Has the art of actually writing a letter been lost? It's 2018 and very much a digital age that people don't send as many letters or cards as they used to. I can't remember the last time I got a handwritten note from a friend or even a family member. I occasionally get a card from grandparents but even that is few and far between.
Almost everyone can be reached on some electronic device - Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Email, FaceTime, etc. There really isn't a need to write a letter. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't start doing it again. I recently connected with a group of women online that are seeking pen pals and I decided to join in.
I have to say it's fascinating to communicate with people that are so far away but not actually talk to them. It adds such a different dimension to a budding friendship. Pen pals have been around for decades and often times were used to practice reading and writing for younger kids but it became a popular past time.
I never had a pen pal when I was in elementary school like many kids do. Recently, I stumbled across a group on Facebook for women looking for pen pals. I joined it mostly out of curiosity to learn more about what they were doing but I ended up making a few pen pals. I was a little nervous but mostly excited to start a new adventure. I have to admit that my stationary needs a little work compared to some of the impressive letters these women send - it's amazing.
After some communication with my pen pal, I've decided that everyone needs a pen pal and here's why.
Sharing common interests with someone you might not otherwise meet is so cool. There are 7.6 billion people in the world and there is no way you'll ever even meet one percent of those people. It's really awesome to connect with someone who is miles and miles away. And I found that I have so much in common with people when I thought I would never have that connection with anyone. It's such an exhilarating rush for me and my pen to "freak out" over the things we both love.
Having a pen pal has allowed me to become more open and confident. I am a pretty shy, introverted person and I sometimes have a difficult time opening up to people. With my pen pal, I'm able to be as confident as I can be because there is no pressure. I don't have someone judging me or pressuring me into anything.
I can talk about whatever I need to or want to with her. I can share my secrets with her and know she won't spill the beans to everyone, we can talk about books or music or just anything. It's such a different experience from having a "real-life" friendship and it's so rewarding.
It has changed my view on the world and I think it would yours, too. When I read letters from my pen pal, I realize that things are different where she is. The culture is different, societal norms are different, the people are different, etc. It's really amazing to read about how different things can be but how much we have in common. Having a pen pal somewhere else in the world or even somewhere else in the country is so beneficial to opening up your thinking.
I highly recommend finding a pen pal - it's not just for kids. I think you'd be surprised at how rewarding it is to communicate with someone new. After some research, there are several Facebook groups that you can connect with people also wanting to make a new pen pal. Take some time to check those out, you won't be sorry.
