First, let me offer a welcome to anyone who found me from the Axia article. It was fun to write, and I’m glad you are here.
![A card with cat mugshot reads, "I licked all the corned beef and cabbage." A card with cat mugshot reads, "I licked all the corned beef and cabbage."](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fca6cb3b3-7c18-4a58-857f-e2658c375525_357x500.jpeg)
I come from Card People. I love that we write down how we feel, that we take a moment to tangibly show others they matter to us. (I’m a casserole person too, but frankly cards are easier.)
I’m all for welcome, congratulations, and sympathy cards. Yes to Mother’s/Father’s Day, thinking of you, and especially thank yous. Two of my kids learned to write specifically because they wanted to send their own Valentines.
But St Patrick’s day, really? Some whimsical conflation of an ancient bishop and leprechauns? Tiny men in green hats are all well and good, but I do not need another obligation, another $7 expense. What are we even doing here?
Eh. We’re connecting.
Same with Christmas cards and get well soons, retirement cards and every [Insert Profession] Appreciation Week.
It’s not an obligation. It’s an excuse. It’s a safe reason to reach out. “I miss you” is a reason, but sometimes complicated. “I wish we could communicate properly” is a reason, but not an easy one. “Leprechauns are cute, wishing I could send you all the luck and a pot of gold!” Yeah, that one I can handle.
So. If you are looking for a way to offer connection in an imperfect relationship, may I recommend a St Patrick’s day card? Low stakes, worth a smile.
A card is an act of love. Even if the leprechauns are creepy.
Drop me a note in the comments if you’d like help finding a card for your thorny situation. Happy to recommend a few, no charge.