r/penpals

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Ink-stained letters. Pressed flowers between pages. Secrets sealed with wax.

I'm looking for a small, cozy roleplay group searching for a few writers who love:

character-driven stories

slow-burn friendships & drama

old-fashioned letters and journal entries

cottagecore, dark academia, fantasy, regency, or historical vibes

Our stories unfold entirely through “snail mail” style writing — letters, postcards, diary pages, newspaper clippings, and hidden confessions passed from character to character.

Small and welcoming. Beginner friendly.

18+ preferred for maturity.

Come write people who ache, wander, love too hard, and leave pieces of themselves in envelopes.

“Meet me where the paper yellows and the ink still remembers.” 🕯️

Hi to everyone:) I want to find someone who will be comfortable to chatting with. I appreciate when u can listen to me, support and show empathy, and I do the same. Now a little about me, I try to spend my free time on dance training or just walking. I like nature, staying with tents and just relaxing there. I like to travel and I can't imagine without it. I like to cook, especially Italian food. I can spend the weekend reading a book or watching a series. I've been fond of drawing since childhood, I especially like to draw nature. If we have the same interests, u can write to me:)

Hello, I’m looking for a female penpal to vent, rant and just yap about my problems. I need someone who listens to me and gives me advice (I feel very lonely) and I can do the same back.

I speak spanish and english, I can communicate in both (currently learning Mandarin and I want to learn Japanese too). I love arctic monkeys and music in general (I listen to a lot of diferent genres, I vibe with music regardless of the language), I studied literature, I like c-dramas lately (love romance, my favorite is “Perfect Match”), love pride and prejudice and action movies. I love shōjo manga, all romance related. I love pompompurin.

Reply if you’d like to talk, and I’ll send you a dm. Thank you in advance for reading.

Hi I’m here looking for regular chat about your day or what ever is going on in our life.

A little about me: I’m 37 divorced mother of 5 and they all live with me. I have a full time job. I love being outdoors Esspecially in my outdoor jacuzzi and/or my pool. I take lots of walks/hikes and on occasion bike rides. Love going on camping trips with friends and family. I also enjoy going to the gym and try to get in some shape. I also love dancing any type of music will do, but I’ve been doing salsa nights where they teach you before the club opens up to everyone.

That’s just a little about me and if you want to know more feel free to message me.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and hope to chat with you soon.

No stress, no strong commitments — just looking for a penpal I can chat with every two or three weeks, for the next 20-40 years. Isn't that what everyone's here for?

Recently I've been listening to the Beatles a lot. For no particular reason, I just got sick of my old playlists and thought "I've never really listened to them, I should find out if they were good." I listened chronologically by album, and supposedly the last song they recorded together was George Harrison's 'I Me Mine'.

It's actually a pretty bad song - it begins well but descends into a very generic white-man-blues chorus. Still, the title and theme is evocative. I Me Mine. The egomaniac's refrain. Why do people want penpals? Are they desperate to know about other people, other countries - or do they want to talk mostly about themselves? My experience penpalling has mostly been the latter - as in, I usually struggled to talk about anything but myself. The blank page tends to encourage introspection and reflection, but I've come to realise a penpal is not a diary that occasionally answers back. There's a bit of responsibility involved, to be engaging and not merely confessional.

If we write to each other, I won't tell you about my daily routine or what I had for dinner or why I feel bad for skipping the gym yesterday. I read a lot of books and watch a lot of films - we can discuss those. The people in our lives - who are they, what are they like, what do they mean to us, do we really even know them? What's your house like, your neighbourhood, your town or city? Where's a place you like to go? Perhaps it doesn't make sense, but I'm interested in writing little essays to each other where we learn about one another indirectly - instead of saying "I like going to the gym", we would write about how the gym smells and feels and what it's like to be there. Instead of saying "I watched Lawrence of Arabia last weekend", we would talk about a particular aspect of the film - like the fact it begins with 4 minutes of music to a black screen - to talk about attention spans and patience in the 21st century (the people in the cinema were VERY uncomfortable with the lack of immediate stimulation!)

