writing letters seems out of date

@tigeraunt (6326)
Philippines
January 29, 2011 1:00am CST
well, not to me. i just received a beautiful letter from a friend in UK. in these days of email and cell phones, very few people write hand-written letters nor do they receive such letters. email is instant but i just feel it lacks the physical and personal touch. although it is cheaper because there is no postage and trip to the post office to mail it. i use to do pen pal writing before when i was younger and receive such letters. i had a friend from hongkong and another from texas. letter writing have its own charm. i still do send letters to special friends, send birthday cards on birthdays and anniversaries. do you still write letters the old fashioned way? ann
4 people like this
26 responses
@celticeagle (159227)
• Boise, Idaho
31 Jan 11
One of my oldest and dearest friends is not computer savvy and isn't comfortable using one. Because of this she and I write snail mail. Postage does become a problem sometimes due to lack of fuds. It is fun to write and although I don't do it as much as I used to I do try to get a lettter written a couple times a month. It is good practice too. Keeps the fingers limber and the mind alert.
@celticeagle (159227)
• Boise, Idaho
20 Feb 11
Patience is a dying art. Used to be quite a character builder.
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
20 Feb 11
hi celticeagle, i find this very true. i see my officemates getting very dependent on computers that when they are required to make reports in handwriting, it is comparable to writings of the doctors. am not saying the thought in it. am saying the handwriting. they complain later that they find it difficult to write already. lack of practice. ann
1 person likes this
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
31 Jan 11
Hi ann,I too love receiving and writing the occasional letter by hand. My daughter writes to me sometimes and she too loves writing and receiving letters by post.I preserve all hand written letters sent or given to me by friends and family .I have a letter written by my mother 25 years ago while I was away and I find it really nice going through all the letters received at various periods in my life .I too send Birthday greetings by post though it has become less frequent now because of the telephone connectivity ....all the best n have a great day
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
20 Feb 11
You are absolutely right ann. I wish we could go back in life when lifestyle was so much simpler and people had the time and patience to enjoy life to the maximum unlike now when we are doing everything in a rush ! have a relaxing Sunday and a great week ahead
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
20 Feb 11
hi kiran, like i use to say, nothing beats the effort you place in a snail mail. and when time comes when you have to re read those that you have kept, there is just that feeling of awe and longing to be back in those times you have written letters and received those replies. have a very good weekend. ann
@goldeneagle (6745)
• United States
4 Feb 11
I remember the days before email and other forms of modern communication. I remember when we actually had to wait days or even weeks for a letter or package to be delivered. I remember the days when we didn't have cell phones to inconvenience us throughout the day. I don't remember the last time I actually wrote a letter and mailed it to someone. Maybe I should do it just to remember what it was like to do it back then.
1 person likes this
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
20 Feb 11
hi goldeneagle, it is just so exciting. i wonder what other adjectives you can say here when you wait for something and when the time comes and you get hold of it.. the feeling of contentment and happiness just cant be placed on hold. have a great day. ann
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
31 Jan 11
Hi tigeraunt! I must admit that I do miss getting a letter in the mail, at least a personal letter every now and then. The only letters that I do get are the ones from places I don't want to hear from, like bill collectors! I do write cards now and then and send them the old fashioned way! I still write to my Mom because she still doesn't want to come into the computer age!
1 person likes this
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
13 Feb 11
Hi tigeraunt! Love your name, as I am a "tiger/cat lover" to begin with! I still enjoy sending birthday cards and handwritten card once in awhile. I sent my Mom's B-Day card today by "snail mail". I didn't have any other choice! I really think that even if she does get a computer (which I've almost convinced her to at 81 years old that she still would expect her birthday cards in the mail!
1 person likes this
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
12 Feb 11
hi opal, letter writing may seem old fashioned but nothing can beat the joy of getting one handwritten as compared to an email. have a very nice day. ann
@maezee (41997)
• United States
29 Jan 11
Letters seem to be becoming obselete (with technology and all) but I do think that people still write them. I write my friends notes and always send cards on birthdays/holidays. I just like it. I like doing it. It feels a lot more personable than just writing an email or even sending an "e-card" (or whatever they're called). Plus, I love being on the receiving end of 'snail mail' -I really do. I save most letters, cards, and post cards I receive.
1 person likes this
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
30 Jan 11
dear maezee, the words "snail mail" made me smile. well it may not be the meaning of it but if one sends the letter on the post and compares the same to the email.. yes, it really could be called snail mail. i just love the surprise of letters from the posts. i do keep all letters too. its, well, kind of difficult to explain.. but just seeing them and re reading brings back so much memories. have a nice day. ann
• Philippines
1 Feb 11
Letters maybe obsolete but it is still sweet. I text my girlfriend everyday and I chat with her sometimes but once in a while I send her letters. And I make sure it's a nice one. I even enjoy reading letters. Yes, It makes you sentimental and it makes you remember the past. It makes you smile and I think it takes a lot of effort to keep those letters and cards. I lost like 75% of the letters that I received. Don't know why..maybe I'm not good in keeping things..lol. anyways It's really fun to read those letters after some time.
