As an animal that writes letters, I’ve identified that there are two very distinct pleasurable gifts that letter writing offers. One: The act of writing in itself, and two: the receiving of responses.

I must tell you, I have indiscriminately signed up for newsletters in the past, never responded to the emails I received, and rarely read them. Now, there are one or two newsletters I always take the time to read, and when the topic resonates, I find the time to respond. I don’t always get a response back. That’s ok. Other times I do.

But in those instances, there is a loop that I value highly, because it isn’t a parasocial relationship, a one-sided connection where one party (in this case, the writer) shares their thoughts and the other (the reader) listens, but a moment of intimacy with someone whose words were sent into the air and reached my ear. I took those emails as a gift. I know that not all my newsletters will resonate with you, but if one does, I will feel that my writing has achieved its purpose.

If my words ever resonate with you, please feel free to respond; I invite you to do so. I may not respond immediately, but I will eventually — 90% of the time — and I will cherish your time and effort and the closed connection loop.

Would you like to receive letters from me?