Nowadays getting in touch with people is easy—almost too easy. All we have to do is click a button on one of our devices and within seconds we’re able to contact and connect with our friends and family from all over the world. It’s incredible the things we’re capable of and how quickly we can communicate using our phones and computers. And while that’s all fine and dandy (and impressive), it still doesn’t beat the old-fashioned pen and paper method. Now don’t get me wrong, I love my devices just as much as the next guy, but no matter how advanced our technology becomes, an authentic hand-written letter has qualities that you just can’t find in a text message or face-to-face conversation.
1. They’re incredibly romantic.
If you don’t think letters are romantic, then you’ve got a lot to learn. It’s by far one of the most romantic gestures there is. It’s everything that romance is- pure, passionate, and vulnerable. And naturally, that’s all we really want anyway. We all want to be loved and we want to know it. A lengthy text message doesn’t stand a chance against a letter. Trust me when I say this— the power is in the pen!
2. We’re more open and honest.
Writing is something we tend to take seriously. Of course we may side track and crack a joke or two, but we always find our way back to the point. There is always a reason for a letter and because of that we reveal more of our genuine side. For once we have time to say what we truly mean, and so we do! We open up and share things we typically wouldn’t or don’t have the courage to say out loud.
3. It holds deeper meaning and shows we give a hoot.
Writing is a dense process, so we’re more careful with the selection and placement of our words. It takes time and effort. And that’s exactly why we should do it. It shows we care when we illustrate our thoughts and emotions for someone else. And when we put more effort into something it’s inevitable that it intensifies. It’s only natural to find deeper meaning and greater value in something made with care.
4. Things are less confusing.
All of those jumbled thoughts swirling around in your mind somehow find their place on paper— it’s like home. No matter how indescribable something might seem or feel or be in your head, it always finds a way to sort itself out once pen and paper meet. Everything makes more sense. Finding your true self can be complicated, so luckily writing has a magical way of helping us understand.
5. Liberation.
A letter comes with a great deal of satisfaction. We free ourselves by releasing our thoughts and feel a strong sense of accomplishment in justifying ourselves. Writing a letter is like committing a random act of kindness— but for our selves.. it’s just liberating!
6. It inspires and encourages rich literature.
Our language is teeming with wild color, amazing wit, and dazzling beauty, but the words we use on a daily basis are repetitive and boring. Intimate conversation begs for passionate, lively language just like bland conversation calls for dullness. The intimacy of writing a letter motivates us to explore new values, and basically makes us step up our vocabulary game.
7. We think.
Unlike the responses you send and receive through the phone, a letter requires some serious prep. You don’t just ‘wing it’, and respond instinctively with meaningless sentences. You have time to really think before you act. When you don’t think things through, there’s a good chance you’ll say something you don't mean. Or worse, something you’ll regret.. Letters are starting to sound better and better, aren’t they?
8. We get personal.
We don’t get as personal nearly as often as we should, but writing is as personal as it gets. We get naked when we write because we have to entirely rely on ourselves to justify our emotions and thoughts. There’s nowhere to hide, so we strip down from all the bullsh** and get real. Passion flourishes in this personal space. Getting personal is what we we’re meant to do— it’s what we live for.
9. The special effect.
While there are tons of different ways to talk to people and communicate feelings, there isn’t anything that does it like a letter can. The moment we begin reading, we lose ourselves in the essence of their words and let them devour our minds. We cherish that sincerity and tenderness. Letters are our own little treasures. There’s a reason we keep them safely tucked under our beds, resting comfortably in the same packaging we received them in just incase we ever need a reminder— it’s that special.
10. It’s brave.
Let’s face it, it doesn’t matter how ‘hard’ you are (or claim to be). Expressing your true feelings and being emotionally vulnerable is one of the most terrifying acts there is. Hiding and holding back what you want to say is easy, but opening up and letting someone in is the real challenge. It’s cowardly to hide your feelings, not tough. You have to be fearless, which of course is risky. But you know what they say— with great risk comes great reward!
