You get a notification on your phone from the Fairfield University Mailroom – something arrived in the mail for you! Maybe it’s the new shirt you bought from a trending brand, or the new phone charger you express shipped yourself on Amazon Prime. Man, isn’t consumerism such a dopamine hit?
Except the alert says to go to the mail room, not a locker bank, meaning you got a physical letter. As in, pen and paper. Who even sends those anymore?
In our heavily digitalized age, we rely almost exclusively on technology to send messages. Text messages, phone calls, email or social media are what we opt for when we have something to say. And why wouldn’t we? These methods of communication are instant and convenient. Everyone has a cell phone and is constantly using it, meaning you could receive a reply in mere seconds.
But I feel that the more traditional process of writing letters is far more genuine and special than simply clicking “send.”
Using the ordinary postal system, or “snail mail,” as opposed to online mail, seems to be an outdated system. The process of writing your letter on paper, addressing and posting it, mailing it and waiting for it to arrive at your intended location may seem tedious and unnecessary, but the joy I receive from opening a physical letter is infinitely rewarding.
Taking the time to handwrite a letter to somebody shows that you’re willing to dedicate effort to them and demonstrates affection. There’s a reason why written love letters are such a big trope in rom-coms and emotional love stories: they’re sincere, from the heart, and display a deep appreciation for the recipient.
I also love the creative aspect of snail mail. You can add doodles, stickers, unique stamps, and even go as far as decorating the envelope that contains your letter. Similar to journaling or scrapbooking, letter writing can be used as a creative outlet.
Maybe it’s the childhood nostalgia that contributes to my love for letters. I can recall all the way back in second grade being “pen pals” with a girl from a local school. It was so fun to write to her every few weeks, providing the very exciting life updates of a seven-year-old and getting to know a new friend.
It’s also always fun to have something to look forward to. While it may not be something physical you purchased online, awaiting a response from a loved one in the mail can be just as exciting. How nice would it be to be surprised with a letter from home on a busy college day?
So, while you may not get the immediate gratification of a response when opting for the traditional U.S. postage system, I think everyone should craft a handwritten letter to a friend or family member every once in a while. (Unless there is a pressing matter – by all means, please text or call!) Reach out to a few people and ask to do a letter swap, and help revive the art of letter writing.
