Beyond bad handwriting.

September 1, 2021 12:31 AM

I have trouble holding pens, but I want to continue writing personal notes by post. Is there a “right” way to enclose a personal note that’s been typed (aside from adding a handwritten signature.)

I have a medical condition which has weakened my hands to the point that I can only comfortably write a word or two before the pen falls out of my hand. I really love writing and receiving personal notes though for birthdays, condolences, congratulations and other occasions. I miss my handwriting but it’s really just impossible for me now.

Any thoughts from you fine people?
Thank you

posted by Gusaroo to Society & Culture (10 answers total)

I'm not sure if there's a right way, but if I'm typing a personal note, I handwrite the greeting as well as the sign off
posted by crocomancer at 1:00 AM on September 1, 2021 [3 favorites]

I don’t think there’s a wrong way to do it but if you have the ability to print on nice/personalized paper I think that makes it feel more personal. My grandmother always used to send notes on notecards with a line drawing of her home on the front. They started out handwritten, but as her carpal tunnel and arthritis got worse she switched to typing (in her case, actually typing them on a typewriter). They still felt extremely personal and were much appreciated!
posted by mskyle at 3:40 AM on September 1, 2021 [1 favorite]

This is kind of dorky but there are ways to turn your handwriting into a font. Calligraphr is one, it used to be free but looks like it costs something now. I did this at the time and it worked fine. Not really fooling anyone that you wrote it by hand, but sometimes it's the thought that counts. I would also say that writing personal notes in the post is unusual enough these days that people will enjoy it no matter how you present the words.
posted by chavenet at 4:05 AM on September 1, 2021 [4 favorites]

Recently, sending a thank you note, I sent a greeting card with no printed text on which I wrote not much more than "thank you" and my signature. I enclosed a typed note with handwritten signature. I don't suppose the style would do for every occasion, but it seemed right for this one.

But the real answer is "you be you". Pick the technology and the stationary and the font the works best for you. It's not the 19th century anymore, and individualized means of expression are acceptable pretty much everywhere except governmental bureaucracy.
posted by SemiSalt at 5:01 AM on September 1, 2021

A handwritten signature if you can manage it is just fine. If you haven’t tried it already, there are a number of adaptive grips you can buy to make it easier and more comfortable to hold a pen. There is nothing wrong with a typed note, but if you really miss writing by hand it might help you.
posted by impishoptimist at 6:06 AM on September 1, 2021 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Your question made me smile because it reminded me of an old friend who's been gone 20 years. She had a collection of stickers and she'd typewrite her personal notes, leaving spaces in the text, and then add the stickers to emphasize important points. Her notes were cute and fun to receive. So I guess my advice is to not look for the "right" way, look for your way. Your friends will love to receive them if they reflect you.
posted by fritley at 6:22 AM on September 1, 2021 [10 favorites]

I have terrible handwriting, and I feel that for someone who's already feeling blue (thus the need for a note), having them plow through anything approaching a full page of my handwriting is just another burden. On Monday, I typed a note of encouragement to a first-generation college student in her first week of school. In addition to hand-signing the note, I hand-wrote, at the bottom of the letter, "Congratulations! You're amazing, and you'll do great!" I am confident the typed text, my handwritten signature, and the addition of the short, handwritten burst of encouragement is enough to let the student know I'm in her corner.
posted by hhc5 at 6:34 AM on September 1, 2021 [1 favorite]

Agree with others that nice note paper, a personal signature (no matter what it looks like), and fun thoughtful stamps and.or margin doodles or little scribbles can dress up a printed out letter. Really, people tend to love mail and any way you want to send it is AOK. Even little thumbprints with smiley faces could be cute if it seems appropriate.
posted by jessamyn at 7:27 PM on September 1, 2021

Response by poster: Thank you everyone. I love the sticker idea. It made me think of a friend who always added a very funny rubber stamped image to his notes. Also, I think nice paper that can run through the printer could be fun.
posted by Gusaroo at 9:22 AM on September 2, 2021

For what it's worth, I used to work at an office supply store, and I kept a supply of tennis balls in my desk. I'd regularly get requests for a pen or pencil for someone with terrible arthritis, "Like a Dr. Grip, but chunkier!". I'd help them select the kind of pen they wanted (ballpoint, gel, whatever), drill a snug-ish fitting hole for that pen through the tennis ball, and jam the pen through the ball. Many times, it was the perfect fit and a comfortable solution. Something similar might help you write a little more comfortably?
posted by xedrik at 7:14 PM on September 2, 2021 [1 favorite]