I prefer email only as I've downloaded this app only to write these posts and scamper off again — reddit has become exceptionally good at delivering a dripfeed of aggravating and inane content, and is best avoided. I live in Australia so snail mail anywhere would be slow and I'd need to get into the habit of duplicating my letters — when I last wrote letters consistently, I usually didn't understand half of my friend's response, because they were responding to me and I'd forgotten what I'd said. I'm not against snail mail but only as a supplement to email communication, as I'm interested in building a solid friendship and don't want to send letters into the void.

You can look at my profile for other posts I've made that do a better job at advertising 'Why talk to me'? Of course, there's really no reason to advertise, because I will be avoiding talking about me. There are far more interesting things in the world. Let's talk about those.

hi! my name is pau. i’m looking for pen pals (in any side of the world) (though i live in the us), to send letters back and forth with.

i’d like to put a good amount of thought and work into the letters and send and receive them once a month.

i’d want to include things like stickers, sticker sheets, local/travel post cards, letters, zines, prints, and art.

not to sound like i’m submitting a job application, but a few of my interests include song writing, photography, philosophy, creative writing, indie/sleazy video games, lesbianism, and emotional masochism (this one is a me problem, pls don’t contribute.)

i love to read about various experiences with an open mind so i’m open to both people that can relate to me, and people who probably cannot.

i am also both chronically and mentally ill if someone is looking to feel a little less alone.

if there is anyone out there interested in my song lyrics, stupid poems, little trinkets, and dumb jokes, contact me!

i’m looking forward to hearing from some whimsical ahh ppl :)

*strictly platonic*

-pau

So, i used to send snail mail for a couple of years, but stopped in 2020. At the time, i was a little wild, in my mid twenties, in college, and obsessed with BTS (i mainly wrote to other bts fans).

Now... I am 31, I guess not as wild (probably cause i work with kids and I feel drained after work😅 hahaha), but still very much love my bts kings. 💜  I was diagnosed with ADHD a couple years ago, so im also trying to make sense of my behaviors and just finding ways to make my life a little less stressful. 🙃

• Quick about me: I am a 31 y/o female from texas. I went to college and I work with kids.  I am not religious, but respect everyones beliefs. Dont want to discuss politics. 

Things i enjoy: 

• Reading 📚: it depends on my mood. Sometimes i really want to annotate a book, and other times i really want something quick and fun! Recent books I enjoyed: The Game Changers series (yes, im on that bandwagon, ma'am😪), a couple of Freida Mcfadden books (but if you know of better ones TELL ME, sis), Normal People by Sally Rooney.

• Books on my TBR list: Big Swiss by Jen Beagin, ballad of songbirds and snakes, sunrise on the reaping, The virgin suicides, Manhunt by Gretchen Felker-Martin

• Music 🎶: my playlist is all over the place because it all depends on my mood. Current favs: Laufey, Debbii Dawson, TXT, BTS, Linkin Park, Gorillaz, and a lot of lofi for reading. 🤘🏻 Im not opposed to listening to music from around the world. If i like it or resonate with it, its going on my playlist. 🥳

• Tv/movies 📺: I re-watch a lot of shows that bring me comfort (Friends, The Office, That 70's show, Bob's burgers, Golden Girls) OCCASIONALLY, I'll enjoy getting into a new series (vampire diaries, Abbott elementary) As for movies 📽, i love historical fiction, movies based on books (mainly classics), HP⚡️ ("no...RON..NO! What is it... He'S gOING to SacRIFice HiMsELf") *Iykyk💀*, studio ghibli, Almost everything by Tim Burton, horror (paranormal and slashers), psychological thrillers. I typically enjoy a GOOD storyline, or a GOOD character. 👍🏻 

