Call me old-fashioned, but I still enjoy handwriting letters. Since a young age, I would always exchange words of endearment or thank family members for gifts with a handwritten letter. I was taught that it was more sincere and heartfelt, plus my grandparents have always enjoyed the vintage style of communication more.
With all things considered, why doesn't our newer generation handwrite letters anymore? Of course, there are a plethora of practical reasons why we don't use the ancient ways of communicating but it doesn't hurt to do it from time to time!
So here are five reasons why you should handwrite letters every once in awhile!
1. Your grandparents would most likely enjoy a handwritten letter.
Unless your grandparents are technologically savvy, they might appreciate a handwritten letter more. Have you ever seen an elderly person struggle with an iPhone or iPad? Handwriting letters are traditional to older people, and they would probably appreciate that you took the time to communicate in a manner that is easiest for them! Plus, give them a reason to use that dusty letter opener again!
2. It can improve grammar skills!
Have you every noticed that when you write an email or text you're sort of on autopilot and you don't really focus on how you're writing? Welcome to the luxury of autocorrect! Our generation is so used to having a program that fixes all of our grammatical mistakes for us that in reality, our grammar is probably dreadful! Handwriting letters can force you to be more in tune with your writing, and you might make a few mistakes at first, but good thing we have erasers.
3. It's personal.
Handwritten letters go deeper than emails or text messages. Writing a letter to a loved one shows that you are devoted. Think about it; you took the time out of your day to construct a special note for someone. And when that significant other receives it, it will not only be a joyful surprise, but it proves that you care enough about that person to take the time to write something intimate.
4. It's a way to improve your handwriting!
Is cursive still a thing? If so, use it (don't let it die just yet)! Handwriting letters is a great way to practice your handwriting. If you tend to be a messy writer, handwriting letters might force you to slow down and take your time, which could improve your handwriting. Or, if you have beautiful handwriting, writing a letter might be a way for you to display that!
5. Handwritten letters never get lost in cyberspace.
Emails and text messages can get deleted or lost. And what a bummer it would be if you lost this heartfelt email from your significant other, who's currently in another state or country. You'd be devastated (I would be). So why not handwrite your feelings into a letter? That way your partner could have that tangible memory for life (as long as they don't misplace that as well).
I'm not advising you to handwrite a letter to your best friend when you just want to know what time to show up to her birthday party, but maybe consider writing to your partner or family members on occasions. I'm sure they'd appreciate your effort and will probably write you back!
