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Post by mrsduffy on Apr 8, 2021 16:37:38 GMT
I love writing letters but when I ask myself why I am met with a moment of silence while I think about it. There is no single answer. I enjoy conversation and human connection...or is it really that I love the feel of pen gliding over paper? Or is it...? It's a lot of things rolled into a single, pleasant experience. So I wonder, why do you write letters?
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DeLos
Pencils
Currently a grad student (M.Div/STL) in Boston.
Posts: 62
Looking for Penpals?: Perhaps. It depends...
Country I live in is: USA
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Post by DeLos on Apr 8, 2021 17:12:15 GMT
I love writing letters but when I ask myself why I am met with a moment of silence while I think about it. There is no single answer. I enjoy conversation and human connection...or is it really that I love the feel of pen gliding over paper? Or is it...? It's a lot of things rolled into a single, pleasant experience. So I wonder, why do you write letters? It is multivalent. The primary reason I write letters is because it is completely engaging - there is no phone or distraction, just you and a blank sheet. I used to pre-write my letters in word and then write them by hand, but I don't do that anymore. It is a simple task that brings me joy and captivates me.
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Post by ginny on Apr 8, 2021 17:22:21 GMT
I think for me it's about the communication and about learning about other people's lives, what makes them happy, what makes them sad, what their ambitions, wishes and dreams (and their worries, fears and sorrows) are. I find that fascinating. I've realised early on that it doesn't matter much where we come from - traditions and customs might be different, but feelings / emotions are universal. And on that basis, we can become friends Also, writing can have a therapeutical effect - when you write about something that's on your mind and you try to explain it to the other person, you can find clarity. These are my main reasons, I think - all the other bells and whistles (like fancy ink, nice stationery and cool crafty embellishments) are extra benefits.
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Post by mrsduffy on Apr 8, 2021 20:03:43 GMT
I think for me it's about the communication and about learning about other people's lives, what makes them happy, what makes them sad, what their ambitions, wishes and dreams (and their worries, fears and sorrows) are. I find that fascinating. I've realised early on that it doesn't matter much where we come from - traditions and customs might be different, but feelings / emotions are universal. And on that basis, we can become friends Also, writing can have a therapeutical effect - when you write about something that's on your mind and you try to explain it to the other person, you can find clarity. These are my main reasons, I think - all the other bells and whistles (like fancy ink, nice stationery and cool crafty embellishments) are extra benefits. Yes! I have corresponded with many over the years and find that everyone has an interesting story if they’ll only tell it. Written correspondence is about telling that story and listening in turn. Of course the bells and whistles are great too.😁
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Post by mrsduffy on Apr 8, 2021 20:10:05 GMT
It is multivalent. The primary reason I write letters is because it is completely engaging - there is no phone or distraction, just you and a blank sheet. I used to pre-write my letters in word and then write them by hand, but I don't do that anymore. It is a simple task that brings me joy and captivates me. Thanks for the new word, “multivalent.” That’s another perk of the hobby. Letters ARE completely engaging. I love the quiet ritual of reading a letter the writing in return and then anticipating the response. It’s a very satisfying form of conversation.
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Post by radellaf on Apr 8, 2021 22:16:32 GMT
I could say it's a way to justify all the stationery supplies, or at least a chance to _use_ some of them. I've tried journaling and scribbling with little luck or satisfaction. Writing letters with my pens is a very happy thing to do. It also gives me something to look forward to, and a feeling of accomplishment when I pop one in the post. Watching TV is as entertaining, if not as engaging, but doesn't feel like I've _done_ anything, even if I just finished a series.
I did hear (on RSVP podcast probably) the idea of writing in a journal after reading a book or watching a show. I really do mean to try that out. With 20 letters waiting for replies, though, I've got plenty to write when I feel like picking up a pen.
I used to get a lot of purpose and satisfaction from playing World of Warcraft, but I just haven't been able to take to that again. Getting fifteen years of fun out of it is quite something, though. Some would say an immense waste of time and money, but really, I kinda miss it. Maybe after enough of a break I'll get to it again. I often would write letters waiting for other people to all get together for large group fights - it could easily be an hour of waiting before things got going. Then another hour after a few failed attempts. Mind, most of that was late at night on days when I didn't have to get up in the morning.
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Post by InsomniaQueen on Apr 8, 2021 22:44:54 GMT
My reasons are quite similar to those previously listed. I enjoy the human contact, and, honestly, I communicate better in writing than I do in spoken conversation. There is less pressure, and I'm able to think through what I am going to say. I've also found that it clarifies my thoughts and brings forward points regarding the events of my life that I hadn't thought through or even considered. It's also great fun. I feel like a letter is a little gift you made for someone else. When I mail one, I feel like I'm surprising someone with a little gift, and when I receive one, I feel like someone has given me one. That is the magic of letters. No other form of communication feels quite the same way.
