I have found that email messages have become so common that they are often ignored. If there ever were a resemblance to the old-fashioned paper, envelope, and ink version, it is long-gone.
That's one reason why text messages are far more likely to be read. Although techie, they are more personal and, like email, the recipient has the ability to choose when to respond.
Still, there was an intensely personal aspect to the old paper and envelope approach.
I follow a ritual and use a letter opener: a miniature samurai sword that a friend brought me from Japan.
The ritual is surprisingly enjoyable. As the process unfolds, one can study the type of stationary, the nature of the signature, and even the stamp.
All are evidence that a real person took the time to send me a message.
I recently received a letter that had a William F. Buckley Jr. postage stamp on the envelope. The hand-written postscript said:
"I want you to know that not everyone merits that stamp."
Nice touch.
Big smile.
Try that with an email!
