Your First Penpal Letter: Opening Your Heart to a Stranger

## First Letter to a Stranger

You open your screen and see a blank letter.
You start to write "Hello" and delete it.
You try "Hi" and delete it again.

Writing your first letter to a stranger isn't easy.

### Why Is It Difficult?

- You don't know who they are
- You don't know what they like
- You don't know what to talk about
- You don't know if they'll read and reply

## But That Makes It More Special

Because you don't know, you're actually more free.
Because nothing is decided, everything is possible.

### The Magic of First Letters

- You can start without prejudice
- You can show your true self
- You can meet a new world
- Unexpected connections begin

## What to Include in Your First Letter

What should you write?
There's no right answer. But there are things that might help.

### 1. Honest Introduction

It doesn't have to be grand. Introduce yourself as you are.

Example:
"Hello, I'm a 25-year-old office worker living in Seoul.
On weekends, I love climbing Bukhansan mountain and looking down at the city.
Where do you live?"

### 2. Your Daily Life

It doesn't have to be special. Sometimes ordinary life is most interesting.

Example:
"This morning, I looked out the window and saw the first snow falling.
I was in such a rush that I spilled my coffee,
but the snowy scenery was so beautiful that I thought it was okay to be late."

### 3. Your Questions

Ask them questions. Questions are the start of conversation.

Good Questions:
- What season is it in your country right now?
- How does an ordinary day flow for you?
- What are you interested in these days?
- What small things make you happy?

### 4. Your Interests

Share what you love. You might find common ground or learn something new.

Example:
"I love jazz music.
Especially on rainy days, listening to Miles Davis brings peace to my mind.
What kind of music do you enjoy?"

## Tips for Writing Your First Letter

### 1. Don't Try to Be Perfect

Wrong grammar, awkward expressions are fine.
A sincere letter is better than a perfect one.

### 2. Keep It Reasonably Short

Your first letter should be a comfortable length.
So they can read and reply without pressure.

### 3. Ask Open Questions

Rather than questions answered with "yes/no,"
ask questions that invite stories.

❌ "Do you like movies?"
✅ "What kind of movies do you enjoy? Is there a recent film that left an impression?"

### 4. Keep a Positive Tone

First meetings should be bright and positive.
Save negative or heavy topics for later.

## While Waiting for a Reply

You've sent the letter.
Now you wait.

### Feelings While Waiting

Excitement: What kind of reply will come?
Worry: Will they reply?
Expectation: What kind of person are they?
Curiosity: How will our conversation flow?

All these feelings are the beginning of penpalling.

## When the Reply Comes

The moment you receive that first reply,
you'll know.

This excitement is what penpalling is all about.

### While Reading the Reply

- Read slowly
- Feel their heart
- Look for common ground
- Think about your next letter

## To the Second Letter

The second letter will be easier than the first.
Because now you know a little more.

And so the letters continue,
the stranger becomes a friend,
and the friend becomes a precious connection.

## Start Now

Open Lettie,
and write your first letter.

It doesn't have to be perfect.
It doesn't have to be long.
Just include your sincerity.

Your first letter to a stranger,
that's the beginning of a special connection.

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*Start your first penpal on Lettie.*