Postcard pen pals
Since we went off to college, my childhood best friend and I have never lived in the same place. We always make the effort to see each other when we are both home and we have occasionally made trips to visit each other, but we mostly rely on regular phone calls and the occasional text to keep up with each other’s lives. Phone calls are great for covering all of the big stuff, but I missed hearing about the small stuff or the random stuff that we didn’t think to bring up while going over the greatest hits from the month before. A couple of months ago, however, we started sending each other postcards and it’s been bringing me so much joy.
A couple of my friends, this one included, have always been really good about sending postcards while traveling, but these ones are a little different. We write them when nothing particularly exciting or out-of-the-ordinary might be happening, just when we witness something delightful or wonder something or discover a new word and want to share it with each other. Even more so than travel postcards (although I love those, too!), these ones really feel like they’re saying “I’m thinking of you. I wish you were here.” It’s a combination of hearing more about the little moments and random thoughts that happen in my friend’s life and knowing that she took the time to sit at her desk, write a note to me, and pop it in a mailbox. I think small gestures like that can make all the difference in letting people know that you care about them.
Postcards are the perfect vehicle because there’s only so much space to fill and you can often get them for free in random places like restaurants or art galleries. I personally love to buy them as souvenirs for myself, especially from museums and art shops, and now I get to pick up an extra one to send. They don’t take much time to write but for those ten minutes I spend writing and decorating them with my not inconsiderable collection of stickers and washi tape, I feel connected to my friend in a way that I’ve been missing. I absolutely love receiving hers in return, and I know I’m going to treasure them for many years.
I’ve enjoyed it so much that I want to expand it to include more of my long-distance friends. If you’re one of them and you’re reading this, now you won’t be surprised when you get random postcards from me!
If this sounds like something you might want to try with your long distance friends, here are some ideas for what you could write about:
A song that you’ve been playing on repeat
A funny moment from your day
Something heartwarming you witnessed
A poem (perhaps even write your own haiku?)
A philosophical revelation you had on your daily commute
The view from your window
A fun fact you just learned
The meal you had at the new restaurant on your block
A recap of a first date
A memory that recently resurfaced
A recipe
The great part is that it can be anything, no matter how small! It’s so low-pressure and simple, which is a big reason why I love this practice. I’m on the hunt for more creative and fun ways to connect with friends and family, so I would love to hear your thoughts! What’s your favorite way to let people know you’re thinking of them?
Posted September 21, 2023.
