Asking Eric: How long should I keep a greeting card?

Dear Eric: I am writing after reading the letter about how to handle beautiful greeting cards you don’t want to just throw away (“Greeting Cards”).

I’d love to suggest an option that, for me, is heartwarming.

When I feel the love expressed, I turn the card over and on the back write a little note. Example: “Dear ___, you sent me this card on my 80th birthday and it touched my heart. Thank you. (personal note follows). Love Forever.” Then I place the card in a folder to be distributed to the sender when I pass away. I have an individual folder for each family member. It’s my hope that they’ll feel the love returned even after I am gone.

– Feeling the Love

Dear Love: Oh wow! The foresight and creativity of this solution took my breath away. I simply adore this! You’ve created a sort of ouroboros of love, looping back on itself forever.

Others suggested that children’s hospitals, senior centers and schools may have donation programs set up for repurposing old cards. And – important! – I used the term “throw out” in my original answer. Let me clarify: if you’re throwing the cards out, throw them in the recycling bin.