It is easy to become pen pals if the other person is interested. There are those who think that being pen pals is an ineffective way of communicating, others believe that it is a neglected and now lost art.
Steps
Step 1. Find a pen pal
There are many dedicated sites, or you can choose someone you have already met in a chat.
Step 2. Send letters to people of different types
You don't have to be too selective in the beginning. You can't always choose a person based on their profile. Some people create a profile, then never check if someone wrote to them. You may need to contact several people before you find someone you feel comfortable with.
Step 3. Tell people how you found them
If you are contacting them via an online service, you must tell them and specify which one it is.
Step 4. Read their profile and quote from it
"I see you like cycling. How long have you been cycling?" This is a good start to then talk about your interests.
- If you have something in common, talk about it. "I like cycling, but only on the road. I've never tried mountain bike trails."
- If, on the other hand, there are no things in common, you can point it out anyway. "Isn't it amazing that I never rode a bicycle? I thought about it but I never really learned how to ride."
Step 5. Talk about your interests
You can mention any hobbies or activities you like best. If you want to become a pen pal for a specific purpose, such as learning a foreign language or learning about another culture, tell your interlocutor.
Step 6. Don't overdo it
The first letter must not be too long. You don't have to tell the whole story of your life. Think above all about introducing yourself and giving your new pen pal something to talk about in his letter.
Step 7. Ask questions
They don't have to be too personal questions, but general questions about his hobbies or interests. This way he will have something to tell you in the reply letter and indeed it will be an incentive for him to reply.
Step 8. Do not go into the details of personal data
In the first communication, tell him what state or region you live in, but not the address. Give the name but not the surname.
Step 9. Conclude the letter in a way that leaves possibilities open and stimulates a response
"I would like to know you better and I hope to hear from you soon."
Advice
- Having a pen pal and writing to him should be fun, and not feel like a job.
- If you enjoy writing to someone and want to continue, do your best to reply as soon as possible to all the letters they send you. Not everyone will do the same for you, but it's the best way to get more letters. You have to do your part.
- If someone hasn't written to you in a long time and you would like them to, you can kindly remind them. "You haven't been heard from in a while. How are you?" sometimes it will be enough to remind that person that they forgot to answer. Gradually you will learn how long it takes your friends to respond. If the response takes too long, you can send a "polite" reminder.
Warnings
- You are not required to provide personal details, even if you are asked.
- If someone texting you causes you discomfort, use common sense. You can stop writing to him and not reply. If you think he didn't do it on purpose, you can clearly answer: "I'd rather not tell you my age."