How to Use (and Appreciate) Your Postal Service More Frequently

The United States Postal Service has seen a dramatic loss in letter circulation and an incredible increase in package circulation due directly to the Internet. Fewer people are hand-writing letters, mailing out bills and even shopping in stores, because everything can be achieved faster online. However - even with the art of snail mail fading, the excitement and appreciation of receiving something post-mailed is greater than ever. You might have to get creative, but here are some tips How To use and appreciate your postal service. It will be worth your while.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. How much more do you appreciate getting a hand-written letter than an e-mail? Not denying that both are exciting and thoughtful, but there's something about getting something in the mail ... It's a way to show someone you were thinking about them and appreciate them. Everyone should use the postal service more frequently.
2. Now, there are appropriate times not to use the postail service: BILLS are one of them; save some trees by switching to e-billing and pay them online, it's much quicker. BUSINESS is another, or whenever you need a quick response, using e-mail is certainly much more efficient. And even for shopping; there are some things that you can find for less money, less trouble and in less time online. Most personal correspondance should be done through the USPS or via telephone.
3. There are also times, however, when it is absolutely not appropriate to use the Internet: Thank you notes, invitations, formal RSVPs, birthday and holiday cards, etc. These sorts of formalities and gestures should be post-mailed.
4. You can mail almost anything as long as it's non-perishable, has a legible address and has paid postage - so be creative! Surprise a friend or family member and send them something unusual or fun. Try to remember birthdays, anniversaries and other special dates, your thought will be appreciated.
5. An idea:
   I'm a big magazine reader and I know my friends are too so if I come accross any good articles, nice stories, recipes, exercise tips etc. - I'll forward them on with a small note. My mom loves when I send her diet tips and pictures of new places I visit, with short stories on the backs. You are sending loved ones a little bit of you in the mail.
6. Another idea:
   My mother in return, sends fun things she reads, sudoku puzzles, children's books from my childhood, small gifts and BIG batches of home-made cookies. Each of my siblings get similar packages on occasion, a little bit of home in a box.
7. One more:
   Send care packages. If someone you know gets sick, let them know you are thinking about them and send a can of soup, some lemon tea, herbal vitamins and some reading material. Think of what would make you smile if you were home sick.
8. Start with a letter and move on to something more creative the next time. The point is to have fun with it; you are sending people a little happiness and before you know it, you'll be receiving some happiness in return. All brought to you by your US Postal Service ...