r/penpals • • 1d ago

Mod Post Let's set the record straight here.

402 Upvotes

Okay so some things have been going down and I am going to address them once and for all.

  1. We are a LGBTQIA+ friendly subreddit! If you have a problem with that, leave. Stop reporting posts of LGBTQIA+ people. Full stop.

  2. There are bots and scripts in place to prevent users from flooding the subreddit. The minimal requirement to post is 30 overall karma and an account at least a few weeks old. These guidelines help us to keep things safe here.

  3. If you are having problems posting, make sure you meet the requirements AND you are following the subject format.

  4. If you are found lying about your age, you will be banned. No questions asked. It is not hard to put your real age.

  5. If you are having issues getting the verification bot to work, please make sure to follow the format listed in the body of the post. If it still isn't working, please send a modmail to the mods.

  6. Please only send a modmail to the mods. Do not message us directly. We will not be responding from here on.

  7. The Snail Mail Response Team has been offline while I was recovering from spine surgery. It will reopen in December. If you are a member currently and want to be removed, please send us a modmail.

  8. The subreddit is English speaking. Please make all posts and comments in English. List the languages you speak and if someone else speaks it, then you can converse off the sub.

  9. Do not message the mods in modmail asking to be penpals. If we are searching for new penpals, we will either respond to posts or make our own.

  10. Overall, just be kind. It's a penpal subreddit. Not a place to start fights or be rude.

  • Sky

Edit: Added 2 more subjects to clear up.


r/penpals • • 23d ago

Monthly Confirmation October 2026 Confirmation Thread

5 Upvotes

Submit your confirmations below!

How Does This Process Work?

Note: Confirmations may take a few minutes as the bot processes the confirmation.

After exchanging emails or letters, confirm that the user sent them by tagging their name, and then in the format of #-#, where the first number is email count and the second the letter count, post the number of emails and letters you received.

Example:

  1. u/digitalmayhap received 2 emails and 1 snail mail letter from u/thisisverytricky

  2. u/digitalmayhap posts a comment in the confirmation thread saying u/thisisverytricky 2-1

  3. u/penpal-confirmation replies to u/digitalmayhaps's comment indicating that their counts have been updated on their flair!

FAQ

  1. The bot didn't respond to my comment. What's wrong?

Did you follow the correct pattern? Follow the pattern above!

Give it a few minutes! Sometimes the Reddit APIs can get a little overworked and start having issues. If the issue persists for more than a few hours, please message the moderators. The bot might be experiencing issues!

  1. I have multiple letters/emails I exchanged with multiple people to confirm this month; should I post them separately or in a single post?

Feel free to post them in a single comment or as multiple comments! If you post them all in a single comment, make sure to put each redditor on a separate line and to follow the proper format of u/REDDIT #-#.

  1. I forgot to confirm an exchange last month! Can I confirm the exchange this month?

Yes!


r/penpals • • 3h ago

Snail Mail [40/M] US looking for intl penpal, preferably another stay at home father

7 Upvotes

Being a Dad with young kids is so much fun, but it can also be lonely. I love my family, and so I am not really lonely per se, but I do not see alot of other Dads that I can relate with during the day. So, it would be cool to talk with someone that is also caring for littles in another area.

I would also like for my daughter to be exposed to different cultures and languages, so we would share her art/thoughts too.

I got the idea after watching a short doc on a gentleman from Korea that stays with his kids while wife works. It was so interesting to see how they get along and manage education, food, shopping and just normal stuff as a Dad. We dont really have Dad groups in the same way Mom groups here.


r/penpals • • 6h ago

Snail Mail [27/M] - Looking for a penpal to discuss literature, life, and other deep conversations in letters

8 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I'm a 27 year-old, Latino, gay guy from Texas. I currently have a lot paper, nice pens, postage stamps, and envelopes, yet no one to write to. I'm hoping to meet someone to change that.

I love books and literature, specially the classics. A lot of my favorite writers—Woolf, Kafka, Dickinson, Lovecraft—wrote extensively in letters, and it makes me wish I had a penpal of my own; specially since I feel instant messaging has made conversations so dry and shallow nowadays.

Some of my interests include:

- Books and literature. I specially love the classics, but I also like horror and science fiction. For nonfiction I like reading historical accounts

- Folklore. I consider myself an amateur folklorist, and I love all things fairy tales, mythology, folk beliefs, superstitions, witchy things, etc.

- Working out and lifting. Currently on a bit of a fitness journey.

- Video games. I mostly play on PC. I enjoy competitive shooters and solo horror or cozy games.

- Creative endeavors. I enjoy creative writing, learning how to draw, and educating myself more on art in general.

