The letter you write is your personal representative. It takes your place when circumstances make it impossible for you to be there in person. It goes to the hospital to cheer a sick friend. It goes to your hostess to thank her for entertaining you. It conveys your best wishes, congratulations, condolences--when you are not able to do so in person.
A friendly letter is like a visit on paper. If you "hate to write letters", it's simply because you have not yet discovered the fun it can be to write and receive letters that are good talk on paper. Many people neglect to answer letters from relatives and friends. To a letter unanswered is like saying, "I don't think you are worth the time and effort it takes to write a letter."
36. According to the passage, when you can't come to a certain place in person, you can ______.
A. send somebody else instead
B. make a telephone call
C. send a telegraph
D. write a letter