Forget one-word texts. Forget superfluous instant messages.
You might be surprised to know that as quick-hit social media interactions continue to ricochet across the blogosphere, people are finding themselves starving for some meaningful correspondence, according to a recent study from Hallmark.
Even more surprising? Guess who’s hopping on the non-text, non-heart emoji post bandwagon? Twenty-somethings! “We would think millennials—because they grew up in the digital age—would prefer a text, a like, or comment on a post,” says Dr. Vania Manipod, psychiatrist and wellness blogger. “Interestingly, what the survey found was that millennials—compared to all age groups—found greeting cards to be much more meaningful and showed they felt more noticed when they receive a greeting card.”
So does this mean millennials are finding a soft spot for sending good ol’ fashioned cards to their peers. Yep. And the recipients are loving the acknowledgment. “[Millennials] are so used to quick, passive digital ways of connecting that a card catches them off guard. It’s something they don’t receive all the time,” says Manipod. “It shows that someone went above and beyond to take the time to buy a greeting card, write a message, and show they really care.”
Manipod says that spending countless hours on social media outlets can only increase the chances of feeling lonely and isolated. So it’s no wonder that millennials are now starting to detox with—you guessed it—personal and/or more meaningful interactions. And yes, that includes giving and receiving heartfelt cards in the mail. “Since a lot of people tend to communicate through digital interactions, those types of experiences are passive and fleeting,” she says. “The most important point is that it’s fostering personal connections and relationships—taking time out of our busy lives.”
Next time you’re at the grocery store or drug store, Manipod says take a hot second and make a pilgrimage over to the card section and just snoop around. “Grab that ‘just because’ card or whatever resonates with you that day,” she says. “Send that instead of a text. Let them know you’re lucky to have them as a friend—or anything you’re feeling in that moment. Pause and reflect on that relationship and connection.”
Manipod says you have nothing to lose and everything to gain, according to the survey. “A lot of times people aren’t sure how to strengthen or maintain a relationship,” she says. “Take the time and read some cards and think about somebody you haven’t connected with in a long time and see what happens.”
Now—where did we put our stamps again?