Full Disclosure Se.lah family: I'm not a huge phone person.
It's not because I don't miss you, but texting is so impersonal to me. Anyone that knows me, knows that my response when my friends want to 'talk" (especially over something important) is typically: "How about we do lunch or grab some ice cream or coffee?" I have always preferred intentional, quality time, and we can blame the Five Love Languages for that (lol).
In looking for a more personal way to reach out, I came across the lost art of...letters. And in looking for a creative, engaging way to make receiving a letter interesting, I came across this fun idea:
"OPEN WHEN LETTERS"!
(images above courtesy of TheDelicateDinosaur's ETSY shop)
How Do Open When Letters Work?
Open When letters work by giving someone a series of letters with instructions for opening at a later date or time. They can be as general as “when you miss me”, “when you’re feeling blue”, or more specific like “for your birthday” or “when you graduate college”. Ideas and themes can be as creative as you like—the more specific to the individual (including favorite jokes, movies, TV shows and other shared memories) the better.
Open When Letter Rules
Every set of letters starts with the "OPEN ME FIRST" letter. In this letter, you should include the rules of the game, so to speak. You can use any rules you like, but suggested ones are:
Only open 1 (or 2) per week (to avoid them being all opened at once and losing their effect).
Don’t peek (that will ruin all the hard work of putting them together).
Don’t share with friends (these are meant to be personal).
Don’t throw them away- keep these forever! (and eva, eva? yes, eva, eva.)
6 Open When Letter Ideas
Long-Distance Relationships- One of the primary reasons for an Open When letter project is that they are a wonderful way to keep the interest going in long distance relationships, or for when you and a loved one have to be apart for a significant length of time.
Encouragement- Encouragement letters are simple ways to keep people going in rough times. Give these to a friend, a child or even to your future self!
Life Events- Personal celebrations and holidays are a great surprise for these cards. Especially if you know one of these life events is due soon!
Military Families- It’s not always easy to stay in touch with loved ones especially with those deployed overseas. This would also be a great supportive gift to those taking care of home while their spouses are away.
Your Kids- This is great for any age from elementary to middle school to their first year away at college. Even though you can’t be with them every single moment, there are always opportunities to reach out and support them. An Open When letter can offer advice and encouragement for them when you can’t be there.
Your Siblings and Friends- In times like these, it can be hard to catch up in person. Packing them some motivational and inspirational letters is a great way to show people that you love them, even when you can't be there.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
Envelopes and blank cards like this colorful set.
Pens
Tape/ glue stick to adhere labels to envelopes and cards.
Supplies to insert for corresponding card: bubble wrap, candy, treat bags/ boxes, gift cards, etc.
Labels for each envelope. I created a free printable just for you! Make sure that you share your finished letters by posting below or tagging #selahopenwhenletters on IG and FB so I can see how they came out!
Have fun and spread love! (It's the Brooklyn way)
Raaya
(Ok, I'm from Cali. But couldn't resist slipping in a biggie quote where I can.)