Who's the one in your community that everyone is glad to see? They watch for him with eyes full of hope and expectation, and no matter what he brings them they accept with a feeling of gratitude. Even if he has no gift for them that day, they smile in anticipation of his next visit. Although his salary is small, everyone is grateful for the work he does. He is a "spreader of cheer and good will" and is one of those lucky people whom everyone is glad to see. You've guessed it! He is the man with the mail!

Maybe you haven't often been on the receiving end; but, dollars to doughnuts, I bet you have never missed the watching-for-the-postman act. You hope for the thrill of bringing the letters home! It's a grand feeling, you will admit, to have a few envelopes of all shapes and sizes right in your very hand. Of course it is impolite to read the messages even on the postcards, but you can read the addresses and compare the types of writing, the kinds of paper used, the quality of the ink, the interesting stamps, some of which you may later ask for to add to your collection, and the equally interesting postmarks which some folks save because they are really very individual when you come to look at them carefully. Did you ever do it? If you have a friend along, you can grasp the opportunity to see if he knows that ink is preferable to pencil. Light-tan or white paper is best, because the address is more legible if there is a contrast between black ink and light-colored paper. Obviously, handwriting should be of such a character that it can easily be read. For instance, if the writing is like this the reader may never be able to work out the message intended, no matter how important or interesting it may be.

The Real Fun

Of course, the real fun comes when the letters are opened, for one never knows the stories they have to tell. Auntie may be coming on Tuesday, and that always means there's a good time in store. Someone may want us to go to Maine or California or to a peppy party. Perhaps it will be a rare treat, such as a travel account from our cousin abroad or from that interesting friend of ours who does such adventurous things and who is now on a safari through the jungles of Africa. Maybe the lovely girl we met on our last trip will write of her everyday life in her rather sleepy little town far away, of the books she has read, the movies she has enjoyed, the people surrounding her. It might even be from that frolicsome friend who sends a message all rhymed, or written in such a novel way with illustrations and clippings from the daily papers that everyone who hears it has to double up with laughter.

A Grand Game

No matter what the type of letter, corresponding is a grand feeling; and the best part of it is that you can get right in and play the game any time you want to. The rules are quite simple. The more letters you send, the more you receive. The more unusual and interesting you make your letters, the more your friends will clamor for them. A package of nice note paper, a botde of ink, and a few stamps are all you need for the game. All you have to tell is what you have been doing, wearing, eating, reading, thinking, talking about. Talk about you - that is what your friend likes. And while you are at it, keep in mind the receiver's major interests. That's the most important thing of all. For instance, if you know your cousin has never been off the farm, why bore him to death with a detailed account of the latest trends in women's hats, unless you are sure he likes hats! Why not tell him of the county fair you attended last vacation and your interest in the livestock, the new tractors, and the 4-H Club exhibit? If you haven't been to the fair, how about noting the news in the magazines and papers that that he is not likely to read, or talking about the programs he hears over his radio? Friendly letters should be like a very interesting chat. Keep them peppy.

One Thing To Keep In Mind

There is one thing to remember. Letters tell on you. That bit of knowledge has been known since letters were invented. In the Smithsonian Reports of 1864 there is a well-told account of a missionary who sent an Indian with four loaves of bread and a letter explaining the gift to a colleague at a distant point. On the way, the messenger ate one of the loaves and was quite surprised when he was reprimanded and punished for his act. He certainly learned his lesson! The next time he was sent on a similar errand he hid the letter under a stone while he ate the loaf so that the magic paper couldn't see and tell on him again!

The best rule is never to write a letter that you would not like to see published, for every letter you write tells on you. The reader can tell whether you are sincere, dependable, thoughtful, big-hearted, and sweet-tempered. Letters are really like mirrors. They reflect your personality and show up all your good and bad points. Like any guest visiting a home, they should not monopolize the conversation with their own deeds. The host must be considered, too. This is where good breeding and tact will come to light. Right along this same line your individuality and that of the receiver's must be weighed carefully. You can hint to Margaret or George, but to Joe and Betty you must explain your ideas in great detail. Cousin May likes care in wording. Bill enjoys reading between the lines. Just appreciation without hypocrisy is what Rita will expect, and Uncle Charles is very touchy. Write to each one as you would talk to him if you were with him in person. Write the kind of letter you would like to receive.