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Maybe not the usually topic for this community, but there is paper and pen involved, so close enough?

Basically I decided on a whim to send a handwritten letter to a friend of mine. I don't think I ever did that before. I didn't even really know what to say, so it's just a few lines long. But nevertheless, I put in an envelope, got stamps and now it's on its way.

Well, what can I say. Now, I am sitting here like a little kid before Christmas waiting for the letter to arrive!
We basically text everyday and I did not tell her, so it will be a surprise. I am really exited for her reaction.
I already am thinking about sending a postcard to another friend. Just because. It just seems like such an easy way to give out a little happiness to someone? And I really enjoyed sitting down and taking time to craft the letter. Even if I struggled to come up with things to say, it feels so different to sending text messages or e-mails that arrive instantly.

Anyway, this also got me curious. Do some of you guys still send out handwritten letters? Or is it something you consider a thing of the past?

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[-] 93maddie94@lemmy.zip 5 points 4 weeks ago

I had a close friend that was in prison for a little while and I wrote letters to him. The challenging part for me was by the time I received his reply I didn’t remember what exactly I had sent. I could get the gist from what he replied but it was a different experience from being able to scroll up in a text message thread or email.

I think sending a letter to a friend is a good idea and I hope they enjoy your letter!

[-] lemmy_outta_here@lemmy.world 1 points 4 weeks ago

My modern solution is to photograph my letter before I send it.

[-] zitronenschnitte@feddit.org 1 points 4 weeks ago

Oh, I didn't even considered that I would forget what I have written. But totally makes sense, especially if it starts to be more like a conversation with back and forth!

Did you keep up writing letters to each other or did you stop once you were able to use different communication again?

this post was submitted on 21 Jan 2026
21 points (95.7% liked)

Pen & Paper

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This community is all about using pen and paper as a deliberate choice — because handwriting helps memory, deepens learning, sharpens focus, and unlocks creativity in ways screens often can’t. Whether you’re sketching ideas, drafting a to‑do list, or mapping out a semester, the physical act of writing slows things down just enough for the thoughts to really land.

All notebook and calendar types are welcome here: plain bound notebooks, bullet journals, Filofax systems, ring‑ and disc‑bound setups, sticky notes, legal pads, or whatever you throw together.

Privacy matters. With paper you keep control as your notes aren’t tracked, used to train algorithms or so. That sense of ownership makes paper a safe place for brainstorming, personal plans, and messy drafts that you don’t want floating in the cloud.

This is a place to share practical tips, clever layouts, before‑and‑after spreads, and what you’ve learned about staying organized (or unorganized) offline. Post pictures, ask for feedback, swap templates, or just brag about a perfect page.

Come as you are: Neat planner nerds, scrapbookers, list lovers, or anyone curious about slowing down. Bring your spreads, hacks, inserts, index systems, and the little rituals that make your setup work.

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