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Post by mrsduffy on Apr 9, 2021 0:36:55 GMT
For us, it is the connection to another soul, the developing friendship that ensues with others who are genuinely interested in the relationship. There is something special, almost meditative, about sitting down to start/continue a conversation with a friend as if they were here at the table with us and sharing a quiet cuppa whilst we talk, laugh, cry and sigh. Pens, inks, artwork etc are just a nice bonus That was beautiful, @dignum. At the word “meditative” I actually felt myself sigh and relax slightly. It really is that way. It’s quiet conversation.
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Post by mrsduffy on Apr 9, 2021 0:41:20 GMT
I could say it's a way to justify all the stationery supplies, or at least a chance to _use_ some of them. I've tried journaling and scribbling with little luck or satisfaction. Writing letters with my pens is a very happy thing to do. It also gives me something to look forward to, and a feeling of accomplishment when I pop one in the post. Watching TV is as entertaining, if not as engaging, but doesn't feel like I've _done_ anything, even if I just finished a series. I did hear (on RSVP podcast probably) the idea of writing in a journal after reading a book or watching a show. I really do mean to try that out. With 20 letters waiting for replies, though, I've got plenty to write when I feel like picking up a pen. I used to get a lot of purpose and satisfaction from playing World of Warcraft, but I just haven't been able to take to that again. Getting fifteen years of fun out of it is quite something, though. Some would say an immense waste of time and money, but really, I kinda miss it. Maybe after enough of a break I'll get to it again. I often would write letters waiting for other people to all get together for large group fights - it could easily be an hour of waiting before things got going. Then another hour after a few failed attempts. Mind, most of that was late at night on days when I didn't have to get up in the morning. radellaf, I’ve never played WoW but the interaction with others would explain such a sustained interest and how such a different thing as letters has the same kind of interest for you.
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Post by mrsduffy on Apr 9, 2021 1:18:35 GMT
My reasons are quite similar to those previously listed. I enjoy the human contact, and, honestly, I communicate better in writing than I do in spoken conversation. There is less pressure, and I'm able to think through what I am going to say. I've also found that it clarifies my thoughts and brings forward points regarding the events of my life that I hadn't thought through or even considered. It's also great fun. I feel like a letter is a little gift you made for someone else. When I mail one, I feel like I'm surprising someone with a little gift, and when I receive one, I feel like someone has given me one. That is the magic of letters. No other form of communication feels quite the same way. Like you I am much better wielding the written word than the verbal. Whether it’s my words or my thoughts that get tangled when speaking is undetermined. And you’re right. Letters are gifts.
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Post by penguy on Apr 9, 2021 1:49:33 GMT
For us, it is the connection to another soul, the developing friendship that ensues with others who are genuinely interested in the relationship. There is something special, almost meditative, about sitting down to start/continue a conversation with a friend as if they were here at the table with us and sharing a quiet cuppa whilst we talk, laugh, cry and sigh. Pens, inks, artwork etc are just a nice bonus You hit it right on the head!!!! It is said that it is more blessed to give than receive but I must say I enjoy the anticipation of the arrival of the mail carrier and the anticipation of the letter or letters I might receive. Of course the sending is also special....trying to find the right words to say what you want to say. Yes, the conversation and getting to know someone in that special way correspondence provides. It is holding a conversation in your hand and if you are like me you are mentally responding and later putting that response down on paper.
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Post by stompie on Apr 9, 2021 6:23:57 GMT
All of the above.
I keep an A4 hardcover notebook near me and I write things down that happen to me during the week as reminders of things I might say in a letter. Just the act of writing in that book is very cathartic for me. I also feel transported to a different time and age when I actually sit and write out the letter, especially when using my dip pens. That feeling is very satisfying to me and brings about a peace of mind that is much enjoyed and, I am sure, is very beneficial to ones overall well being. As I read a letter that came in, I also try imagine what the person who wrote to me was feeling and going through as they wrote their letter, another source of a good well being feeling.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Apr 9, 2021 9:34:13 GMT
and if you are like me you are mentally responding and later putting that response down on paper. That's me! Sometimes I consciously read a letter I need to reply to before I go for a walk. I can spend hours in this mental-writing-mode walking, running or sitting in the sun or somewhere in the forest. I love letters that make me think, either because of a challenging subject or challenging questions.
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Post by mrsduffy on Apr 9, 2021 13:42:25 GMT
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Post by eefa on Apr 9, 2021 15:39:52 GMT
I started writing letters as a way of using all my fountain pens. But as that progressed I've found so many new friendships and rediscovered the pleasure of stationery. Reading letters from different people I learn different view points and thoughts. I get recommendations for books and tv series and recipes and I get to share my recommendations and thoughts as well. And often it's not unusual for someone to say or ask something in a letter that seems to be just what I needed at a point in time. I think letter writing and reading shows that consideration for others and thoughtfulness for others than ourselves is still alive and kicking in the world.
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