Not Snow, nor Sleet, nor Gloom of Night Can Stay These Carriers

In this day and age, you would receive a look of utter incredulous-ness if you say,

I don't do email.

Well, I'll grant you it has its place. Ordering stuff. Replying posthaste to your boss who lives and works in Minneapolis, thus forestalling a site visit. Buying stocks before the market goes up (joke).

But let's consider. While email has its place, how would you like to receive a love letter? A letter of condolence? Get well soon card?

Words transferred at the speed of light, spat through cyber space (I think it is really really cold out there) and then printed on paper when your printer has enough ink left just seem so, well, impersonal.

Words carefully written by a beloved hand on bond stationery, possibly slightly scented, covered with fingerprints, with a stamp that was actually licked and therefore contains exclusive DNA and attached with care to an envelope... well, they are more personal. So what if it took a week to get to you? It was worth waiting for. These words, you can carry around for a long time in your pocket, or next to your heart. (Unless, of course, they begin: "Dear John".) The pursuit of romance is enhanced by the forethought, preparation, and delivery of a very personal message that exudes "I love you, I miss you, I can't wait until we can be together again."

Email just doesn't cut it. And don't mention text messaging, that destroyer of the English language, to me. ARGHH!

On the other hand, we all know the story of the soldier who diligently wrote to his sweetheart twice a week, only to come home after six months to find that she had married the mailman.

Face up to it: in this world, you have to take chances.