Have We Become Too Impersonal?

Last month as I was going through my usual pile of business mail and I ran into an oddity, a letter, an actual letter addressed to me personally. I thought, wait, is this real?

I opened it and there was a small piece of paper, handwritten… and in cursive! I was shocked! I think that in the last fifteen years I can count in one hand the times I've received a handwritten letter.

It was a very kind note from a stranger, Ms. Carole P. a reader of the Brighton Buzz in Ft. Lupton. The brief letter warmed my heart and made me smile by simply letting me know how much she likes reading my articles, but especially the one from last month. I enjoyed reading the letter, but what I loved the most, was the kind gesture of actually writing and mailing the letter.

On the other hand as an example, (and I'm sure you can relate) on my birthday I get emoji text messages and dozens of Facebook posts on my wall - I do get a nice birthday card from my mom though. Hey, I'm not complaining about far away friends wishing me a happy birthday on Facebook, but in general, that's what most of us have turned into nowadays, an impersonal, low effort, drive by texting, posting, and messaging, where the personal touch has all but been lost.

Maybe I'm dating myself for my nostalgia for a more personal approach, face to face conversations, hand shakes, and handwritten letters. But I truly think that we show someone how important they really are to us by the effort we put into our interactions with them. Of course, texting, email, and all other electronic communications have a place and use, I just don't think that we should let them steal our humanity.

Wanna have an important conversation? Don't call, text, or email, go see that person.

Want to show you care? Celebrate an occasion? Don't post on their Facebook wall, text them a heart emoji, or email them an E-Card. Buy them an actual card and write a personal heartfelt note and hand deliver it if possible.

Want to say something well thought out and important? Don't email nor print a letter from your computer; it is not a contract! Get your paper and pen and get to writing…if you still remember how :)

If you have a relationship that matters, show it by putting some time and effort into them. Go to visit, write the note, mail the letter. I wished there were more people like Ms. Carole, and I thank you, not only for the letter, but for reminding me that I can do better (we all can) in showing my care and appreciation for those I love.