Wednesday, 08 September 2010

• Snail Mail: Sealed with Love

  I just entered yet another long distance phase of my relationship. Mister and I have been through long distance periods before -- winter breaks, summer vacations, and the likes -- but never one without a set date as to when we'll be together again. So this one is different in that way.

  And small things that didn't matter before? Well, they seem to matter a lot more now. 

  At this age and technology, we have so many different ways to communicate. With nationwide cell phone plans, no one worries about long distance charges for talking on the phone (as long as you're in the States anyway), and when you're too busy for a call, you can always send a small text. If you're on your computer, there's always IM. Or you can write a cute note on their Facebook wall. And last but definitely not least, there are webcams! Staying in touch has become so much easier these days.

  And yet, the old-fashioned snail mail still brings a big smile to my face. I personally love receiving snail mail. Emails and texts just aren't the same as receiving a letter or a package in the mail and tearing it open. So, I've been thinking up a list of things to send via snail mail...

  1. A simple 'I love you' and/or 'I miss you' note. Short and sweet and to the point. Wouldn't you love to find this in your mail while sorting through bills and junk mail?
  

  2. A mix CD of songs that make you think of your SO. Or a mix CD of your SO's latest favorite songs. Or a mix CD of *insert theme here* songs. -- This works well for me because Mister commutes to work 4 days a week and spend about 3 hours in the car for each of those days. When he gets tired of the radio, he can always switch to a CD.

  3. Random pictures from your day. The biggest disadvantage of a long distance relationship is that you're not with them (duh, right?). Meaning you no longer share the visual parts of the day. You used to be able to point out that funny hat someone was wearing to your SO while walking together to your class, but now you can't. So take a picture of something throughout your day that you would have pointed out to your SO if they were with you. It could be a blooming flower, a funny billboard, a weird road sign, whatever. Share the visual part of your day with your SO. -- Of course, I wouldn't do this EVERY day, at least not in snail mail. But hey, this also works if you send it on your cellphone or in an email.

  4. A picture of you holding an 'I love you'/'I miss you' sign. I know this sounds extremely corny/cheesy, but in my experience, corny things become essential in long distance relationships. Plus, it would make your SO laugh and remember how adorable you are, right?

  5. A piece of your clothing. This may sound weird and possibly creepy, but can you imagine this: you've had a long day, you're finally home and your SO takes you in for a big bear hug, and you notice how nice they smell? Well, in a long distance relationship, that doesn't happen too often. Even with webcams, you can see them but you can't feel their touch or breathe in the smell of their hair. Physical closeness is important and smell is one of the ways to have that when you can't, well, physically be together. You could mail a shirt, a headband, or if you're up for it, undergarments. ;) Of course, stay away from sending dirty socks (unless that's your thing?).

  6. That random thing you saw at the store that reminded you of your SO. A key chain, a cute pen, or whatever knickknack it is that caught your eye and made you think of your SO. Send it to them and let them know you were thinking of them.

  7. His/Her favorite candy. Okay, you obviously can't send them their favorite meal in the mail (unless their favorite meal IS candy!), but one of the cutest things a guy did for me was mailing me a Milky Way Midnight bar (my favorite candy bar at the moment). It definitely made me smile and also satisfied my sweet tooth. To take it a step further, make them their favorite baked goods. Maybe they love brownies or have a favorite type of cookies?

  Snail mail doesn't have to be just for the LDR couples. A small note in the mail is a nice surprise for those in close proximity also. Of course, if you're seeing each other often though, you probably wouldn't be mailing your shirt to the SO...

  Does anyone else love receiving snail mail? Have you mailed things on this list to your SO? What other things have to mailed or would consider mailing?

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