I will admit that I am a bit of an emotional person and I am moving from Illinois to Florida next week. I have some family here which will be hard to leave behind too, but I only have one true best friend here as well and we will be hanging out one last time before I move away. I want to write him a card thanking him for everything he has done for me over the years and as a way to say goodbye on paper. Of course we will be saying goodbye in person too, but I feel like I need to get my words out on paper, maybe to help with my emotions. Is it appropriate to write a card like that, given that I am the one moving away, not me writing to a friend who is moving?
Responses (2)
When you have the words, always write them down. Decorum need only be considered with regard to whom might be directly offended by their expression..
Better yet: Write the letter (if your handwriting is pretty, otherwise print it out), narrate it to your friend with as much emotion as you can muster, and gift them that letter eft. That is, assuming they're the kind of person to appreciate such a gesture, keepsake & whatnot (methinks that's rare in general, but who knows).
I wouldn't want to dishearten you with additional paranoia.
Personally, I like to do those kinds of things for the sake of symbolism and creation beyond how the receiver may feel, which is always a mystery to my poor people reading skills (again, if there's no evidence of completely wasted effort). Wouldn't regret it as much as letting an opportunity go to waste.
I think women usually tend to be more receptive in this domain, but I haven't conducted any form of thorough measurement & experimentation.
Thank you. I have given this friend cards and letters and gifts before, I don't know if he's kept them as a keepsake though (I am that type of person who saves those things). I've always wondered after the fact if giving it to him made things awkward, but we've been friends for 10 years now so I can't imagine it was too bad.