If you still write thank-you notes by hand, psychology says you display these 7 distinct character traits

Eliza Hartley by Eliza Hartley | June 17, 2025, 4:59 am

There’s something truly special about handwritten thank-you notes. They’re a rarity in our modern, digital age.

Psychology suggests that if you’re someone who still takes the time to write thank-you notes by hand, you might possess certain distinct character traits.

In this digital era, it’s easy to forget the power of a pen and paper. But if you’re a handwritten note enthusiast, it means something deeper about your personality.

The following article will explore the seven unique traits that psychology says you display if you’re someone who still writes thank-you notes by hand. So, get ready to delve into the world of penmanship and its connection to personality traits. Let’s get started!

1) Thoughtfulness

Handwritten thank-you notes aren’t something you dash off in a hurry. They require time, effort, and a little bit of planning.

Psychology suggests that if you’re someone who prefers to scribble down your gratitude, you’re likely to be a thoughtful individual.

You see, it’s so much easier to type out a quick “thanks” and hit send. But choosing to write your note by hand? That’s a deliberate action. It shows that you’ve put thought into your words and actions.

This doesn’t just apply to thank-you notes, but carries over into other aspects of life as well. If you’re a handwritten note person, chances are you give careful consideration to your actions and words in general.

So, the next time you sit down with a pen and a thank-you card, remember – you’re not just expressing gratitude, you’re revealing a deep-seated trait of thoughtfulness!

2) Authenticity

Handwritten notes, in my experience, have a way of reflecting a person’s true self.

I remember a time when I received a thank-you note from a friend. It wasn’t just the words that touched me, but the effort she had put into crafting each sentence, her unique handwriting that was so her, and the fact that she’d taken the time out of her busy schedule to write it.

The note felt so authentic, so genuine. And it made me realize, people who write thank-you notes by hand are often authentic individuals.

You see, when you write by hand, you can’t really hide behind autocorrect or fancy fonts. It’s just you, your pen, and your words. This in itself is a reflection of authenticity – a trait that psychology associates with people who still write thank-you notes by hand.

So if you’re someone who prefers pen and paper over typing, you might just be showcasing your authenticity without even realizing it!

3) Patience

In a world where things happen at the click of a button, taking the time to write a thank-you note by hand is akin to swimming against the tide. It’s not just about writing the note, but finding the right words, getting the handwriting just right, and then mailing it.

Psychology points out that this slow and careful process is indicative of patience. When you opt for a handwritten note over an instant message, you’re demonstrating your willingness to wait, to take things slow.

Interestingly, a study found that patience is linked to better mental health and greater life satisfaction. So, while you’re taking the time to pen down your gratitude, you’re also exhibiting a trait that contributes to overall well-being.

Handwriting thank-you notes might seem old-fashioned, but it could be a small testament to your patience and the positive impact it has on your life.

4) Empathy

Writing a thank-you note by hand is more than just expressing gratitude. It’s a way of connecting with the person on the other end, understanding their feelings, and appreciating their actions.

This ability to understand and share the feelings of others is known as empathy, a trait often found in those who prefer handwritten notes over digital ones.

When you write by hand, you’re consciously putting yourself in the shoes of the receiver, imagining how your words will make them feel. This ability to empathize not only makes your note more heartfelt but also reveals your knack for understanding others’ emotions.

So, if you’re a fan of handwritten thank-you notes, you’re likely displaying an underlying trait of empathy, a characteristic that only adds to your charm!

5) Mindfulness

I’ve always found that writing thank-you notes by hand forces me to slow down, to really think about what I want to say and how I want to express my thanks.

There’s something about the act of writing, the way the pen moves across the paper, that makes me more aware of my thoughts and feelings. It’s a moment of mindfulness in a world that’s usually rushing by at a hundred miles an hour.

Psychology tells us that this focus and presence of mind, this mindfulness, is a trait commonly found in individuals who prefer handwritten notes.

It’s about being in the moment, appreciating it, and expressing gratitude for it. So if you’re someone who still believes in penning down thank-you notes, you’re not just practicing an age-old art, but also embodying mindfulness in its truest sense.

6) Creativity

Handwriting a thank-you note is an art. It’s not just about the words you write, but also about the way you present them. The choice of stationery, the color of the ink, your unique handwriting – it all adds up to a creative expression.

Psychology suggests that this creative aspect is a distinct trait of those who prefer handwritten notes. It’s about viewing a simple thank-you note as a canvas for your creativity, a chance to make someone feel special and cherished.

So if you’re someone who always reaches out for that pen and paper to express gratitude, you’re likely showcasing your creative side without even realizing it. It’s these little gestures that make you unique and add a touch of magic to your thank-you notes!

7) Respect

Respect is at the core of every handwritten thank-you note. It’s about acknowledging the effort someone has put in and showing them you value it.

When you take the time to write a note by hand, you’re essentially showing respect for the person and their actions. It’s about saying, “I see what you did, and I appreciate it.”

Psychology tells us that respect is a fundamental trait in those who prefer handwritten thank-you notes. It’s about recognizing the worth of others and expressing it in an authentic and personal way.

So if you’re someone who still believes in handwritten notes, remember this – with every stroke of your pen, you’re demonstrating respect. And in a world where this is often overlooked, your actions truly make a difference.