An unmistakably personal art is back on the rise – handwritten letters.

In a world of fast-paced texting, AI-generated emails (like the ones you send your teacher), and delete buttons that erase authentic thoughts, everything we do can be hyperperfected with the help of technology.

Writing by hand removes these shortcuts. Pen on paper becomes, in itself, an art and a more meaningful way to show others that you care about them. There’s no autocorrect, just a one-to-one, deeply considered way of saying “I love you” without actually saying “I love you.”

There’s something special about receiving a letter on your birthday, knowing that someone had to write it in advance. It’s sealed, sent, and lands right in your heart in ways that a birthday paragraph cannot. The intention behind this letter lasts longer than a digital notification.

An article by Poosh, Kourtney Kardashian’s lifestyle website and brand, outlines that “Analog is trending big time. We’re craving less screen time and more real-world intimacy. Vinyl is making a comeback, as are film cameras, journal stationery, and anything written by hand.”

Even with graduation picture season on the SMU campus, girls are opting for “vintage looks,” featuring long dresses and girls running through the Boulevard on film. These pictures aren’t just for aesthetic purposes; they purposefully stray away from the “cookie-cutter,” heavily-edited headshots on Dallas Hall’s steps – even though those are beautiful in a different way.

This same desire for something more intentional extends beyond photos and into everyday habits. Now, I’m not recommending completely outlawing current trends and music, but opting for a mix of old-school habits. There’s something magnetic about choosing the slower, more intentional path in a world obsessed with speed and convenience.

The benefits go far beyond aesthetics. Psychologists point to real benefits in taking the time to handwrite notes: handwriting activates different parts of the brain than typing, boosting memory, creativity, and emotional processing. It also requires greater motor and cognitive engagement. Unlike a text that vanishes if you clear your message storage once a year, a letter becomes a keepsake you can reread years later, the words still carrying loving energy.

This deeper connection matters even more when we consider how technology shapes our relationships. Psychologist Sherry Turkle warned in her book Alone Together that “Technology has become the architect of our intimacies,” in which we can fall prey to a false sense of intimacy when connecting with people solely online. Despite being in near-constant connection with friends online, we frequently avoid the vulnerability and deliberate attentiveness that deep relationships demand.

A handwritten note carries undeniable proof of effort – time spent, ink smudges, and all. It creates a deeper sense of connection because it’s imperfect, human, and permanent.

So, next time you’re reaching for a “thinking about you” text, consider picking up a pen instead. Grab some nice stationery, or even draw a simple picture on paper, find a quiet corner or sunny bench, and let your thoughts flow unfiltered. When the letter reaches the recipient, it’s a reminder that someone cared enough to slow down for them.

It’s the most radical way to say “I love you.”