What is the story about?
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A 13-year-old girl in New Zealand made a request for purple sunglasses in 1985, a wish fulfilled decades later by her pen pal from
New Hampshire. This journey highlights the enduring charm of pen pal relationships in an increasingly digital world. While the International Youth Service, which facilitated their connection, has since dissolved, various pen pal programs continue to thrive. Despite challenges such as reduced postal services in countries like New Zealand and Denmark, advocates believe there is a growing interest in letter writing.
The Appeal of Handwritten Letters
Rachel Syme, a writer for The New Yorker, established a pen pal program during the COVID-19 pandemic and reported that over 15,000 individuals participated in her initiative, Penpalooza. Syme continues to receive hundreds of new participants each time she organizes a matchmaking round.She has observed a significant demand for pen pals during her book signings for “Syme’s Letter Writer – A Guide to Modern Correspondence,” noting that stationery stores in New York City are bustling with customers eager for physical writing materials.
“People are very interested in physical, analog things right now,” Syme remarked. “I think it really has an appeal especially to a younger generation who grew up with a phone glued to their hand, to do something that’s more tactile, slower, more intentional, more mindful, but also just disconnected from the internet in every way.”
Nostalgia and Connection
Reflecting on her own pen pal experience, the author recalled receiving a letter from Molly Nunns in New Zealand, which sparked a deep friendship through written correspondence. Their letters, filled with personal anecdotes and drawings, fostered a unique bond that transcended geographical barriers.Julie Delbridge, who joined International Pen Friends as a teenager, also highlighted the therapeutic benefits of pen pal relationships during challenging times in her life. She has since taken on a leadership role in the organization, which has connected over 2 million people worldwide.
“It was a pastime that I totally immersed myself into in a positive way and gained a lot of enjoyment from,” Delbridge shared. “There was an abundance of non-judgmental friendship, fun and different perspectives.”
Educational Initiatives
In 2021, the U.S. Postal Service initiated a pen pal project by sending cards and envelopes to 25,000 elementary classrooms, encouraging students to engage in letter writing. Older students are also participating in similar initiatives, such as a program created by medical students in Texas to foster peer support.Villanova University professor Kamran Javadizadeh incorporates letter writing into his literature class, prompting students to send letters rather than simply exchanging messages in class. He believes this method fosters deeper connections.
“Something is lost when you have instantaneous communication,” Javadizadeh stated. “So I’m interested in the relationship between synchronous kinds of intimacy and asynchronous forms of intimacy.”
Modern Technology Meets Traditional Writing
An app named Slowly aims to bridge the gap between traditional pen pal correspondence and modern technology. It allows users to send messages with a delay, encouraging thoughtful communication reminiscent of snail mail.“This delay naturally encourages longer, more thoughtful messages because you wouldn’t just say ‘hi’ if you know you have to wait days for a reply,” said cofounder JoJo Chan. Since its launch in 2017, the app has attracted 10 million users globally, predominantly in their 20s and 30s.
Syme emphasizes the tangible joy of letter writing, suggesting that the experience transcends mere communication. Her book advises on the art of letter writing and the emotional value it can convey.
Personal Connections Through Letters
After 15 years of correspondence, the author finally met Molly Nunns in person during her visit to New York in 2000. Their friendship, solidified through letters, remained strong over the years, culminating in emotional reunions.“Who would have thought when we started writing in 1985 that one day you’d be sitting here? It’s quite amazing,” Nunns remarked during a recent visit. “We’ll always have a special connection, I’m sure.”
The author presented Nunns with a bound book containing 200 pages of their letters, symbolizing the depth of their connection forged through years of handwritten correspondence.
