(Written 2/13/12 by ChristopherK2 for the MDers Over 35 Blog)
That's the title of an article I read the other day. I think both that it's too specific and that it's wide of the mark.
I found out after my grandparents died that they were collectors of old documents. Most were from the Civil War era and earlier and included old money, deeds, canceled checks, promissory notes, and other banking documents.
But nestled among them was the only one I kept. It's a Valentine's Day card dated February 14, 1854. The envelope is of high-quality paper heavily-embossed to make it look like lace. The face page of the card inside is almost sheer in spots, also heavily-embossed. It has delicate raised panels with roses affixed in the corners and hearts within garlands in the middle surrounding a larger gilt-edged panel in the center. That panel contains a nice printed poem about friendship.
The inside of the card includes what is apparently an original poem, written in an elegant script, as follows (near as I can tell):
To One Absent
I think of thee at morning's breaks
refreshing from the night dark sea
When life and light and joy awaken
I think of thee...
Overall, it's a stunningly beautiful card and envelope, which would surely melt any lady's heart.
In my view, the difference between then and now isn't the fault of social media, but just changes in style over time. I have written some love letters, but geesh, who has the time to do a card like that one from scratch? And where would you even find paper of that quality or the panels?
I suppose I could do all of that but perhaps I'm just unwilling to take the time? Maybe I just "settle" for penning a quick romantic comment inside of a nice card from Hallmark along with some pretty flowers and/or chocolates. And maybe I don't do any more than that because women today don't demand (or reward) it.
But at least I don't lower my standards to the modern texting equivalent of "Happy V-Day. Luv U."
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