AIBU to write with a pencil instead of a pen?

[Goodybaddy]

I find writing with a pen difficult. I write neatly with a pencil but not a pen.

Is there an etiquette rule that says I can’t write cards etc with a pencil?

I doubt anyone cares if you write a birthday card or jot down a message on a post-it with a pencil. You shouldn't use a pencil to fill in official forms, though.

A fountain pen would be the norm. Is there some reason you can’t manage to use a pen? A biro isn’t much different to a pencil but would look a bit better.

I’ve been using a fountain pen for decades because that’s what I was taught is polite.

But my handwriting suffers. I don’t know why. It just does.

Writing with a pencil makes my handwriting look glorious if I say so myself.

I hate biros

A fountain pen would be the norm. Really?

I always use a pencil except on cheques or official forms but then again I am an Engineer.

@SkiingIsHeaven

Do you use a pencil for cards and letters?

A fountain pen really isn’t the norm! By all means the fountain pen lovers are free to use them of course. But the vast majority of people manage with whatever biro they’ve got to hand. A pencil is absolutely fine, although as PP said certain forms will need a pen. But for messages and cards, use whatever suits you best!

I would write cards and forms with a pen but have switched to traditional wooden pencils for everything else, from a point of view of reducing single use plastics.

I find it's the extra weight of a pencil that makes my handwriting improve.

Fountain pens really aren't the norm. I hated writing with a fountain pen when I had to use them and my writing always looked messy.

I would try out different types of Biro type pens, if I were you, in an effort to find the one that most resembles a pencil and therefore makes it easier to write.

Making notes for yourself is one thing, but I think most people to think a card written in pencil a bit strange.

Things like official letters, envelopes and forms all need to be written in ink and therefore need to be written with a pen.

OP, is it perhaps the design of the pencil gives better grip, therefore better writing. Try finding a pen with a similar design and nib diameter to that of the lead. Since I developed arthritis in my hands I find it impossible to properly grip certain pens and my writing is dreadful. I have now found pens to suit me and my writing is back to being great again.

A fountain pen would be the norm.

Hardly. Don't think I've seen, or been aware of anyone using a fountain pen for decades.

Experiment with different sorts of pens. Try the Berol handwriting ones prehaps.

Obviously up to you, but I don't think it would look right if you sign / write in cards in pencil.

I’ve never owned a fountain pen, OP, don’t worry about that.
Write with whatever you like. The recipient should be touched by a handwritten card and not even noticing what implement you used! Anyone who cares doesn’t deserve a card.

You might want to experiment with different kinds of pens though

@Goodybaddy I don't write letters by hand but if sending a note to a teacher or neighbour I am happy to use a pencil.

Cards go either way really.

Funnily enough I tend to use a pen for older people that I send cards to. I didn't realise that I did that until you asked the question.

I think you get more feedback from a pencil, that might be why it helps.

A fountain pen writes much more smoothly, but can run away with you!

@Goodybaddy I have a very good fountain pen for special cases. It doesn't get used much but it is beautiful and writes like a dream.

So why aren't you using a biro? Pencils also smudge and can become difficult to read.

How about a nice brightly coloured pencil for cards, lead is a bit dreary

There’s something about the way a pencil writes - maybe it’s the flexibility of the granite - that makes my handwriting so much nicer than with a pen.

Fountain pens are ok but still makes my writing look untidy. Biros are the worst.

Blooming autocorrect. Graphite. Not granite.

A fountain pen would be the norm

A fountain pen hasn't been 'the norm' since about 1955, I'm afraid.

Erm, have I stumbled into the 1950s? Surely the message is more important that the type of pen used to write it??? I thought my dad was the only person keeping the fountain pen business alive, but clearly not!

I prefer writing with a pencil too. It does look better but unfortunately in my job I have to write in black ink.

I can't find any nice thick biro pens though.

I don't think there is anything wrong with using pencil, but you could also try using a finer nib on your fountain pen and playing around with the ink you use — Pelikan is quite 'dry' I think so might be good for you.

I love frixion pens - ink that rubs out