Back in the old days, people stayed in touch by writing letters to each other. In today’s world, the majority of people are completely connected all day every day. It is nearly impossible to escape the never-ending buzzing and alerts emanating from our smart phones, computers, and even our cars. How, in such a short time span, have we transitioned from such a thoughtful form of communication as letter writing to the instantaneous and almost mindless text message? Letters are quickly becoming a thing of the past, and, at this rate, will likely become a lost art altogether in the near future.

I guess this can mostly be attributed to my old-fashioned Southern upbringing, but I still feel compelled to write thank you notes for anything remotely thoughtful or special. I also enjoy writing occasional letters to friends and family to let them know that I am thinking of them a little extra some days. For anyone who has ever gotten a letter in the mail, you understand the excitement felt when you check your mailbox and find a letter addressed to you (that isn’t just another bill). You also appreciate what a sweet gesture it is for someone to spend the time to write a handwritten letter, find your address, and take it by the post office to buy a stamp and send it to you.

Unfortunately, writing letters is no longer the norm, especially with younger age groups. Sure, we still send some birthday and Christmas cards, but it’s not often that people choose writing a letter as the ideal way to stay in touch with someone. It just takes too long for people who live in a world of instantaneous messaging back and forth. A month of conversation via letters can take only a matter of minutes with text messages. Common sense shows the obvious reason for choosing to send a quick text instead of a letter: it’s just faster.

But is faster always better? Sending a text message takes merely seconds, but a handwritten letter is more thoughtful. We will not enjoy the comfort found in a bundle of long-ago love letters, or treasure correspondence from family members. A letter can serve as a permanent reminder of a valued relationship, and it can be revisited as frequently as desired. Our more modern forms of communication are fleeting and convenient, allowing immediate and constant contact with others. So, the best form of communication probably depends on the situation. Technology allows for efficient and reliable communication, while a letter in the mail is still a great way to show someone how special they are to you. Regardless of the style of communication you prefer, the most important thing is to stay in touch with those you love!