30 Jan 11
I could not agree with you more. I mean it is far cheaper to email than to text, or call, or write a letter. A letter in your own hand writing plus words that come from the heart says so very much, it makes the occasion when reading the letter more enjoyable. Plus it is great to hold it in your hands, you can't do that with an email, text message or phone call. Everytime when i went on holiday i always found romance and i would always write to them when the holidays were over as we were apart, it is a wonderful thing to do. Yes now we have mobile phones and emails, gone really are the times of writing a letter and posting it. I don't hve anyone to write to but when i did do it, it really was special and from the heart. With the other things available, it just really makes us that bit more lazy really.
1 person likes this
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
30 Jan 11
hi craigy, there is just this magic very difficult to explain when one reads on a handwritten letter. it makes one feel so special that these emails just cant beat. i guess its not really gone yet... i agree, people are just a bit lazy. have a nice day. ann
31 Jan 11
I know exactly what you mean. There just seems to be so much more from a hand written letter, it says more to you in a different way. Both emails and what you can do on a mobile phone just don't come close to hand written letters at all. I used to love the fact that sometimes you could smell the scent of the person's perfume on the letters, those were the days. Now it seems that writing letters is old fashioned, but in many ways i love them.
@RawBill1 (8531)
• Gold Coast, Australia
30 Jan 11
Wow, that is pretty amazing in these days Ann, to get a real letter! I have not written or received a letter written in real handwriting for many years. I do get Christmas and birthday cards from my grandparents, but that is all. I actually prefer to receive email as it does not waste paper. I do know what you mean though about email not being as personal.
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
30 Jan 11
hi rawbill, i still do, handwritten on sweet scented stationary paper. emails and chats are faster, but nothing can beat the personal touch of a handwritten letter. have a nice day. ann
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
1 Feb 11
I have to admit that it has been a long time since I've hand written a letter to someone. I think that one of the reasons that I don't handwrite letters anymore is because of the fact that you kind of loose contact with people's physical addresses but you are able to hold on to their email addresses. I know that is the case for me. I've been able to get back in contact with old friends of mine through the computer but I know to have sent handwritten letters to their old addresses would have done nothing to get back in touch with them.
1 person likes this
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
20 Feb 11
hi dora, they probably are no longer in their old addresses hence the internet is a much better way to get in touch with them. but u can get them to give u the correct addresses and when special days that needs personalized greetings comes, then you can write to them and/or send them a card. thank you for your response. ann
@jterrock (276)
• United States
30 Jan 11
I have pen pals that I write to from all over the world! I really enjoy writing letters also. It is just nice to receive something other than bills in the mail! It is fun to get know others, even though I don't get to meet them in person. I have had pen pals for a long time, since I was in high school. A couple of them I still write to. So, I have pen pals that I have written for over 12 years! I still haven't met them in person, but maybe one day I will get to. But, yes, I LOVE writing snail mail letters! It is fun!
1 person likes this
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
30 Jan 11
hi jterrock, its so nice to know there are still those who love to make letters in their own handwriting. the newbees and the young ones just dont know the fun and contentment of being able to compose one and receiving the same. i guess they are missing a lot. have a very nice day. ann
@LadyDD (515)
• Romania
30 Jan 11
Writing letters has the same special charm as reading physical books instead of electronic books. I don't know the mechanism that works, but I feel I have other inspiration when writing down on paper, letters or notes. Maybe be it is something inside the human being in general. That's why also many writers still use paper to write their works. Yes, emails are faster, but letters are physical and can be touched and kept in their envelope as souvenirs.
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
30 Jan 11
hi lady, one can only write letters when he/she is inspired, sad, depressed, etc. so emotions take a real part in its birth. it takes someone with real heart to be able to compose a beautiful letter. i have kept every single letter i got. and everytime i re read them, i feel like am young again. have a nice day. ann
• China
30 Jan 11
No i don't write letters the old fashion. Usually i call people if i need or send them email. I never write any old fashion letter. But i think it's very interesting. So if i ever get chance then of course i will write old fashion letter. In school i have learned how to write old fashion letter.
1 person likes this
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
30 Jan 11
hi dream, you do it so practically that there is not much of a labor and charm in it. you should try making one and dont be afraid to be told that it is corny. it doesnt have to be a love letter. you can just greet someone and inform of what is happening lately. that would have more personal touch. try. have a very nice day. ann
• Philippines
30 Jan 11
I wish someone would send me an old-fashioned letter. It would feel more personal and I get to keep it and not just read something of the internet or some such. I think I'll send one today to my childhood friend back home. Thanks tigeraunt for reminding me how good it would feel.
