Penpalling 101

If you're like me, you've probably had a penpal at some point in your life. I got my first penpal back in the third grade while I was living in New York and trying to learn Spanish. Of course, me and my penpal have since lost touch. However, when the coronavirus popped up, I finally had the time to reconnect with this old hobby and get the feel for what it's all about, especially in today's modern world.

So, what is penpalling? Penpalling is basically where you write letters to other people and make a connection through that. However, while that's the general definition, penpalling today is more like a form of art for a lot of people. Some people decorate their envelopes, letters, and stationary when they send a letter making it almost a work of art. If you're not so good at being artsy, don't let this stop you. Writing a normal letter or even just trying your hand at being artsy is enough!

Alrighty, if this sounds interesting to you you're probably wondering: how do I find a penpal? Well, luckily for you, finding a penpal isn't too difficult with all of the technology available today. Many social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram have pages and tags (like #penpalswanted) that make it easy to find a like-minded or culturally diverse person for you to begin writing to! Many of these pages will have you write a short bio about yourself and share some interesting stuff about yourself. It's also important to specify to what areas you want to send letters to because sending letters internationally can get a little more expensive.

Also, if you're not huge on social media platforms, then try reaching out online at a forum or other pen pal service. There are many websites that offer help connecting you to others around the world, but some of them might cost you money.

Where can I find inspiration for my letters/designs? Well, long story short, check out Pinterest and other social media platforms for inspiration. You can even get inspiration from a famous work of art or just a cool picture you saw online. It doesn't take a lot to find inspiration.

Another great thing about penpalling is that you don't have to spend a ton of money on expensive art equipment and materials, just grab an old newspaper, a piece of construction paper, or even a plain envelope and make do. Penpalling is about expressing yourself and making connections and potentially a long lasting friendship, so don't stress yourself out; it should be something fun.

Ultimately, penpalling is a great way to make connections during this time and keep yourself busy. You can learn so many things about so many cultures, and even have the chance to practice your language skills or art skills and make new friends along the way!