Life Kit Looking for analog hobbies? Try writing a letter
39 snips
Mar 30, 2026 
Rachel Syme, a New Yorker writer and letter writing champion, makes the case for snail mail as a more intentional way to connect. She gets into finding pen pals, inviting people into correspondence, choosing stationery, and what to write about. There’s also fun around love letters, recipes, keepsakes, mail art, and memorable sign offs.
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A Pen Pal Post Turned Into Penpalooza
- During the pandemic, Rachel Syme asked online whether anyone wanted to be her pen pal and got about 300 responses.
- She turned that demand into Penpalooza, which now has 10,000 members across more than 75 countries.
How To Invite Someone Into Letter Writing
- Ask friends to exchange letters by framing it as a playful offline experiment instead of a grand emotional ask.
- Rachel Syme suggests mentioning beautiful stationery, wanting to write more, or trying to get off Instagram at 2 a.m.
Start Writing First If You Want Letters Back
- Start writing if you want letters back, and widen the circle beyond close friends.
- Marielle Segarra suggests mailing old teachers, kind strangers, or authors whose words stayed with you.
