So perhaps I’ve encouraged or convinced you; I hope I have. But maybe you’re wondering how can you get started. Well I have some thoughts on that too!
5 Ways to Revive The Vintage Skill of Letter Writing
- Buy some beautiful stationary
Find something that really represents you; and consider having it personalized. You’ll be more apt to use something you like and your recipient will be even more delighted with the little touches and steps you took. - Keep good pens on hand
There is something to be said for a good pen. I’m not saying you have to go out and buy a $50 pen. But maybe, instead of buying the $1 pack of pens, you pick out one that has great flow. Pick out one that is comfortable to hold and has a color that is pleasing to read. - Make a commitment to take some time to write
Take some time out of your week to sit down and write those letters. Carve it out of your schedule or it may never happen! - Send your letters with a stamped return envelope
Want to give yourself a better chance at receiving a response? Send a return envelope with your address all filled out and put a stamp on that puppy! Not only does that communicate that you want and expect a response; it give them a few less excuses… - Find a pen pal with a passion for letters
If all else fails seek out a pen pal that loves writing and receiving letters. This could be a family member, a friend or you can join a pen pal service (check out this list).
I hope that you are encouraged to take up pen and paper and revive the lost art of letter writing!
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This is a wonderful post! You would have convinced me to begin writing real letters, if it weren’t for the fact that I already do! I also like to make every letter fun for the recipient even before it’s opened, by decorating the envelope.
An idea I’d like to mention: For those who enjoy writing unselfishly, so that someone else can receive happy mail, consider adopting a deployed Soldier to support. You may not get a reply, but you will know you’re putting a smile on someone’s face at mail call. (There are several websites that will link you with a Soldier; AAUSS is a good one, and it’s free.)
I love writing letters. And I agree that it is a lost art. What a great post.
Me too! I think we need to be teaching this lovely skill; e-mails and texts are just so cold in comparison.
A Letter. A Real Letter. On real paper, using real pens – Sigh. They show not just your thoughts, but also every mistake that occurs. Unless I have a whole bunch of mistakes, they get to see all of my scratch outs and ^ to include a word or two. Sometimes there are tear marks when what you are writing is particularly sad. Sometimes the stationery is fragranced. And don’t forget a SWAK. As I have included in my letters to my adopted deployed service members, Email and such may be quick and convenient, but it just loses something.
I write letters but i don’t have a penpal, i write letters for my future self, future friends, future boyfriend/husband, and for my friends, family members to read in the future
I love that idea!
Really a nice one . It’s an awesome idea . I loved it ……….. Our coming up generations could also enjoy reading it . They will get to know more about our years . It would be fun . U can even preserve those letters. A text or an email can be deleted in a second but letters can be preserved for later enjoyment 😉
Love both letter writing and sending cards but it’s rare I find many who enjoy it as much as I do, finding a penpal is the key for sure, lovely written article, thank you,
I do as well. There is also something so special about getting REAL mail these days. <3
I loved your article. I recently started what I’m caLying “The Pen Pal project” with my nieces who range in age from 25-11. I sent them a start up package with notecards (a lot) , stamps, pens and each other’s addresses as we cover four different states. They all seem interested and excited but I haven’t seen too many notes come my way…yet. Especially during this stay at home time, I’m hoping this will catch on. Fingers crossed!
We are kindred souls. I did the same thing with my nieces when they started college. We still write; even though one lives in my same city. I started a FB group, but I am not good at keeping up with it..this has reignited my fire for this mission. Thank you for posting!
You’ve just reinforced my belief in letter writing! I have a number of pen pals who range in age from 12-75! I enjoy exchanging letters and notes in a variety of different ways with each of them. Our public library has just started a pen pal program. I’ve also coordinated a pen pal project between my elementary students and my dad’s Vietnam army buddies for 20 years now. We’ve really enjoyed our classroom version of “mail call”. Thanks so much for your suggestions! Keep writing!
I love “mail call” that’s so fantastic!!!
I still have a note that my grandmother wrote me. I keep it in my valuables place. It means a lot to me.
I have a few from family members that have passed, and they are precious to me too. <3
my husband can’t understand why I still send out Christmas cards to everyne on my list. I always write long notes to keep everyone updated on what’s been happening during the year. It’s sad when I just receive a preprinted & pre signed card from family & friends, I enjoy reading the updates on eveyrone. Same with birthday & holiday cards. Kids in school don’t even learn to write, only print and the handwriting is horrible! I sernd lots jof cards to my granddaughter — she’s 9 months old– I wonder if she will even be able to read my handwriting when she’s older ( I don’t print only write cursive). We need to bring back the art of teaching kids to write!!!!
Hi Frances! Don’t be discouraged. I can tell you that homeschoolers are still teaching cursive – in fact goal #1 is to improve me teen’s cursive handwriting over the summer. I have always been a printer but recently even I have started working on my cursive – it is NEVER too late!!! <3
Being home-bound, the mail is my connection to reality.
I’m also a letter writer & I enjoy coloring. So I write on the back of my colored pages!
I still enjoy coloring too. My kids gave me a chicken coloring book a few years back, very detailed.
Excellent post! I am required to use text and computer for business but I prefer to write letters and cards for personal communication whenever possible. This allows me to slow down and thoughtfully consider what I am saying
Hi Skye! That is exactly why I like to keep a paper and pen journal too. Sadly, in the age, we need to LOOK for ways to slow down!!! Thanks for stopping by.
I started writing letters when my best friend moved away after 8th grade. That was 49 years ago and we still write to each other! One of our favorite books is “Gift of a Letter” by Alexandra Stoddard.
Oh my goodness, that’s fantastic!!! I will definitely look that book up too. Thank you!