To Penpal or Not to Penpal

I've had penpals for the past year or two and after a long hiatus, caused by a mix of depression and lack of motivation, I'm finally back at it and replying to all of the friends I've made so far. I constantly see people asking how to find a penpal or even asking what you should write about, so I've decided to offer an insight onto my experiences.

"How do you find a penpal?"

Finding a penpal really isn't as difficult as many people make it out to be! Most of mine I found throughout instagram and Tiktok, but most social media will do. I prefer instagram and Tiktok because, at most times, it's hard to fake an entire life. I really prefer instagram because, even as stalker-ish as it sounds, you can figure out if they're a real person. You go through their friends, they're tagged, etc. You should not just be handing out your address willy nilly! Talk to these people first, create a bond and assess whether or not they're a trustworthy person or a total creep. 

Two of my penpals were long-term online friends I met across different platforms through online communities, such as the once thriving instagram editing community(rip). The others I met through instagram and Tiktok posts. Simply searching up "Penpal ISO" on either app can lead you to hundreds of posts filled with people your age searching for a penpal! Additionally, the more Penpal content you interact with the more is shown on you feed which meansss you can search in those comments as well! Simply commenting, "Is anyone looking for a penpal?" opens too many gates for you! 

"Okay, but what do I even write about?"

Again, this will vary from person to person. Some people write about their lives, what's been going on lately, etc. Others will write back and forth about interests. I find myself lying in that in between. Me and my penpal, Grace, will write back and forth with our "Currents." We give each other prompts of what they're currently into, usually in the form of a long list so that we can gain interests, but also learn more about the other. This is also a great way to get to know a new penpal. You ask them questions and can even answer your own! "What's your favorite food? Mine's Taco Bell I love the Cheez-It Crunchwrap" or something like that lol. 

"What about all of those cute little add ins I always see?"

First of all, not necessary, but they are always so fun to receive! I recommend light, flat items, unless you're willing to pay a ridiculous amount for postage. If so/ You do you! I do love to send my penpals bulkier things for special occasions like holidays and birthdays. 

What I include: Stickers, Postcards, Sealed teabags, little pieces of gum, drawings, paper crafts(you can find templates all across the internet but I'll include some cute ones I enjoy @ the end), pressed flowers, poems/excerpts from a book, posters- basically ant]ything you can think of that gets flat and you can mail! 

"Okay, but I don't have a printer"

Your local library is always a great resource! Of course I hand write all of my letters, but I know some people prefer to type. This also helps for those paper crafts I mentioned prior! 

I'm sure there's more I could touch on, but there's not much coming to my mind right now! Comment below with any questions :) 

Paper Crafts: