The Joy Of Connection - How A Simple Card Or Handwritten Letter Can Bring People Together

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The Joy Of Connection - How A Simple Card Or Handwritten Letter Can Bring People Together

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The Joy Of Connection - How A Simple Card Or Handwritten Letter Can Bring People Together

12 min read JAN 16, 2026

Quick Answer

Sending cards and handwritten letters to our friends and loved ones seems to be a long lost practice, with digital communication having all but replaced this art. Here, we’ll explore how engaging in this timeless practice can serve both the sender and recipient - strengthening the bonds of connection between each party while making a joyful impact. You’ll even find a few tips for what to include in your correspondence as well as a challenge to get you and your friends engaged and ready to write.

Key Takeaways

Sending a card or handwritten letter to friends and loved ones brings greater connection as this practice: requires greater time and attention, is more personal, brings joy/happiness, and more.
Items to include in cards or letters include greetings/closings, purpose, interest, gratitude, memories, extras, etc.
Send a card challenge: foster greater joy and connection in your relationships by joining us in sending a card/letter to your friend(s) or loved ones this month.

“Hey there friend, I’ve been thinking of you! I just wanted to say hello, I’m grateful for you,
and I hope you’re having a great week!”

Simple words, nothing necessarily profound, but somehow penning these sentiments deepens your connection with the recipient.

Amidst a busy day filled with work tasks, home duties, and running errands, you grab the mail and toss it onto the countertop with your keys. Later in the evening when you have a few moments to inspect the stack, a small envelope catches your eye.

As you recognize the handwriting, a smile forms on your face.

The sentiment is short, but the words instantly resonate. (“Hey there friend, I’ve been thinking of you! I just wanted to say hello, I’m grateful for you, and I hope you’re having a great week!”)

The smile on your face deepens, your mood is lifted, the world feels a bit lighter as you think of your friend and the connection you share.

In a world filled with texts, chats, and emails, handwritten cards and letters seem to be a thing of the past.

But, might I submit to you that this ‘lost art’ is worthy of being ‘re-found.’

You’ve likely experienced the joy of receiving a card or letter in the mail from a friend, family member, or loved one. And likewise, I would assume most of us at some point have felt a similar happiness when connecting with a loved one by sending such a note.

Unfortunately, statistics show this practice to be declining rapidly.

Some attribute this slowing trend to the ease of digital communication, while others believe letter writing and sending cards to be a practice that’s been lost to generational shifts.

But, is this practice really worthy of decline? Or, is it something worth keeping for generations to come?

Let’s brew a collective cup of coffee and enjoy a few glorious sips as we examine this joyous practice for the next few moments.

Then, we’ll let you decide…should you pour another cup of joe to enjoy as you deepen your connection with loved ones by putting pen to paper/card, or put this deeply personal practice to rest?

I know, I’m laying it on thick there with some grade A, mom-style guilt…sorry, not sorry. :)

5 Reasons To Send Cards Or Handwritten Letters To Your Friends/Loved Ones

Sending a card or writing a letter, whether for a special occasion or ‘just because,’ does take more time and intention than typing a quick text, sending an email, or even calling someone up on the phone.

But, have you ever thought about the ways this practice serves to bring you closer to the recipient.

Even as you sit down to write, you’re drawn closer to your loved one and ultimately receive joy by partaking in this simple act.

Likewise, upon receiving a handwritten card or letter, your spirits are uplifted and you feel a similar connection to the sender.

Of course, we can easily recognize these feelings as we partake in this practice, but have you ever felt like you’re unique in feeling such deep emotions surrounding this simple art?

For me, sometimes I’m tempted to think I’m romanticizing the act a bit when I fondly think of those I’m writing to. Maybe it’s because we’re entrenched in all things digital, but as I warmly consider the recipient while penning a letter or writing a short note in a card, I’m often tempted to think “am I weird for still being drawn to this practice?”

As you can see, I am definitely prone to overthinking.

But, I have to wonder if the decline of this practice shares some similar beliefs, misconstrued as they are.

So then, maybe it’s time for science to take the reins?

I tend to be a very sentimental person, so let’s put sentimentality aside and see if the joyful impact of letter writing is actually legit.

Does this practice truly strengthen bonds? Does a simple, heartfelt card foster greater connection?

Can a handwritten letter really carry greater meaning than a text or email?

Let’s find out…

1- Requires Time And Intention

Person writing a handwritten letter at a wooden desk, with a cup of coffee, blank envelope, pressed flower card, and soft sunlight creating a calm, intentional atmosphere.

