Recently, I reached out to a friend via email to ask for her mailing address. We’ve met face-to-face a couple of times after connecting through social media and our writing, but I still didn’t know where she lived. Unbeknownst to her, I had a card I wanted to send her.
Isn’t it funny that I used email to ask for her address just so I could send a note? Why not just share my thoughts in the email and call it a day? Here’s my reasoning: I’m not a digital native. I’m more of an old soul when it comes to how I express my feelings. I prefer to rely on paper, whether I’m giving or receiving—most of the time, anyway.
My first job definitely influenced this preference. I worked at a greeting card store throughout high school and into college. I loved everything about that job: organizing the cards, meeting a variety of customers, the irresistible fudge counter, and my somewhat intimidating boss who I now appreciate for teaching me valuable life skills (like counting back change, a practice I wish would make a comeback). It was there that I honed my gift-wrapping skills and became a pro at creating balloon bouquets. Plus, having a little extra cash was a nice bonus.
But what I truly cherished was the cards and stationery. I took full advantage of the employee discount, especially for the quirky Shoebox cards and Mrs. Grossman’s stickers. Whenever there was an occasion, I’d be ready with a card, or I’d hoard them in my closet “just in case.” My taste has matured over the years, and I now adore unique cards from indie shops. And don’t even get me started on how easily I can be tempted by anything letterpress.
When you stand in front of a card display, it’s like witnessing the entire journey of life: Birth, Birthday, Wedding, New Home, Bon Voyage, New Job, Get Well, Anniversary, and Sympathy. Sadly, I’ve found myself gravitating toward the later categories in recent years. Yet there’s something about discovering that perfect card that instantly connects you to a specific person. It’s a fulfilling experience to find just the right words to celebrate a friend’s birthday or express sympathy to a coworker. You put pen to paper and send your heartfelt message off with the mail carrier.
Receiving a card in the mail allows someone to feel cherished and remembered, even if just for a moment. This fleeting joy is more likely to be savored and, perhaps, saved than a quick text or email. In a word, it’s special.
Unlike the instant nature of emails or texts, choosing and sending a paper card involves a deeper level of thought. You have to plan ahead—at least three days in advance—to ensure it arrives on time (thank goodness for the Belated Birthday section!). And really, is there any better way to express condolences or say thank you than on paper? It’s more likely the recipient will open it in a calm setting, rather than while rushing through a grocery store checkout.
Don’t get me wrong; I’ve definitely used texts to send last-minute birthday wishes. But when it’s down to the wire, hitting send often feels a bit awkward, both for the sender and the receiver. With paper cards, even if they arrive a day or two late, there’s a greater chance for understanding; we can just blame the postal service, and the sender earns points for the effort of finding a stamp.
I love the sound of ink gliding across paper, the light feel of cardstock, and even the taste of envelope glue! I appreciate the handwritten imperfections in the cards I receive. We tend to judge someone for typos in an email, yet find it endearing when we see “you’re” corrected to “your” in someone’s handwriting. The contrast feels a bit unfair. I enjoy those last-minute notes that reveal the sender’s unfiltered thoughts, especially a P.S. that spills onto the back with a little arrow guiding me.
Having grown up with paper as my primary means of communication, I find myself cringing at the abbreviated “HBD” for birthdays or the generic “so sorry for ur loss” when someone goes through a tough time. Whatever happened to spending a few bucks on a card and writing something meaningful? When we use our own hands to express feelings, we have to think first. There’s no backspace key. We must pause, reflect, and create a clear space—both mentally and physically—to articulate our sentiments.
Sure, digital messages allow us to connect quickly, especially with acquaintances. We can edit and rewrite until we achieve a polished version. But what are we sacrificing in the process? Are we diluting genuine emotional connections?
Those paper squares filled with illustrations and words have a unique power. I’ve seen the joy on customers’ faces as they find the perfect birthday card or the solemnity in someone’s expression as they search for just the right words of sympathy. I recall grandmothers splurging on the biggest cards for the arrival of new grandchildren.
I remember a time before Facebook birthdays, when heartfelt wishes weren’t just a click away. Genuine expressions of love and friendship were tangible, engraved on paper. I’ve witnessed the magic that happens in those card aisle moments, and I know the joy of finding a card waiting for me in my mailbox, or better yet, a friend who lives far away.
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In summary, while digital communication has its benefits, the heartfelt connection fostered through paper cards is irreplaceable. There’s something timeless about taking the time to write, send, and receive a card that brings joy and meaning to our relationships.