On Being A Loud Mouth

I suppose I've never really been shy about expressing myself. I have the most fascinating conversations with complete strangers sometimes - whether on line at the supermarket or waiting for a seat at a local restaurant. Seriously. In fact a couple of days ago I had a conversation with an older couple about the social implications and undertones of the 80's movie Fatal Attraction. Don't ask how it came up because I don't remember.

It's kind of nice living in a world where self expression no longer gets me sent to the principal's office. However being so opinionated (I have an opinion on practically everything) can take its toll. I tend to get stressed out. Luckily there's a form of catharsis almost built in. I write letters. At least four or five a week.

In the past week I wrote the president to let him know exactly what I think of his current policies (I managed not to use a single curse word but it still wasn't pretty), the town where I live about the massive hole in the road (no it's not just a little pothole - trust me on that) as well as a congressman and senator or two. Not that any of them care what I think. But it feels good just to get the words onto a sheet of paper. And chances are some underpaid aides will at least glance at the letters before they are unceremoniously dropped into a garbage bin.

Not all of my letters are about complaints though. No, don't get the wrong idea. I recently wrote this company in Canada that manufactures the most delicious chicken nuggets ever invented (email me if you're curious). To my complete surprise, I received a personalized reply today from them thanking me for my kind words. They even sent me a cute kitchen magnet.

I doubt many people write to companies unless they are upset or want something. It must be kind of thrilling for someone who deals with complaints all day to get a letter essentially saying "I like the job your company is doing. Thank you and keep doing what you're doing!" Try it sometime. Pick a product you like, find out what their contact mailing address is and tell them that you really enjoy it. You probably won't get a response but just sending the letter feels good. Trust me.