These plays on words were inspired by a recent posting on one of the luxury retail stationery websites. I always admire articles or blogs that agree with or confirm my own beliefs.
If you are reading this in the UK, I am preaching to the choir when I extol the virtues of the written (preferably hand-written) word over e-mails, texts and tweets. Industry sources tell me that the UK ranks well ahead of its Mediterranean neighbours in letter writing and leaves its South American counterparts in the dust.
Perhaps this has something to do with the long-established and readily available postal system (Penny Post was introduced in England in 1680). However, numbers of letters being carried by Royal Mail have been declining since 2006, unsurprising given our increasing reliance on internet-based communications.
The Traditional British Post Box was first seen in Britain in 1809
But there are occasions in life that require a hand-written letter. If you doubt this, consider what your own reaction would be to receiving an e-mailed condolence message, congratulations on career success in a text, or a thank you message posted on social media along with pictures of you and your other guests.
Text messaging important news and offering our congratulations is unfortunately becoming more common
When you really mean something and sincerely want to convey it, (“Congratulations,” “Thank-you,” “I am so sorry”), write it down – on paper; sign it – in ink; put a stamp on it – not the postage meter; and put it in the mail.
Hand written Thank You Notes are still the most personal way of expressing our gratitude
The benefits are powerful and far-reaching but for anyone looking for the “What’s in it for me,” it will simply confirm and reinforce what everyone already knows about you – that you are a knowledgeable, socially aware, confident and considerate friend and colleague.
