Our Mail Bag blog posts feature letters and postcards that members send to us at LetterMo to share with the community. You can submit content to the Mail Bag by following the instructions at Mail-In Submissions.
This submission to the Mailbag comes from Ahmed, one of our newest participants on LetterMo. Writing to the community from France, Ahmed reflects on the different qualities of friendships forged through letters versus other communication mediums, and the opportunity for emotional reflection and growth through written correspondence.
Reflecting on the role of letter writing in my life, I am reminded of the profound impact it has had on my relationships growing up. I was introduced to the art of letter writing in school, where we learned to craft letters as a form of communications. This practice, though it has faded over time, laid the foundation for a meaningful habit that I would later embrace wholeheartedly.
Letter writing has become a significant part of my life, influencing my connections with friends and family in ways I never anticipated. The act of sending a handwritten note to a friend in need, or a birthday card to a loved one, often evokes deep emotions. These gestures, simple yet heartfelt, have strengthened my bonds with those I care about. For instance, when a friend was going through a tough time, I sent him a card and a small gift. His emotional response and gratitude deepened our friendship, teaching us to rely on each other.
One of my most cherished relationships is with Laura, a penpal from the Netherlands. Our friendship began with letters and evolved into daily text conversations. The letters we exchange allow us to explore our thoughts and feelings more deeply than digital communication often permits. This process of writing and receiving letters has fostered an emotional connection that transcends physical distance.
The physical act of writing a letter holds a unique significance. It demonstrates the importance of the recipient in my life as I take the time to craft a personal message by hand. This effort is not only appreciated by those who receive my letters but also helps me process my own emotions. Writing about emotional topics by hand can be more challenging than typing, yet it offers a therapeutic outlet for reflection and growth.
While I maintain different types of relationships, the ones nurtured through letter writing tend to be more emotionally profound. For example, my friendship with Taylor, which relies on texting and occasional calls, is deep in its own way but lacks the reflective quality that letter writing provides. In contrast, my correspondence with Laura is rich with emotional depth, highlighting the unique nature of each connection.
Happy adventuring,
Ahmed (ahmedj25)
Copyright Ahmed Jaffer 2025
Licensed under CC BY-ND4.0