The Beauty of a Thank You: Slowing Down with Snail Mail

By Amy Andersen, Founder and CEO of Linx Dating

In the blur of modern life—where texts fly in seconds and emojis pass for emotion—it’s easy to forget the quiet magic of a handwritten note.

One of my favorite ways to slow down and reconnect with intention is simple, old-fashioned, and deeply personal: sending snail mail. More specifically, thank-you notes.

There’s something grounding about taking the time to express gratitude by hand. The act of writing slows you down. It demands presence. You pause, reflect, and give thanks—not with a quick thumbs-up, but with thought and heart.

I love everything about the process:
• Choosing the perfect card or stationery
• Picking the right pen (always the right color)
• Letting the words come in their own time
• Tucking in a small, unexpected detail—a pressed flower, a fun sticker, maybe even a pinch of confetti

Each step transforms a simple gesture into something ceremonial.

If you need inspiration, I highly recommend wandering the aisles of a place like Paper Source. Rows of beautiful card stock, specialty pens, wax seals, and playful extras make it feel more like a creative ritual than a task. And don’t overlook your local post office—browsing stamps is a small joy of its own. Find one that makes you smile or reminds you of the person you're writing to. It’s an extra layer of thoughtfulness they’ll absolutely notice.

But thank-you notes aren’t just about manners. They’re about connection.
They’re tangible reminders that someone thought of you, appreciated you, and took the time to say so.

And yes, it can be incredibly romantic.

Imagine falling in love with someone and receiving handwritten notes in the mail.
It’s old-school, deeply thoughtful, and delightfully intimate. There’s something about seeing someone’s handwriting—knowing they sat down just to write to you that feels unforgettable.

My parents were amazing at this. In the early days of their relationship, letters flew back and forth nearly every other day. There’s a rumor those love notes still exist in a box tucked away somewhere in their house. My sister and I have asked to read them (multiple times). We’ve been firmly told: absolutely not. LOL.

If you want to go the extra mile, melt a wax seal on the envelope. It’s a small, intentional touch—a beautiful nod to an old-world kind of love.

Is it a little random? A little romantic? Maybe.
But it’s also real. Personal. Beautiful. And absolutely worth it.

In a world that moves fast, this is one of the ways I choose to move slow—with gratitude, intention, and a stamp.

Navigating the Art of Rejection with Grace: A Guide to Handling Post-Date Conversations

By Amy Andersen, Founder and CEO of Linx Dating

This week, I received an email from a client asking for advice on how to gracefully communicate disinterest after a date when she knows there's no potential for a future connection. She shared:

"How and when should I let someone know if I’m not interested in a future together? I don’t want to disappoint them, so I often avoid saying exactly what I feel. Sometimes, I need time to think it over, but I feel bad texting afterward to say I’m not interested, as it doesn’t feel personal. How should I approach this with honesty in the moment?"

My advice? It’s important to give both yourself and your date the space to reflect after the date before responding. A good rule of thumb is to wait until the next day—preferably midday—before reaching out. If your date texts you right after the evening and you know you’re not interested, it’s perfectly acceptable to take your time and respond the following day.

Delivering this kind of feedback in person at the end of the date can come across as abrupt and emotionally charged. It’s too immediate and doesn’t leave room for reflection. It’s like being hit with a cold splash of water. Instead, waiting until the next day to gently let your date know your feelings allows you both to digest the evening and process the experience.

If you’re uncomfortable with calling, a well-crafted text message in the early stages of dating is acceptable. However, if you’ve gone on multiple dates, an in-person conversation or phone call is the more considerate approach.

To make this process as kind and respectful as possible, consider following this simple template:

1. Begin with genuine compliments

Start by expressing appreciation for something positive about the date. This helps soften the message and ensures your date feels valued.

Examples:

• "Thank you for picking such a unique dinner spot last night—I’d never been to that restaurant, and I loved discovering those amazing tapas!"

• "I really appreciated your kindness throughout the evening. It’s rare these days to find someone who treats others with such respect and consideration."

• "Your creativity is impressive. The fact that you sew your own clothes with such precision is truly remarkable—I haven’t met anyone with that kind of skill before."

• "I was so impressed when you shared that you completed your Ph.D. while working full-time. That’s an incredible accomplishment."

• "It was so inspiring to hear about your weekend volunteer work. Compassionate people like you are a rare find."

2. Gently communicate your feelings

Once you’ve expressed your gratitude, transition to your decision in a calm and thoughtful manner. Share that after reflecting on the date, you feel there isn’t enough long-term chemistry to pursue another meeting.

Example phrasing:
"After giving it some thought, I don’t feel the kind of connection I’m looking for long-term. I hope you understand."

3. Offer encouragement and goodwill

Close by wishing your date well, and emphasize that you believe they will find the right person in time.

Example:
"I have no doubt that someone as [compliment from above] will find the love they deserve. You’re a truly special person, and I’m sure there’s someone perfect for you out there."

By handling rejection in this way, you not only convey your message with clarity and respect, but you also leave the other person feeling appreciated and understood. This approach is much more considerate than ghosting or engaging in a prolonged texting dialogue that may lead someone on unnecessarily.

Dating isn’t always easy, especially when it comes to difficult conversations. But by navigating these moments with elegance, you set yourself apart. Not only will you make your date feel better about themselves, but you’ll also feel good about taking the high road and handling a challenging situation with grace.