• Extras: Halloween is my favorite holiday. 🎃 The fall is my favorite season. 🍂 I love the rain (no...you dont understand...)🌧⛈️ and i LOVE cloudy days. So, if the sky looks like death eaters are about to fly by... that's my vibe. 🫶🏼 I can speak english and spanish. I am currently learning russian and its fun (i didnt say i was good at it... its just fun💀) I get random bursts of energy throughout the day...and then it goes away. 🎢  

• If anyone cares 🌌: my MBTI is INFP. My sun is in Virgo, moon is in libra, rising is in gemini. 🤷🏻‍♀️

I have a lot of stationary, and im ready to use it again! Lmk if you'd like to be snail mail pals. 🌟

 

Hi to whoever’s reading this! My name is Stian, I’m 31 years old, and living in Norway.

I love to collect postcards, envelopes, stamps and stickers, and have way to many not to decorate a letter with. I’m looking for someone who is whimsical, who wants to share about their life, hobbies and your culture.

Big bonus if you’re into art and nature, thrifting and collecting trinkets. Only looking for people who identify themselves as woke and pro lgbtq🏳️‍🌈 , since i ain’t looking for that hate in my life. I’m looking for physical letters only, so snail mail and postcards. Looking forward to hearing from you<3

Hi! I’m María, 25, from Spain, and this is my first time looking for penpals (:

I’m looking for long-term penpals and I’m pretty open to anything, honestly. I’d love to exchange letters, postcards, pictures of interesting things, little trinkets, stickers… whatever! I think I’m just really craving the slow pace and physical-ness of actual mail and analogue things lately.

Some of my interests are:
- art and crafting
- drawing
- journaling
- travelling
- language learning
- collecting little things
- film and theatre
- gaming
- music (rock, britpop, and honestly anything good!)

I’d love to hear about anything you want to share: your daily life, stories, interests, favorite places, random thoughts, etc. I mostly just want to get to know people, make new friends, and practice my writing! I’d also love hearing stories from around the world!

Hey friends!

I am a 28yo guy living in NYC as a trader on Wall Street, but I also grew up in the south. Ive always appreciated the slower international things in life (despite what my career choice may infer lol), and therefore am looking for one or two penpals around the globe that want to exchange letters and be friends!

About me:

I’m into music, learning piano/guitar, travel, nature, birding (but all animals really), reading (sci-fi, historical fiction, philosophy, and history are my favorites), city life, language learning, finance/career stuff, fountain pens, sports, and random deep dives into whatever I’m currently curious about. I always say, my favorite hobby is learning, and I love hearing what other people are deeply knowledgeable and passionate about. I really enjoy hearing how people in different cultures grew up comparing the similarities and differences.

I’m happy to talk about daily life, goals, weird hobbies, music recommendations, books, places we live, or what life is like in different parts of the world. It would be cool to talk to someone who’s also in a corporate setting in another country but all are welcomed. I appreciate general chit chat as much as I do going deep into topics. Ideally would also like someone around my age too, but not incredibly imperative.

If any of the above sounds like something you’d enjoy, please reach out and let me know where you’re generally located, age, etc. plus maybe a random niche interest you’ve been rocking with recently or an album you think I need to check out.

Bye!!

Hi!

I’m a 30-year-old woman from Germany looking for some female penpals to exchange letters or postcards with. I’m fairly introverted at first, but once I warm up to people, I’m a lot of fun (at least I’d like to think so).

I’d love to build genuine friendships, but with zero pressure attached. We can talk about our days, songs we can’t stop replaying, movies that left us staring at the ceiling afterward, little life updates, or completely ridiculous things. We could even pretend we’re writing dramatic letters from the front lines of a war to our families. The world’s our oyster.

I’m completely new to penpalling, but I’ve always loved the idea of it. There’s something so special about receiving a letter that someone actually took the time to write.

