Handwritten notes are undeniably special. Believe it or not, I still have many of mine hidden away in my drawers and in my heart. There’s something about knowing that someone has taken the time to write out on paper what they want to say to you. In a world inundated with quick texts, Facebook Messenger, social media blasts and emails, handwritten letters stand out from the crowd. While technology has made our lives easier and more convenient, convenience isn’t always what we need.

Sometimes, we need to slow down and show others just how much we appreciate them. Sometimes, we need to take time to actually write what’s going through our minds and flooding our hearts. We need to show loved ones that they are so special to us that we will take several minutes out of our day to write notes to them, address the envelopes and take them to the mailbox.

Think about it: how many notifications have you gotten on your phone today? How many have surprised you or caught your eye? We’ve become desensitized to messages on a screen because, as sweet as they may be, they are fast and typically easy to send. They don’t require you to go anywhere and don’t have to hold more than a minute of your time. Sure, “Good morning” texts from your special someone are guaranteed to make you smile in the morning. But they can’t compete with a handwritten note in your mailbox or in your notebook, waiting to be read.

Unlike quick virtual messages, handwritten notes require effort, thought and time. You sit down and use your best paper or notecards for your message. If you’re using a pen, you’re especially careful with your words because there’s not a backspace or delete button. Thankfully, there’s no autocorrect to turn “ship” or “sass” into other words that you end up sending without proofreading. It’s just you, the pen and paper, and the world carries on around you while you write.

You may not even realize how much it means to the recipient. Today, handwritten notes have become such a rarity that it’s a pleasant surprise to see a personally addressed envelope. If you’re a college student, you understand what a joy it is to get a letter personally addressed to you that’s not a credit card solicitation or a coupon to the local pizza place. With handwritten notes, there’s something special about opening the envelope and reading a message someone wrote for you. You may have to get help deciphering the handwriting, but I can guarantee that it’s worth any trouble.

So the next time you want to thank someone or let them know you’re thinking of them, pause before you reach for your phone. Consider writing a personalized note to them instead. Who knows? It may just become your new favorite hobby.