1 person likes this
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
30 Jan 11
hi akiadranem, i can only guess that you are still in your teens or early twenties. but way back during my days, i get lots of them.. and some little handwritten notes. and would you believe, i have kept them all these years. i still get them now, but not as many as before. have a great day. ann
1 person likes this
• Philippines
30 Jan 11
Hello tigeraunt!!! Very strong name!!! Your right about sending letters, it is more appreciative because of the personal touch... I too, when I was younger I write penpal letters, sometimes on a stationary paper, those that have very good scents. But today I dont do it anymore, i use the Internet, the email, the chat and other soacial network, its fast and easy....
1 person likes this
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
30 Jan 11
hello moneyonline, better believe, i still send them. handwritten on stationary paper and also it is sprayed with some clean scent. i love the thought of the recepient getting the scent as the letter is opened. i cant help but smile. maybe emails and chats are faster. but nothing can beat the personal touch of a handwritten letter. have a nice day. ann
• Philippines
30 Jan 11
hi tigeraunt, I still do even the technology changed the way we send letters i still go for snail mail for me it's something special in fact just last week i went to post office and drop many cards for my friends not just around the globe but also to a friends who are here in Philippines. I prefer snail mail to send letters or cards in special occasions . happy posting
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
30 Jan 11
hi baby, i am sure you are a very sweet lady. and friends will love you even more with all of your efforts of sending them cards and letters. have a very wonderful day. ann
@savypat (20216)
• United States
29 Jan 11
Do to lack of use my writing has become unreadable. I use to write a lot but with e-mail I just don't do it. I will send a card for a marriage, birthday or new baby and include money.
1 person likes this
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
29 Jan 11
hello pat, that is usually what my aunt in texas does when sending a letter or a card. there is always a few dollars together in it. i just remembered her now through you. guess i should write her a letter again. have a nice day. ann
@sender621 (14894)
• United States
29 Jan 11
It's a personal touch to receive a letter from someone you know. Most people have gotten out of the habit of writing a letter. It's just quicker to email or pick up the phone. Even social network sites are used to keep people connected with each other. It may take some extra time, but letter writing shows that you care.
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
29 Jan 11
hi sender, that's a beautiful thing that you said there. i like it. letter writing (by the hand) shows that you care. have a nice day. ann
• India
29 Jan 11
Sweety It may seem out dated to the present day youth, but i belong to the older generation, you know that well. i always write letters to my special friends, I use special sheets that has floral motifs, though it takes time, and spray perfume over them Hope you have preserved all letters and cards sent to you and your hubby. Thank you so much for this nice discussion.. Professor ‘Bhuwan’. . Cheers have a lucky day ahead.
1 person likes this
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
29 Jan 11
hi professor, i have preserved all of it. i like keeping letters and cards and then re reading them again and again. call me sentimental.. thats what i am. every little thing means a lot to me. have a nice day. ann
• Indonesia
29 Jan 11
I admit that I'm way too lazy to write a letter but I'll be really happy to receive one. Hand writing is full of personal touch, and sometimes can make us feel emotionally contact. I guess I should try again sometimes.
1 person likes this
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
30 Jan 11
hi loveandpeace, thought there is the email and the chat.. i think there is nothing that could compete with a handwritten letter. it is a labor of love. have a nice day. ann
@Marmot (590)
• United States
29 Jan 11
I haven't write letter for a long time. Because there are more ways to communicate with my friends now. I use e-mail, message and phone calls mostly. Why I don'y use mail because it cost too much time. You know, if I send mails to my friends in the other province, it will take about a week until he can receive that. And if I mail a friend aboard, it will take months! But if I use e-mail, message, they are instantly. And of course, mail cost much more that e-mail and message. However, letter is a kind formal type. When we want to inform something important or formal. We still need to write a letter. Such like invitation card or official announcement.
1 person likes this
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
30 Jan 11
hi marmot, i wonder where my response went because i know i have already sent one. but i dont see it here. anyways, you like the fast way hence you lean more on email and messages. i can only say that these are very economical and serves its purpose but there is charm in sending and receiving handwritten letters. thank you so much for your response. ann
@hlgmdt (300)
• Philippines
29 Jan 11
I think of letters (handwritten) as a more personal way of getting in touch with people. Some of my friends who live in another country still send me postcards during special days such as my birthday and Christmas. It is a good feeling to open the envelope and read what's inside. I think it takes more effort to write a letter - from the writing to the sending, unlike email or social media sites where you could do it sitting on your desk.
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
30 Jan 11
hi hlgmdt, its more personalized and i guess people receiving are much happier getting it. its something like a labor of love. have a nice day. ann