Today’s widespread use of Internet and mobile devices has led to the proliferation of many digital communication methods through email, instant messaging, texting and other apps. While these various services allow for the ease and speed of communication, sometimes nothing beats sending a little letter or postcard through the USPS.
Sending messages and physical copies of records is an idea that has been around almost as long as written language. During these times, only the very wealthy or elite could afford to do this at first as they used slaves to carry these messages and letters. While these ancient message carriers were not always reliable or speedy, they paved the way for other services to form and thrive throughout the years. And by the 18th century more people were able to send personal mail.
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I’m probably one of the few millennials who still enjoy writing that old fashioned letter or outdated postcard, but I’m not bothered by this. It still amazes me that I can hold a piece of paper with words on it in my hand, put it in an envelope, stick a stamp on it with someone else’s address, and in under a week, that person will open their mailbox to find that letter.
In this digital age of communication, I find analog methods work just as well, even if considered nonessential or obsolete by many. Snail mail is a way for me to let my friends know I’m thinking of them, especially while they study abroad or over long breaks. And since I keep an address book, all it takes is consulting a page to determine the intended destination of a piece of mail, instead of having to ask friends time and again for their addresses, which allows me to have the ability to surprise my friends with a postcard, small letter or a box. I like knowing that although I may not be near enough to see my friends, I can still say hello and give them a reason to smile.
Perhaps my fondness for sending snail mail stems from my mom, who writes to many pen pals across the U.S. and around the world. I grew up seeing her writing and sending letters, so the idea of mailing things is not foreign to me.
Along with sending these letters through the postal service, I have added a personal touch to them by using a wax stamp to seal them. My friends definitely know where the letter came from, even if they don’t see the return address right away. And with a variety of stamps, my friends can only guess which one I’ll use next.
While mailing letters, cards and boxes may not be the most efficient means of communication today, but it is one that takes effort. I use it mainly for non-time sensitive letters, but I find it a great way to do something small for my friends. The US has one of the most efficient mail services in the world, so why not take advantage of it?