Also, if I’m being honest, I’ve developed a bit of anxiety around checking my mailbox over the years because being an adult mostly means bills and bureaucracy seem to live there. So I thought it would be nice to turn it into something magical again, finding postcards, silly little notes, or letters waiting for me instead.

If you think we’d get along, feel free to message me!

Hey there everyone. I’m a guy from the cold north (Norway) and I would love to see if I can find a penpal to send physical letters to. I feel like the physical media is so much more personal and to hold someone tangible makes it more investing. The fact that it takes more time to get where it’s going makes one a bit more cautious about actually crafting a thoughtful letter. Would love to get into contact with someone who can share some pictures from their life and tell me about stuff that takes my mind off my own life for a little while.

About me:
I’m a 32 yo guy who is currently in law school. I’m gay and live in the second largest city in Norway, although I’ll be moving soon. I work as a bartender and I can’t enjoy long walks, video games, photography, clubbing, weight training and Dungeons and Dragons (just to mention some stuff.) Hope to hear from someone ✌🏼

Open to anyone! Trinket lover so also willing to exchange there! I love writing about my boring life and scrapbooking so expect photos of my pets and super decorative letters! My hand writing is shite but readable to most I hope lol. A little about me :

•I love to craft, junk journaling, punch needling, painting, the works.
•I have a zoo of pets I can’t wait to tell ya all about
•I am a lame retired party girl and could tell you some stories
•just wana make a pal!
•maga not welcome.

Dm if interested!!!

[Edit: Anywhere in the world is good with me!]

Hi, new friends! I’m so excited to meet you! :)

My name is Victoria, and I’m a 29 year old woman from Oregon, USA. I’m looking for new penpals and friends who are preferably women around my age or older. I’m open to both email and snail mail, though I can only do snail mail if you’re located within the USA.

I’m a late diagnosed autistic woman who’s always had trouble making friends because of my social anxiety and general weirdness haha. As a result, I’ve always been pretty lonely. This is especially true in recent years. I live at home with my mom and my seven cats (yes, seven!), in a very small town where I don’t know anyone, so I don’t have a social life. I finally decided to try and make new friends via penpals!

I spend a lot of my time reading books, I’m a huge bookworm! I mostly love thrillers, horror (extreme horror is the best), and occasionally romance. I’m also an aspiring author! It’s my dream to be published one day. I just need to actually finish writing a book first, though! Haha c: I’ve always loved creative writing, and have actually been an online role player since I was about 13, though I honestly haven’t done that in a while so I’m probably rusty.

Besides cats, reading, and creative writing, I also love collecting tamagotchis and cool rocks, making surreal memes, watching gaming and true crime YouTube channels, self care, yoga, coloring books (while listening to audiobooks), card/board games, going to the beach, the aquarium, and learning about history. Some things I really want to learn/get into are playing the keyboard, drawing, crocheting, cooking, video games, tarot cards, journaling, learning Spanish, and making my own YouTube channel!

Some of my favorite movies are Labyrinth, The Phantom of The Opera, LOTR/The Hobbit, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Coraline, Disney movies, and horror movies.

Some of my favorite shows are The 10th Kingdom, Supernatural, Squid Game, Grimm, Hannibal, House M.D., Hazbin Hotel, Helluva Boss, The Amazing Digital Circus, Masterchef, Hell’s Kitchen, and Love is Blind.

Some of my favorite books are “First Lie Wins” by Ashley Elston, “A Short Stay in Hell” by Steven L. Peck, “The Last House on Needless Street” by Catriona Ward, and almost anything by Freida McFadden (my favorite author)!

My music taste is pretty random! I love Ludo, Taylor Swift, Shania Twain, Train, and the Hamilton soundtrack!

I’m looking for platonic penpals, of course. I’m single and childless, but I do want one someday. I’m politically left leaning. I’m Christian, but not pushy about it. I’m a big girl on a weight loss journey!

