Do you enjoy writing?Do you want to meet new people outside of your home?It's possible to do that with a pen pal.The best way to build a solid foundation for many years of happy letter-writing is to think about what kind of pen pal you want, sharing your life with them in prose, and developing a genuine interest in them.
Step 1: You can choose an appropriate format for your letter.
There are no hard rules about how to structure your letters, but many people choose to use a three-part format.A letter has a greeting, a body paragraph, and a closing.The body of the letter should begin with the words, "Dear pen pal's name".You will communicate with your pen pal here.It can be between 2 and 5 paragraphs.Don't finish with a bang.After your signature, it usually consists of a final paragraph and a phrase like "sincerely".
Step 2: Over time, reveal facts about yourself.
Your hobbies and interests should be mentioned in your first letter.You will have plenty of time to share things as you get to know each other.You won't have much to write about later if you reveal too much.Be specific.Don't say that you like film, crafts, and exercise.You can say that you enjoy "Marvel movies, knitting and needlework, and riding your bike."As you get to know your pen pal better, you will get a sense for their interests and sense of humor.You will feel more comfortable expressing yourself.
Step 3: Be careful with what you share.
Don't include self-incriminating information if you are writing to a pen pal.When prison staff discover your secrets, you might get in trouble.You never know who your pen pal is sharing their correspondence with if you include this fact in your letters.Information about your income should be kept confidential.Information that might give away your identity, like your full name and looks, should be kept to a minimum.You can rent a PO box if you don't like strangers knowing your address.
Step 4: Ask a lot of questions.
There is an interest in your pen pal's life.Ask about your pen pal's work, hobbies, and family.Send your pen pal to share their feelings with you.Don't be shy when writing and develop a genuine curiosity about your pen pal.If they mention that they do track and field, ask how fast they can run, if they have ever participated in a relay race, and what the furthest distance they've ever run.
Step 5: Don't be aggressive.
You need to be aware of their boundaries while you have lots of questions.If you are writing to a pen pal overseas, they might assume a different level of familiarity and comfort than you do.It might be difficult for them to talk candidly about certain topics.If you sense reticence on the part of your pen pal, don't snoop into their life.If your pen pal does not answer certain questions, don't ask them again and assume the topic is not sensitive.If your pen pal insists on certain boundaries, respect them.If they do not want to talk about their sexuality or family life, don't insist on it.Don't talk about things you're not comfortable with.Send your pen pal any topics you don't want to talk about.
Step 6: Close your letter with a question.
Say goodbye and then ask a question, instead of just leaving it at that.They will get something to answer in their next letter.Rather than asking a random question, ask something that relates back to the topic of your letter.If you wrote about how excited you are for summer, how about you?Do you like swimming?At the end, write "sincerely," "Take it easy," or "until next time" under your name.
Step 7: Put your address in the envelope.
Your pen pal's address should be in the middle of the envelope.The address should have 3 lines.Your pen pal's name goes on the first line.The city, state, and zip code go on the final line after the street address.Additional lines may be required for international letters.If you need assistance, ask the post office.You should add postage.It is a good idea to take your letter to the post office the first time so that you know which stamps to use.If your pen pal lives in the US, use forever stamps, which will cover the postage regardless of price.
Step 8: When waiting for a reply, be patient.
Your pen pal is a busy person.Don't expect a reply tomorrow.Wait at least two weeks for a response.If your pen pal doesn't reply within two weeks, you can send them another letter or email.Writing letters is seen as a waste of time by many people.One of the benefits of writing letters is that it takes time and thus requires patience.
Step 9: How committed are you to your pen pal?
Let your pen pal know if you only write twice a month.If you can write multiple times a week, tell your pen pal.If you decide to write less, let your pen pal know so that they don't expect more from you.Keep an eye on your pen pal if he isn't as committed as you are.You don't need to limit yourself to one pen pal at a time.If you can't keep up with your pen pal, look for someone who is more patient or willing to wait.
Step 10: Give a present or a gift.
There are lots of little things that can be gifts for your pen pal.If your pen pal lives in another country, they may be interested in coins from your native country.You could also include recent articles that your pen pal might find of interest, and reference them in the text of your letter.You can send a photo of yourself doing a fun activity if you are very close to your pen pal.If you're writing to a pen pal in prison, ask if you can get certain items.Each prison has its own guidelines for what is and isn't allowed.Your letter should be decorated.If you are an artist, include drawings or sketches in your text.Adding stickers adds a personal touch.
Step 11: Comment on what your pen pal is writing.
If your pen pal comments on a new job, ask them how they like it, if their coworkers are kind, and so on.Take an interest in what they are going through.Answer any questions your pen pal has.Tell your pen pal if you don't want to answer any questions.Take photos of your pen pal's pets, collections, and art.
Step 12: Do not treat your pen pal letters like a diary.
If you want to grow closer to your pen pal, you need to include personal feelings and experiences, but you shouldn't give a blow-by-blow account of your every waking hour since your last letter.The conversation between you and your pen pal should be natural.Attend a movie, get an award at school, or learn a new skill are examples of major events in your life.You don't sound like a reporter if you add some thoughts and insight.For instance, instead of saying, "I saw the new Captain America movie yesterday", you should say " I saw it".The cinematography was the best in the series, and I loved the characters.You should check it out!
Step 13: Discuss common experiences with your pen pal.
Comment on things your pen pal has experience with or opinions about in your letters, such as news stories or your work life.You can write, "I am really excited about Candidate X, I donated to her campaign and volunteered to go door-to-door on her behalf."How about you?Do you plan on voting?
Step 14: You can talk to your pen pal online.
You can use social media to communicate with your pen pal.During the time between getting each other's letters, your friendship blossoms if you stay in touch this way.Digital communication should not replace your letter-writing relationship.Modern forms of communication are great, but they aren't as good as letter-writing.
Step 15: Think about why you want to write to a pen pal.
Are you researching a topic?Are you practicing a foreign language?Is it possible to learn more about life and culture in another land?Depending on your interests and purpose in writing to a pen pal, you can choose who to connect with.If you want to learn German, you should connect with a pen pal from Germany, Austria, or a German speaker in another country.If you want to learn more about Japan, you should look for pen pals in Japan who can give you insight into Japanese society.
Step 16: Think about your interests and background.
It might be beneficial to write to someone you share common ground with if you want to make a friend.Try to get in touch with someone who is similar to you.You can connect with pen pals who you think are interesting.If you're a 17-year-old punk rocker, you won't get along with a 45 year old businessman.There are pen pal clubs for college students and teen girls.This will make it easier to find a pen pal.You shouldn't be afraid to write with someone different than you.You could find a 16-year-old ballet dancer instead of looking for another punk rocker.
Step 17: You can find a pen pal on the web.
Pen pals can be found on many forums and websites.Some of the sites that facilitate letter writing connections are PenPals Now, Pen Pal World, and Letter Writers Alliance.Fees are required for some services and free for others.Before you get too excited about the sign-up process, make sure that both can provide good pen pals.