I’ve had an epiphany of sorts. . . you know, a realization. . . that I’m now one of the older set.
Too young for the seniors, but too old and wise for the younger generation. . . oh heck, I must be middle aged!
The catalyst for this revelation was my recent rant and rave about letter writing etiquette. . . or rather lack of.
You may remember my post last week about the lost art of letter writing, where my teddies are enjoying a courtship based on old fashioned love letters.
Few people actually exchange letters via snail mail anymore. Nowadays we’re all about quick e-mails, Facebook wall posts and Tweets. But the handwritten letter is personal because it requires more thought, more time, and some creativity.
Receiving a personal letter is so rare these days; it can feel like a gift. I still like to take the time to surprise friends with a handwritten note. I ask you, who doesn’t like getting mail? Especially mail that doesn’t come with those little see through windows in them. . . we all know they are the costly ones – bills! Opening a pretty envelope with a handwritten note from a friend is a sure way to brighten someone’s day.
My husband and I still exchange notes/letters. What is more romantic than receiving a love letter. . . a good old fashioned, hand-written love letter? You don’t have to be Shakespeare to write the perfect love letter. All you need to know is how you feel. What makes a love letter so romantic is that it is deeply personal. It shows your beloved how well you know them, and that knowledge is the very stuff of love.
Sooooo, there I was having the rant about the lost art of letter writing and in particular thank you notes. Does anyone bother with thank you notes anymore? It doesn’t have to be hand written. . . clearly I realize that technology is here to stay. . . what about a thank you text or email. . . an appreciative comment on Facebook etc?
When I was growing up. . . yes, way back in the olden days of the 70’s, it was generally accepted that you show your gratitude for gift givers by sending out thank you notes. It shows your appreciation for the gift they gave as well as the thoughtfulness of their generosity.
I still like to say thank you. Thank you for helping me out. . . thank you for having us over for dinner. . . thank you for your support. It’s a little thing I know, but one that shows people you appreciate them.
I’m glad that schooling has changed and grateful that kids these days are far more advanced and educated, but there’s still a place for etiquette lessons in school.
I was thrilled to receive two thank you notes this past week for something I did. . . both were electronic and from girls of the ‘older’ set. They made me feel appreciated and acknowledged. They didn’t have to do it. . . people rarely do these days, which made my thank you notes that much more special.
Hmmm. . . I suppose leaving blog comments is in the same vein. . . an acknowledgement of sorts or even just communication on a personal level. I’d like to say that I do appreciate everyone that takes the time to leave a comment on my blog and where possible, I always try to reply or visit your blog.. . . so thank you!
So my friends. . . do you still write letters or thank you notes?
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
I can’t remember the last time I wrote a letter, but I do make and send thank you cards whenever the occasion warrants it. Gifts, hospitality, etc. I seldon receive one in return, but at least I know I did the write thing. (pun intended)
Thank-you Kerryanne for reminding us of the “good old days” when old-fashioned manners were part of our everyday lives. I try to send thank-you notes, emails or even a phone call. We went to a wedding a few years ago and I’m still waiting for a thank-you from the happy couple!
I still write “thankyou Notes”. As for a letter I do from time to time to friends far away. I remember the dearest aunt of mine who lived in Rhode Island, U.S.A. whom I wrote to quite often. She loved my phone calls …BUT…when she received a note from me,it was a visit that she could take from her desk drawer anytime & visit with me mamy times over. She loved to feel the paper \i wrote on, like I was there with her. I always remember that . It meant soo much to me thinking that she would have many visits with that letter. Letters,,, Yes I do them & feel good . Blessings: Dianne
I don’t write letters as much as I used to but I do send ‘Thank yous’ – it is something I was brought up to do and think it is the least you can do to shown that you appreciate a person’s thought and generosity.
Younger family members expect much more expensive gifts these days but can’t be bothered to say thank you – a sad state of affaires.
Toni xx
I still write notes always tucking a little notes into my daughter’s lunch bag just to make her smile. We leave notes for each other if the routine is changed or just to say thankyou or have a good day. Please and thank you cost nothing to say but can mean a pot of gold for the receiver. I do still pen the odd letter too (g)
Que lindo es su Blog!!!!
Lamentablemente no hablo(y menos escribo!)en inglés….yo también disfruto mucho de las queridas cartas escritas a mano(y con una lapicera de tinta mejor!)pero es verdad,cada vez es menos frecuente recibir alguna,aunque de vez en cuando llega alguna de una amiga que nos alegra el alma.Elegir el papel,la tinta,el sobre son rituales que ya casi se han olvidado y que las nuevas generaciones ni conocen…yo también crecí en los 70′!
Saludos cordiales desde Buenos Aires,Argentina!
Amanda
I don’t write letters, however I do send cards, shock horror they are becoming appreciated!!!
I actually believe things may change! I also think it’s our Job as nagging Parents (LOL) to create the pattern
I do still write letters – very occasionally and I always send thank you notes! Kim
Yes I still write Thank you notes…in fact I have had the chance to do so just his week… a friend from church who knows life has been rather hectic for us lately made us a casserole and some biscuits(I just felt like crying I appreciated it so much)…
I was never a big writer but did write a few letters when I met my husband and he lived in Melbourne and I lived in Sydney.
I have only gotten into expressing myself with writing since having my blog.
I do love it when I get a hand written note, however long it is but with everyone I know running around and being so busy I don’t see it as much.
Lee:)