Your First Penpal Letter: Opening Your Heart to a Stranger

The First Letter to a Stranger

You turn on your screen and look at a blank letter page. You try to write "안녕하세요" and then 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 your letter and reply

But That's What Makes It Special

Because you don't know, you're actually free. Since nothing is predetermined, everything is possible.

The Magic of the First Letter

• You can start without preconceptions
• You can show your true self
• You can discover a new world
• An unexpected connection begins

What to Include in Your First Letter

What should you write? There's no right answer. But here are some helpful ideas.

1. An Honest Introduction

It doesn't need to be grand. Just introduce yourself as you are.

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

2. Your Daily Life

It doesn't have to be extraordinary. Sometimes the most ordinary days are the most interesting.

Example: "This morning, I looked out the window and saw the first snow falling. I was rushing to get ready and spilled my coffee, but the snowy scenery was so beautiful that I thought being late was okay."

3. Your Curiosities

Ask them questions. Questions are the beginning of conversation.

Good Questions:

• What season is it in your country right now?
• How does a typical day unfold for you?
• What are you interested in these days?
• What are the small things that 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 me peace. What kind of music do you enjoy?"

Tips for Writing Your First Letter

1. Don't Aim for Perfection

It's okay if your grammar isn't perfect or your expressions are clumsy. A sincere letter is better than a perfect one.

2. Keep It Moderate in Length

Your first letter should be a reasonable length. Make it easy for them to read and reply without feeling overwhelmed.

3. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Rather than questions that can be answered with "yes/no," ask questions that invite conversation.

❌ "Do you like movies?" ✅ "What kind of movies do you like? Is there a recent film that stood out to you?"

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 your letter. Now you wait.

Feelings While Waiting

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

All these emotions are the beginning of penpalling.

When the Reply Arrives

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

This excitement is exactly what makes penpalling so magical.

Reading the Reply

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

Moving 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, A stranger becomes a friend, A friend becomes a cherished 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 let your sincerity shine through.

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

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Start your first penpal journey on Lettie.