Do you ever hand write letters or know anyone who does?

[Andsthatscat]

Early last year I entered into a new relationship, I met him through a friend and as we are both a bit older (though I wouldn’t say old) we are taking it slow. He is 63, he has one daughter who is 25.
He is not technology averse or bad with technology by any means, he books flights and holidays, tables for restaurants, online banking, will order items online if he can’t source them in person. However he does not text, really at all. He might send a text to a friend if they have plans and he wants to confirm them or if he needs to communicate with a tradesmen doing work or similar, but he seldom texts me or his family. He is happy to call and does if necessary but most of our talking is saved for when we meet up.
In addition to this he still handwrites letters, mostly to his daughter who he writes to once a month but also his brother who doesn’t live locally.
His parents who are in their late 80s also still handwrite letters to his daughter and she replies also with handwritten letters. She lives abroad but does seem to send her replies monthly too.

I feel this is slightly peculiar, he’d be perfectly capable of texting or even emailing if he wanted a longer format but still he and much of his family still seem to enjoy writing letters. He said his reason is that he feels more thought and emotion goes into a letter when you have to take the time to write it by hand and post it.

I don’t think there is anything wrong with this and actually think it’s endearing but I do think it is a tad peculiar and certainly not common.

So AIBU to wonder if anyone here still handwrites letters or knows anyone who does? If you do, why?

And he's right. A hell of a lot more thought, time and effort goes into a letter. I don't see how anyone could argue otherwise without being totally disingenuous.

And a letter written on good quality paper by someone who was taught good handwriting, and who can spell and punctuate, is far more aesthetically pleasing than an e-mail, or even worse, a text in txt spk.

I agree with this although I’m probably not classed as young anymore! We always wrote a thank you letter when we were children and still do, although add a lot more detail now. I write to my godmother and in fact had to order a new writing set yesterday!

Meghan Markle writes letters in her OTT calligraphy.

Meghan Markle writes letters in her OTT calligraphy.

I’m 45 and I write them to my friend since she once sent me a very special letter. Actually hoping to write to more friends this year and hoping they reciprocate! I think it’s lovely!

Urgh, that reminds me of the letters I'd receive saying 'write to nine more people and tell them to write to nine more!'. That was just too much, even though there was literally nothing to do on a Sunday 😆

Oh gawd no it wasn't like that! It was like a social network. Some became close friends.

I'm 40 and have been writing to my Aunt for over a decade. She used to send me typed and printed letters back! She's computer savvy and can email but letter writing is special.

I also only send three letters a year. One in May to thank her for my daughter's Easter and Birthday cards. A birthday card for her in September and a letter in her Christmas card.

Keeps things nice and regular

If you enjoy reading letters, I can really recommend the book "The Correspondent" by Virgine Evans. It is absolutely beautiful.

He sounds lovely! Now my DGM is no longer with us I don’t write letters anymore, but I send loads of Christmas cards, and other greetings cards year round. I’m 39.

It’ll be a sad day when the postal service dies out.

I’m 45 and still write letters to an ex boyfriend from when I was 17-18. He’s not on social media and we don’t want to be in constant contact on WhatsApp so hand write letters a couple of times a year. It’s nice - takes me back to the days of penpals.

I love writing (and receiving) letters. I have a collection of fountain pens and (far too much) bottled ink. And beautiful paper to write on.

Everything about it sparks little pockets of joy for me. The ink bottles are so pretty, like a small bookcase full of magic potions. Writing with a lovely smooth fountain pen on quality paper makes me happy. Receiving a handwritten letter in the post is so lovely, among the bills and junk mail.

Letter writing makes me slow down, think about what I want to write, and take some time out from doom scrolling and the pressures of modern life. It's good for my mental health.

Each letter is different in style as well as content, depending on the recipient. Sometimes silly and creative, sometimes more sensible. You can include sketches, ideas, hopes, dreams, stories etc. Or just make it chatty and write about your day and any news you may have. You have a blank page and a pen. You can do whatever you want with it.

My handwriting isn't anything amazing and I'm frankly terrible at sketches or drawing but it's so much fun. My favourite correspondents are the people who are funny and creative but I also love letters from fellow ink and pen lovers who spend most of their letters writing about the pens and inks they are using! And I love letters from friends with their latest news and as a general catch up. Even friends who I am regularly in touch with on WhatsApp or whatever. People tend to write about things in their letters that they wouldn't necessarily talk about in a fast moving WhatsApp group or chat.

Maybe I've made myself sound peculiar now, alongside the OP's partner. 🤣 But I don't care. You'll have to prise my beautiful letter writing materials out of my cold, dead hands. 🤣🤣

Yes I do penpalling if that counts

I do a lot of penpalling if that counts?