That’s all I can think of at the moment. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask! Definitely reach out if you think we’d be a good penpal match! Have a great day/night! :)

Hi everyone! I’ll be turning 26 on Friday, and I thought this would be the perfect time to put myself out there and hopefully make some new connections. I’m currently a PhD student studying criminology and criminal justice, and I just finished my first year. My main areas of interest/expertise are the death penalty, policing, and juvenile justice.

Outside of school, I love reading, writing poetry, photography, hiking, playing Xbox, trying new bars and restaurants, and spending time with friends. I’m originally from Wisconsin and I’m Armenian American, so I’d be happy to share parts of my culture with anyone interested. I also have a younger brother and a cat named Shadow back home in Wisconsin who I miss a lot.

I’d love to meet people from different backgrounds and hear about your life, hobbies, passions, or even just your random thoughts throughout the day. Please DM me if you’re interested in becoming pen pals!

Hello! I am on the hunt for some pen pals! I would love to receive snail mail of all kinds. I would love pictures, drawings, paintings, pressed flowers, etc. any art or craft that you wanna make and send feel free! Letters would be the best way to start but if you’re a creator and want someone that would appreciate your work and keep it forever, I am your gal!

I want to hear about
everything. Your hopes and dreams, best days and worst days, things that evoked
feelings from deep inside your soul. Your favorite music, what you like to read/watch, how amazing or tragic your life is. I want to read it alllllll.

We can exchange advice, or I can be someone that you vent to. I am open to writing to anyone and I want anyone who needs someone to talk to can write to me. Feel free to message me if you would like to talk more or would like my P.O. :)

Hi! I'm looking for other queer people to write letters to! I love sending postcards (I have a collection of Studio Ghibli ones) as well as writing letters on super cute paper. I'm a cis lesbian but am looking for pretty much anyone in the LGBT community - I would love to talk about our experiences as well as hobbies, movies, or just general life stuff. I'm very much a homebody so I would definitely love to have someone to write to. I'd also love to send cute trinkets/stickers/little envelope gifts along with my letters as well, and love to include a photo of something to go along with it!

Hii guys, I'm looking for a penpal. I got to know about it recently from my brother and I'm hoping to share everyday things. Although my english is not perfect I still have basic conversation skills. I'm from India.

A little bit about me is that I really like reading books, listening to music and painting. I'm also really into science fun facts and all.

I’d describe myself as friendly, curious, supportive, and sometimes a little shy at first But once I get comfortable, I really enjoy chatting and sharing stories.

Recently I've started learning electric guitar and really into cooking. I can share some of my hobbies with you and you can share yours with me.

Hey everyone. 25M here looking to chat and hopefully build some real friendships. If I'm being honest, I've been feeling a bit lonely lately and realised I need to expand my circle and connect with new people.

I’m looking for people who can hold their own in a conversation no one word answers, please! Let's actually get to know each other.

A bit about me: I'm a pretty active guy and try to keep myself busy when I'm not working.

• Fitness: I'm in the gym 5–6 days a week. I've been training for 4 years now and love the progress so far. Always happy to offer advice or chat training split specifics if you're into that!

• Books: I’m a big reader mostly history, fantasy, and autobiographies. My reading list is always open, so please hit me with your best recommendations.

• Sports: Huge football and rugby fan. If there's a game on, I'm watching it. I've been to loads of internationals, and honestly, nothing beats being part of that sea of red at a Wales game.

If you fancy a chat, drop me a message! Tell me something unique about yourself when you reach out so I know you’ve read the whole post. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Hello! I am on the hunt for a pen pal. I love to write and would love to have a paper convo with someone. A bit about me: my friends would call me a human shazam, I'm probably the least judgemental person I know and my Mum thinks I'm funny. I'd be happy to exchange life updates, no matter how big, small or tragic. You could be whoever from wherever, though sadly I don't speak any other languages. Bonus points if you can make a list of your favourite songs for me to listen to and I would be stoked to do the same.