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
