I'm Bringing Snail Mail Back

I do a lot of communicating with friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, colleagues and others via devices, typically my phone or computer. LinkedIn. Facebook. Twitter. Blog comment sections. Email. Texting. E-vite. Someecards. 

Sometimes, I'm so "connected" that I forget who knows what or where I said what. There has been an occasion (or two) where I've had a party and used Facebook to invite my friends only to realize the day of the get-together that so-and-so is not on Facebook and was not invited. Yikes! Or I post something on Facebook and just assume that a friend saw/read the post and pictures and knows that I've been on a great trip, and so I don't bring it up the next time we're having coffee. C6 is turning 7 and I invited the kids via their parent's emails. Creative, no! Lazy, yes!

And here's the thing. I LOVE getting mail. No, not the "junk" or "bill" snail mail, but personal mail where someone has taken the time to lick or tape an envelope, print or write my address, add a stamp and place the card, letter, note, article etc. in the mail.  That's one of the greatest things about the holiday season: going to the mailbox and getting the red, silver, blue and white envelopes with little treasures inside, of photos of my friends and their families and reading their notes.  

I think other people love it too. My theory is that people love it even more so now, because it's become so rare (in my case anyway) to receive a card, invitation, or note in the mail from a friend or family member. I did a little experiment to see if my theory was true. Very unscientific to be sure, but fun, nonetheless.

This past week, I sent three cards to three friends of mine. It wasn't their birthday. No one had died. Neither had a new baby or house. I just sent three cards to let these friends know, that I was thinking of them and that I appreciated them. Each of those friends responded and indicated that they were "surprised" or "touched" and that it had put a smile on their face. Ok, so far, theory holds true.

Part II of experiment: I  am co-hosting a Girls Night Out Party for some moms to raise money for our school. All of these moms "signed up" and "paid" to come to the party—so they know all about it. But, I decided, for the love of snail mail (and my experiment), to send out actual invitations. The response has been similar. The few moms I have talked to expressed, "Oh, the invitation was great!" and "Loved the invite." Yes, the invite was cute, but I really think the expression is based in part on getting something other than the "Value Pages" in the mail. A little treasure. Theory holds true. I think we all used to act this way when we heard those words "You have mail," which has now just turned into a little buzz or bing on our handy phones, depending on your setting. 

So, I guess my point is, that I'm adding a "new" device to my repertoire of communicating with friends. Snail mail. So, my friends, if you get a little something in the mail from me, I hope you "like" it or "will be attending."