The Letter, The Length...

How Long is Enough for a Pen Pal Letter?

Mary gives you her two cents on the letters length -- short letters versus long letters. What do you prefer?

By Mary Kugel, WI

Awhile back I wrote about a short letter a friend of mine had gotten from her pen pal. The ten short lines of the letter were basically " How are you, I am fine, I did the laundry" type of letter.

I asked readers to write to me their thoughts on similar letters and I did get some wonderful responses. Most readers were quite indignant that pals considered themselves pen pals when they wrote such letters.

I was quite complimented by the gal who wrote: "I just had to write you because your column in INKY TRAIL NEWS was the best yet, concerning how to write a pen pal. I really liked it. Other newsletters have writers on this subject, but you hit it right on. I have never written to the other columnists. I have been writing to pals for nearly 60 years." Another writer said: "I am sending a copy of your article to my 5 word gals!"

Another gal (who has since become a dear pal!) wrote: "I can't understand pals who WANT a long letter but still don't do their share. They write a few lines on a big sheet to make it look like a letter when actually all they say would fit on a post card and still space left. I call them a nothing letter and they are very hard to answer." Another gal wrote: "Haven't these people heard of post card pals?? Maybe not everyone can fill a whole letter but there are pals who prefer to write just on a post card."

Did get numerous examples of what is frustrating. For example, the pals who wrote a trip to Alaska was "Nice." I can just see everyone smile as they read this!! There is just NO excuse for merely saying such a trip was NICE!! Also, to my mind, never responding to questions or commenting on what the other person has written is unforgiveable. Would you carry on a face-to-face conversation that way? Of course not.

Perhaps we all need to make a more concentrated effort to draw out those pals who show some promise and give them a chance to write more in their letters. Ask questions, comment on their letter, over do it if need be - maybe they will get the message. If not, at least you have the satisfaction of knowing you did write a letter the way YOU like to.

And then came this letter and I thought to myself "THIS person has it right - maybe I need to back down." Because if we truly want pen palling to be an enjoyable hobby THIS (as follows) should be the very main consideration - "I found the letter you quoted in INKY TRAIL NEWS very poignant. It appeared to me it came from a lonely person reaching out for human contact. Perhaps the letter writer has been discouraged, lacks confidence or is not sure the recipient cares or wants more detail. A friendly response could well be just what the writer needs. Perhaps with a little encouragement and an opportunity to practice the writer may develop hidden talents. If not the respondent can know they have brightened the day for someone. How sad if we are not able to take a few minutes to offer friendship. Who are we to sit in judgment?"

And she's right!!

OK, now its your turn -- want to share your thoughts with our readers? Just complete the form below and tell us what you think about long letters versus short letters.. there is no right or wrong, just opinions on the types of letters you enjoy reading, and writing, the most!


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