Heidi Bender
Getting anything that is handwritten in the mail is rare.
I am talking about actually handwritten. Sometimes a business will send a thank-you note that looks handwritten, but was actually written by a robot pen. And once you realize that, it can feel like another piece of junk mail.
Writing and mailing notes takes more effort than sending a digital message; however, the recipient of the card will likely feel delighted to receive something in the mail that’s not a bill or an advertisement.
Here are 3 more reasons to keep writing handwritten notes.
The Effort is Rare
Anyone with a smartphone can send a thank-you text or encouraging message in seconds.
Those texts are valuable as well. However, there may be occasions where you want to make the effort to write a handwritten message.
Most people would probably struggle to remember the last time they received a handwritten note. My family is probably an exception, where my mom sends thank-you cards.
The extra effort to write a handwritten note is appreciated by most, since it’s rare.
Handwriting forces you to slow down and thoughtfully consider what you want to say. After all, the person may keep your words forever!
If you’re writing a thank-you note and don’t know what to say, I’ve written up hundreds of examples (before AI was a thing) for many thank-you situations.
If writing a letter or longer note feels too hard or overwhelming, start by sending a postcard where there is only room for about a sentence.
I’ve been doing a project where I’m hand-painting cards to mail. Creating your own cards is extra and not necessary, but painting cards is something I already enjoy.
You can see the cards in this playlist with short videos:
Greater Personal Connection
When someone takes the time and effort to write a handwritten note and send it in the mail, it can feel more personal.
Even if you were to have sent the same words in a text message, a handwritten note feels a little bit more personal.
Handwritten notes can help to build and strengthen a relationship. Seeing someone’s handwriting can make a note feel special compared to digital words that look the same, no matter who sends it.
A Small Treasure
I have some handwritten notes that my grandma sent to me that I saved. She passed about ten years ago.
Now, having a card with her handwriting feels special.
While not every note needs to become a keepsake, seeing the handwriting of a loved friend or family member can feel like a treasure once they are no longer with us.
Sending a card to someone so that they have a little piece of you after you pass does sound a little morbid when I write it out. And when my grandma sent me cards, she probably wasn’t thinking that at all.
So, let’s reframe this Treasure. The card could be something they value for weeks or months. If you sent them a note of encouragement, they might reread it when having a tough day.
Challenge
I challenge you to send one handwritten note to someone in the next month. See how it feels. Maybe it will become a new hobby.
Slowing down to write a note also helps you to think about the person and perhaps appreciate your friendship with them.
Read Next:
- Handwritten Thank You Notes: When To Start Over After a Mistake
- 3 Easy Tips to Make AI-Written Thank You Messages Sound Like You