Sending a card with a handwritten message (or writing a letter) is a physical process. It requires time and a greater amount of attention and intention compared to a quick text or email.

Studies actually prove this too:

“A review of brain imaging studies found that handwriting activates a broader network of brain regions than typing, engaging areas tied to memory…”
The slower (compared to typing) processes involved in handwriting foster deeper thinking.
Handwriting “involves materializing something from your imagination” which boosts memory by creating a connection to what you’re writing.

Now clearly these studies were initially looking at the differences in learning, comparing typing and handwriting, including reading from a screen versus a handwritten page.

However, it’s easy to see the benefits extending here to handwritten cards and letters.

If you’ve ever written to someone, then you know this to be true. As you write, you can’t help but think of the memories you share with this person, thinking also of their nature, your shared relationship, and the joy this person brings to your life.

Sure, you might feel this to some extent when sending a heartfelt text but sit down with intention and write a note or letter to a dear friend and tell me your connection to this person doesn't increase.

Whether intended or not, this is what these studies prove, connection occurs with handwriting, sometimes to the concepts read or written on a page, and sometimes to the recipient of your heartfelt written words.

So, this physical process not only forces you to slow down and consider your friend or loved one, it also causes you to focus, and from this focus flows attention, intention, and great care.

2- More Personal

Handwriting a letter with a fountain pen on cream paper at a rustic wooden desk, with envelopes, ink bottle, dried flowers, an open book, and a warm cup of tea nearby.

When you handwrite a note, card, or letter, you’re naturally more mindful, even less impulsive.

Perhaps it’s because we don’t want to erase, scratch out, or rewrite those words (as opposed to simply hitting the delete or backspace button on your phone or computer), but handwriting carries with it mindfulness, a more personal practice easily felt by the recipient.

3- Brings Joy To The Sender And Recipient

Split image showing a woman happily writing a handwritten letter at a desk and another woman smiling while reading the letter by a window, highlighting the joy of sending and receiving personal notes.

Did you know writing a simple thank you note has been proven to have strong positive psychological benefits for both the sender and recipient?

When you write to your friends and loved ones, just the thought of seeking to brighten their day inherently brightens your day too, truly bringing you joy and happiness.

This occurs as your brain releases dopamine, a mood enhancing pleasure hormone.

And, the surprise of receiving a heartfelt card or note can likewise trigger the same emotions and hormone release.

As these brain pleasure centers are activated, receiving and reading through a handwritten note or card creates feelings of connection, reward, and happiness.

4- Fosters Deeper Connection

Uniformed military officer seated at a desk reading a handwritten letter, with sunlight streaming through a window and tents visible outside, conveying reflection and emotional connection.

If you’ve ever had a friend or loved one in the military or similar service where digital communication was limited, then you know the importance of handwritten letters in regard to connection.

Sure, communicating via handwritten letters and cards is proven to bring joy and increase connection, but this can sound like nothing more than a random statistic unless you’ve experienced this firsthand.

During World War 2, it was said that such “letters helped soldiers in war maintain their personal relationships,” without which their connection to family members could be lost.

When we send cards or write letters, we often disclose our feelings, interests, and life events, and science proves these things create closeness and intimacy.

While the example of letters exchanged in war times overly proves this to be true, it’s no less valid for the cards and letters we may send today to friends and loved ones.

Especially when distance separates friendships and other relationships, this meaningful practice of sending a card or handwritten letter serves as not only a means of communication, but a link to another’s heart - a tangible source of connection that, as we just affirmed above, brings great joy.

5- Lasting, Physical Keepsake

Woman smiling while holding a bundle of handwritten letters tied with ribbon, sitting on the floor in a cozy room, showing handwritten notes as a cherished keepsake.

A card or handwritten letter is tangible, it’s something you can see, hold in your hands, and keep.

And, there is great meaning in an item you can physically see and touch.

A card or note is something you can keep, an item you can pull from a box or drawer and re-read whenever you like, an item you can display to brighten your days, something more than words on a screen.

If you have children, then you know how priceless their handwritten notes and cards can be. For me, pulling out my tote of notes and drawings my children have gifted to me over the years is incredibly emotional, warming my heart in ways nothing else can.

And, it’s no different with cards or notes from friends.

When you send a card or letter, you’ve given more than words on a page, you’ve given your friend/loved one a gift they can treasure for years to come.

