Recently, I received an email from a friend and something
dawned on me. She addressed everything that I had mentioned or asked in the
email that I had sent to her. I love that because I truly believe the person
“listened” to what I had to say or ask in my email.
Some people’s email is just … me, me, me. They don’t answer
anything you asked or comment on something exciting you reported. It’s just a
report of what they are doing. It is a one sided conversation and most likely
they are the same people who don’t listen when you are talking.
Remember actual letters? I find it fascinating to read old
letters from past eras, especially from composers, authors, or important
political figures. The writing is colorful and some might say – flowery. But
they sounded so eloquent, personal and educated. The whole art of writing a
letter might be long gone. An email is often short, cryptic and with the
influence of texting more akin to something that needs a person skilled in
deciphering … . lmao, lol!
I don’t text. To begin with, I find it awkward to type on
those tiny little keyboards. I like a regular keyboard so I can stretch out and
write a real sentence and paragraph. More importantly, I find it hard to
express a feeling in a text. An email is at least closer to a real letter and
one can articulate a sentiment more easily.
When I write an email, I still write as though I am writing
an actual letter, something that was taught in elementary school. I use correct
grammar and sentence structure. I choose my words carefully and write in an
educated manner. Oh, and before pushing that send button, I proofread!!
So the next time you are constructing an email to a friend
take a look at what you have composed. Would your grammar school teacher be
proud of you? Oh wait, I’ve just dated myself with the term grammar school. For
those of you younger, that is the same as elementary school. At any rate, happy
writing!
