For the month of February, I will be running a series on etiquette! I will touch on a variety of topics, one per post, that I think are relevant in 2016. The first topic? The handwritten note! I know that I am traditional when it comes to correspondence- I believe that a note is appropriate for every occasion, and some occasions demand a note! However, that train of thought has long fallen off of the tracks in modern society, and notes, letters, and cards are often met with surprise. I might stick out for it (bad or good, I guess that depends), but I think that handwriting a note for someone can make a big statement.
I write small cards for all of Junior Circle for our monthly meeting- I also try to write notes every 6-8 weeks to my friends living in other places. My goal is to write notes, cards, and letters to everyone, and to make them truly personal. Aside from my Junior Circle notes, my goal for February and March is to write and send or mail one card per week to a different person! So, to make sure that I am still up to date, I decided to visit the Emily Post Institute for the correct etiquette and forms! Please check out the post on “Writing Personal Letters” here.
I prefer to write shorter notes more frequently, myself! I make sure to keep a small stock of cards on hand- the large majority are from the 2 for $3 bins at Michaels. Each pack typically contains 6 cards; 12 cards for $3 is a great deal! I prefer this to the large bulk packs for more variety. I try to keep a good balance of images, “Hello”, “Thinking of You”, and “Thank You” cards, with different themes. It gives it the little extra touch if the front of the card is related to the receiver in some way!
So, according to Emily, what do you need to do when writing a letter? Address and date in the top right corner! I personally deviate from this and place my address on the envelope for mailing. I do always put the date in the upper right corner, though. The future archivists of our correspondence will thank you 🙂 The body of the letter? Good and bad news, answers to previously asked questions, and any questions you have! TL;DR: “Include only information you would be happy for other people to see“.
Yes, letters and cards are more private- it is not public like sharing a post on someone’s wall, tagging them in a post, or tweeting at them. But I believe that is what makes it more meaningful. It is specifically for the receiver; the giver receivers no personal “credit” or publicity from sending it.
I challenge you to send a note or letter to someone! It doesn’t have to be long or incredibly detailed, but something small to brighten someone’s day.
Do you still write letters?? Do you think it should be brought back, or is truly outdated??
Until tomorrow,
The Historian!
*All cards were purchased at Michaels on 30 January, 2016, if you are interested in picking them up!
I used to be a good letter writer when I was younger, especially with older relatives. Sadly most of them have passed away now. I keep meaning to write little cards to friends I don’t see often but I only seem to do it at Christmas. My intention was to send homemade cards.
Oh, wow, homemade cards would be wonderful! I used to scrapbook and make cards, but sadly I haven’t in years and have nothing left now 🙁 And it did take me quite some time to get into the habit of sending them!! Cheers 🙂
I adore hand written notes, and etiquette! I love writing cards because it makes me so happy to receive them. I think it’s a fun way to keep in touch with someone.
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Should be brought back. I still have greeting cards from my school days, very old family letters and postcards, hand written notes of my college days when laptop or iPad wasn’t around and so much more.
Exactly! How are we going to look back on emails and text messages?? We all have those special saved notes, it would be such a shame to lose them!