Dear Contractions,

Dear Contractions,
I like you, and I am not talking about the kind that preceeds giving birth. I have never had those type of contractions and I hope that I will not for a good, long while. I am talking about smashing two words together, dropping some of the letters and throwing in an apostrophe.

I was forced to stop using you in high school English classes because it was not proper. It was a difficult struggle because I liked you so darn much. And it was useful in all of my school writings from then on. It helped with my word-count and page requirements as well as making my writing look smooth and professionial. I would even hesitate to use you when emailing or IMing friends. Habits are hard to break.

Now I write for my own and other's amusement. Contractions, I am happy to welcome you back on a limited basis. I still under-utilize you, but I enjoy the way you make me sound casual and conversational. And while I may not litter my writing with your apostrophes as frequently as before, y'all will still be in my heart. In fact, the contraction of you all is by far my favorite. I do get teased for saying it, since I grew up in an area where it is not used and looked down upon,  but my love for the comfortable y'all cannot be denied. It is part of my daily lexicon and of who I am. I saw you in wonderful form the other day as "y'all'd" and all I could do is stare in awe. Two contractions! Well done!

So thank you, contractions, for keeping writing concise and to the point. Keep up the good work.

love,
jenna'nn

P.S. I also really enjoy using our friend the apostrophe in place of the "g" at the end of words. Writin' that way is super statisfyin'. Sometimes usin' fewer letters is just better :)