Envelopes: questions and Band 8 answers

Not very often these days, to be honest. Almost all my communication is digital now, so I only really use an envelope when I need to mail an official document to a government office or send a birthday card to a relative.

Mostly for traditional occasions, like weddings or birthdays when I want to give someone a greeting card with some cash inside. I also use them occasionally to post back signed paper contracts, which still require physical signatures.

Yes, definitely. A couple of years ago, my grandmother sent me a handwritten birthday letter in a bright red envelope. It had a lovely, heartfelt message inside that I still keep in my desk drawer today.

For day-to-day things, I definitely prefer emails because they're instantaneous and convenient. However, if it's a special milestone or anniversary, I think putting a card in an envelope adds a personal touch that an email just can't match.

I reckon they'll still be around, though in smaller numbers. While digital alternatives have replaced most paper post, people still appreciate the tactile feeling of opening an envelope on special occasions, and certain legal documents will always need physical postage.