Send the Love: How to Write a Handwritten Letter
Around 37% of American adults say it’s been over five years since they’ve handwritten a personal letter, and around one-third have written one in the past year.
This staggering statistic explains why many have forgotten the art of handwriting a letter, whether it’s to catch up with a friend or woo a crush. Perhaps you’re planning to write a letter, but you’re not sure where to start.
Sounds familiar? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Here is how to write a handwritten letter.
Get the Right Stationery
Before you learn how to send a letter, it’s important to get the right stationery. Because it’s personal, you needn’t buy formal paper, so you can find letterheads with a colorful border and use self ink custom stamps to add a personal flair.
You’ll also need a pen with a good-sized nib and make sure you’re comfortable using it. Practice your penmanship before drafting your letter to ensure the writing is legible. Plus, your handwriting expresses your personality, so take time perfecting it.
Once you’re comfortable, set up your stationery and choose a quiet place with minimal distractions. And although it’s tempting to scribble your letter on the couch, sit at a table as it will keep your handwriting crisp.
Learn How to Structure a Letter
Understanding the handwritten letter format is crucial as there’s a certain etiquette to follow.
Start by adding your address and zip code to the top right-hand corner, but if you’ve already got this printed on a letterhead, skip this step. Then, write out the recipient’s address, including their name, address, and zip code.
Finally, add the date on the right side of the latter, so it sits underneath your address.
Always Draft Your Letter
You understand the letter format and want to start writing, but this is a major no-no. Regardless of how long the message is, it’s important to draft, so you know what you’re saying, the point of the letter, and to avoid missing out on crucial information. You needn’t spend hours crafting it; simply scribble out an outline, and you’re good to go.
Know, there are many reasons to craft a letter. Perhaps you want to say hello and catch up or show them that you’re thinking of them. Many people also send letters to show their appreciation or send a message from overseas.
Start Your Letter
If you’re worried about how to write a letter, then start at the beginning. Because it’s a casual letter, you needn’t use “to whom it may concern” or “sir/madam.” Instead, you could use “To [recepient]” or “Hi/Hey [recepient],” especially if you’re penning a letter to friends or family.
And you mustn’t forget to browse quirky ink stamps to add a personal touch.
Sign Off Correctly
Once you’ve got letter stamps you’re happy with, make sure you sign off properly. For instance, you could say “Sincerely [your name],” or “Love,” and “Forever Yours.” Because there are many options, choose a valediction that works best for your situation.
Also, you may want to add a postscript (P.S) at the end, especially if you’ve missed out on an important comment.
Proofread Your Letter
Before slipping your letter into an envelope, make sure you proofread your letter. At the very least, read the message once and look out for grammatical errors. Don’t be afraid to scribble out any small mistakes, but if there are entire sentences that sound wrong, then consider rewriting.
Many people overlook the proofreading stage, which is a huge problem. This shows that you’ve rushed the letter and don’t care about the recipient enough to craft the perfect message. Because of this, give yourself time before sending the letter so you can read it over with fresh eyes.
Not comfortable with your grammar skills? Then, ask a loved one to help you.
Send!
When you’re reading, find an envelope that fits your letter and address it. This will be the same one that’s written in the letter. You should also check which stamps you need and consider the date they should be sent. This will determine whether you need a first-class or regular stamp.
Once you’ve applied your stamp, leave your letter for your mail carrier to pick up.
The Benefits of Sending Handwritten Letters
Many of us love the romance behind sending handwritten letters but don’t send enough because it’s time-consuming or we’re busy. However, there are many advantages of sending a personal letter.
We all know the feeling of receiving a handwritten letter in the mail. It’s exciting when it’s a surprise, but also because you have no idea what the contents contain. Perhaps it’s a thank you for a gift you’ve sent or a declaration of love.
Another attractive aspect of handwritten letters is you can hold on to them. When you have regular correspondence with loved ones, you can collect them and look back at them in the future. This is far more sentimental than scrolling through old text messages.
Further, the recipient will appreciate handwritten letters because of the care that goes into them. From choosing the stationary to the long journey, your loved one will appreciate the thought and effort that went into the letter.
Write a Handwritten Letter Today
Hopefully, after reading this article, you’re comfortable about writing a handwritten letter.
Start by gathering the perfect stationery, structure your letter, and draft your message before you start writing. You should also address the recipient correctly and always proofread as it shows you care. Happy writing!
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