Five things you should consider beforehand
People have often wanted to start writing to a Pen Pal but not sure whether to or not. Since the rise in emails, people have been reluctant to give out their home address to “third parties” in case something untoward happens. Now we don’t want to minimise the risk of anything possibly happening but on the whole, people do join Pen Pal Clubs for the right reasons but here is a quick check list before you join.
Don’t overshare too soon
- People want a Pen pal so that they can find out about different life styles; cultures and people. Its great that you can exchange views and thoughts and tell them about your daily routine, but make sure you don’t “overshare”. Be discreet. Don’t give too much away. If you are starting to share private details, be careful they don’t use it against you! Blackmail is a very grimy business. As we said before, “be discreet!”
Keep your personal details – personal
- The idea of writing to someone and using the old-fashioned medium of a letter does mean that if anyone wants something untoward from you or through you, they are going to have to be very patient. After all, they should not be having sight of your email; telephone number and most definitely not where you Bank. So if anyone had “menace on their minds” it is less possible that they would be bothered with a letter and a stamp. However don’t lend them any money, however nice they have been to you and however many nice things they say about you. If it’s a “scam” – be sure you are one of many its being done to. They will see who is the first to crumble.
Vanity be thy downfall
Try not to get swept in if they tell you lots of nice things without having met you. Its highly unlikely they will “get you” from a few exchanged letters. We all want to have nice things said to us. That is part of who we are, but don’t fall for any sob story. After all, if they were really in trouble then they wont be hanging around waiting for you to reply to them every week. They would be seeking action – and immediately
Ensure you are safe if meeting for the first time
People do lie!
in conclusion…
After reading the above, is it really safe to have a Pen-Pal? Most certainly! The majority of people who do sign up to a Pen Pal Club are safe; kind and genuine people. They really do want to have a Pen Pal on the other side of the world. They are really interested in your daily routine; your family and about your location. Pen Pals can be a safe and rewarding experience and many have been writing to their Pals for years. Just remember the above five tips and you wont go far wrong. And if after all that you still fancy joining a Pen Pal Club, and we hope you do, then follow the link below and sign up to Letter in the Post.
