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It seems the letter has taken a backstep in order of importance in the world of penpalling. https://warriorafterthoughts.wordpress.com/2020/10/11/penpals-and-expectations/
As someone who had penpals a decade ago, I can full heartedly say that I was NOT prepared for how some people view penpals in 2020.
From peeps trash talking their pals for not 100% reciprocating their craftsmanship to peeps expecting to receive regular gifts in the mail with each correspondence. It's maddening.
Therefore, as with any adult confrontation, we are forced to communicate as adults and not 3 year olds fighting over who gets to play with the red wood block next.
Instead of just throwing away any relationship or possibility of a relationship with a penpal, why not just say what you're wanting out of it in the beginning.
Just because a partnership isn't romantic doesn't mean there shouldn't be some form of conversation on expectations, especially if you're wanting to get into a hobby that is historically rooted in letter writing.
Publicly shaming anyone for responding with only a letter to their penpal seems insane to me, even without having spoken calmly of expectations. Here we are though, with heavily decorated envelopes, handmade flip books, and literal gifts.
It seems the letter has taken a backstep in order of importance in the world of penpalling.
Then, of course, there are the people expected long (6+ pages front/back) letters who post on the FB pages "who else has this problem?" Not everyone is a stay at home mom. Not everyone has joints that can stand that kind of writing. Who cares if the letter is typed?
Who cares if you only get a page? Am I just alone in being excited to get a personal letter in the mail?
All the penpals I've gathered seem interested primarily in the letter, and, for that, I am so happy. I love writing letters and receiving responses! I love getting to know people in other countries people in my own.
I am not an extrovert who enjoys talking to people on the regular and penpalling gives me the chance to contemplate what I want to say before my friend reads it.
I hope that everyone finds someone that is fun for them to get to know, through crafts, letters, or random gift givings. I don't have expectations on responses.
They might be going through something, and this was the best they could do, they might be in pain mentally or physically, they might just not have the funds to go crazy with the washi tape. Postage can be expensive in today's climate. Be kind. Be patient.
Be courteous to your penpals.
This thread can be read here: https://warriorafterthoughts.wordpress.com/2020/10/11/penpals-and-expectations/