Card/Letter Inclusions

Flat lay of a handwritten letter with pen, envelopes, small photos, stickers, and keepsakes arranged on a wooden table, showing thoughtful inclusions inside a personal card.

Okay, so this practice is clearly just as beneficial as it is joyous.

But, what if writing doesn’t come naturally to you?

For some, sharing in this way doesn’t seem convenient for the sole reason that such an activity feels forced or awkward, especially if you’ve been communicating primarily through digital means.

And, I get it.

A short text or meme sent is becoming the modern method of communication.

But, as we learned above, taking the time to write tends to be more deliberate.

And, as you sit down to do so, you’ll likely find your mind and heart opening in greater ways, even allowing you to better appreciate and connect with the recipient.

However, if you need a few ideas to get you started, that’s okay too!

Incorporating any of the following can serve as a springboard into this timeless art, not only bringing you closer to your friends and loved ones, but making a lasting, joyful impact in each of your lives.

According to Hallmark (and who are we to argue with an OG), it’s always best to begin and end your cards or letters with a greeting and a strong finish, no matter how formal or informal. For instance, I’m more of a “hey friend” opener, but you may prefer a classic “dear, so and so” or “greetings!”

Likewise, when finishing up, this too is a personal preference, including everything from “XOXO,” to “Cheers,” “Love ya,” and so on.

You’ll likely want to include the purpose for your penning, whether it’s just a simple “I wanted to say hello, and I hope you have a great week,” a “how’ve you been,” or otherwise.
If you plan to go beyond brief, feel free to include updates about current happenings, including heartfelt inquiries about your loved one’s life.

Maybe you simply want to communicate your gratitude for the recipient and why you count them dear to you? Or, perhaps you could include some recent thoughts you’ve had which have drawn your heart to your friend and prompted such a thoughtful gesture.

Be sure to be specific in any questions you ask, not to drill the recipient on current events, but to let them know you care about their life.

Recalling memories you’ve shared with the recipient is a wonderful way to not only foster a greater connection through writing, but it will also likely spark joy in each of you. Think of how you feel upon recalling happy memories with the recipient, wouldn’t you feel equally as positive to receive a card or letter allowing your heart and mind to pleasantly stroll down memory lane?
Another tip from Hallmark when writing is to reaffirm your friendship in such a card or letter. Here, I like to think of this as a grateful section, even a one liner about your friend that always makes you smile upon thinking of him/her.

For instance, “thank you for always making me laugh,” or “I just wanted to say that my life wouldn’t be the same without you in it,” even “I hope you know how much I care about you.”

And, if this is more your style, plan to include a few extras. Maybe you’d like to send a recent pic of your family, your fur baby, or your latest gardening project? What about writing down the last yummy recipe you tried (who wouldn’t love a delicious Lifeboost coffee recipe, right?), or perhaps you could include a book recommendation? If you’re gifted artistically, plan to include a recent drawing or painting.

No matter what you include, the point is to brighten your friend’s day.

So, as you take the time to allow your thoughts to center on this person and how you are blessed to have him/her in your life, let your heart and mind guide your pen, and make a happy impact on their day/week by sharing your heart or even a short and sweet note to show you care.

Closing Challenge

Hands placing a handwritten envelope labeled “To Friend” into a mailbox, with stamped letters and warm outdoor light, symbolizing sending a heartfelt personal message.

Did you know there’s actually a calendar day dedicated to sending a card to a friend?

February 7th is National Send A Card To A Friend Day, a time set aside to spur us on to connection and ultimately joy as we seek to strengthen the bonds we have with loved ones in our lives when taking the time to send a note, card, or letter to express how much we love, care about, and are grateful for the friends we have in life.

But, while a set day serves as a great reminder to engage in such an activity, let’s not restrain our efforts to a single day.

Instead, I’d like to close things out by challenging you (and me) to truly make an effort this month and throughout the remainder of this year (and on and on) to spread a little joy amongst your friends and family members by sending cards and letters.

Even if it’s just one card or one letter, I would encourage you to give it a try.

Pick a friend or loved one, and take a few moments to pen a few words. Recall some pleasant memories, or share your heart to brighten their day, and watch your connection deepen, your joy increase, and your day improve.

Happy writing, Lifeboost friends!

Check out Lifeboost Coffee Grata Medium Roast.

Becky Livingston Vance Content writer

Becky is a mother, educator, and content writer for Lifeboost Coffee. She has had three years’ experience as a writer, and in that time she has enjoyed creatively composing articles and ebooks covering the topics of coffee, health and fitness, education, recipes, and relationships.

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