If any of this peaked your interest and think we'd be a nice fit, please do feel free to DM me :)


r/penpals • • 1h ago

Reddit Messaging [32/M], looking for friendship

• Upvotes

Hey everyone! As the title says, I'm a 32 year-old male from TX, US. About me, I don't know what to say but let me try. At least I can say a few things. I consider myself as an introvert. I enjoy spending my time on my own. I like gaming, listening to music, and reading. Yeah, sometimes I can be a couch potato as well. Other than this, I like walking outdoors. I work in healthcare and also get my next title. But I'm interested in other things including history, geography etc. I also try to get better at GeoGuessr. Do you play it? I also like thrifting. Anyway, I guess that's all for now. Even if I'm an introvert, I started feeling alone recently. I'm looking for some people to be friends with. I know since I'm a male, I won't get many messages but here we are. Don't hesitate to dm me if you'd like to chat. I'm open to anyone. I don't mind where you're from, what gender you're, or how old you're. Only 18+ please. Thanks for reading.


r/penpals • • 16h ago

Snail Mail [28/F] i want to send printed out memes back and forth. that’s it (or is it)

22 Upvotes

literally, that’s it. i want to print out a meme (think john pork type beat), and mail it to you. and then i also want you to mail me one back.

we can also include a letter or even an extra meme or two, no worries. i’m just feeling a little whimsy and just realized 2 seconds ago that i have free will.

oh also, i can send you a book or two, nothing in return if you don’t wanna. i have lots of favorite books and plenty sitting on my bookshelf but i’m moving out of the country next year and it’s difficult to take them all with me.

end of the day, i just wanna trade printed out memes, anything else is just a bonus!


r/penpals • • 41m ago

Email [20/M] (Pakistan)looking for some culture exchange on email...ft waiting for my uni to start and starting a hobby I always adored.

• Upvotes

I am a high school graduate looking for a penpal on email. This is my first step in the penpal hobby and it is a hobby I always wanted to pursue.

I love speaking to people from around the world who are of different cultures and I would love to talk about my culture as well. I am also a bit of a political history nut so if you are too I would love that too. I will be getting into med school too from January, so I would love some advice on that as well.

I would like to keep our pen palship as annomonoys as you want, i would like to know your country and about your culture and maybe if we hit off in our friendship, even about ourselves, idk it's my first time 🫣

ps. I would have liked nothing more then to write letters by hand for my potential penpals but I am too broke for that 😭, maybe someday.


r/penpals • • 3h ago

Snail Mail & Postcard [28/Nonconforming] Snail Mail Pen Pal!

0 Upvotes

Hello! My name is Gabriel, and I’m a transmasc (he/they) creature living in Philly. I am 28, a Libra Sun/Moon and Gemini Rising, and a huge fan of animals. I have lots of pets, and would love to share all about them with you!

I am also an artist, and am currently hyperfixated on Supernatural (I’m on season 7, sob). I am also a huge fan of anime, manga, and writing/reading horror. On top of all of that, I’m a furry! My fursona is a jackal named Larken, and I have a secondary fursona named Fish who is a Peryton.

I would love to have someone to doodle with and write back and forth with! I really enjoy using lots of stickers and cute paper and sharing supplies when I’m able. I have a lot of fun with the aesthetics, but I’m totally comfortable if that’s not your thing. My only asks are that you are 18+, MUST be kind about tarantulas as pets (you don’t need to like them, but I will likely bring them up and need you to not tell me you’d squish them please), and that you aren’t a Christian (nothing against Christians at all! I just have an insane amount of traumatic lore).


r/penpals • • 15h ago

Snail Mail [33/f] so happy I found this group ^_^

8 Upvotes

Hi everyone! 💕 I’m looking for genuine friendships with people I can exchange cute packages, letters, and little gifts with while keeping in touch. I’m pretty introverted and struggle with social anxiety, so making friends at events can be difficult for me. I figured this would be a fun way to connect with people!
I used to sell on Depop and Vinted, and I genuinely loved putting together cute packages with handwritten notes and freebies. Unfortunately, after about six months, sales started declining, and the whole experience became stressful. I decided to stop selling, but now I have tons of leftover inventory, stationery, stickers, notebooks, bracelets, keychains, and packaging supplies.
Instead of letting everything sit around collecting dust, I’d love to use it to brighten someone’s day and hopefully build a lasting friendship! I’m not trying to sell or promote anything. I genuinely just enjoy giving gifts, making thoughtful packages, and getting to know people. I’ve read the community rules and hope this post is okay! 💌


r/penpals • • 11h ago

Snail Mail [24/f] let’s be messy.

3 Upvotes

hello friends!

i have had such great experiences with the penpals i’ve found here and am ready to start back up again!

i by no means have my life together. i’m not sure i’ll ever feel like i do. i want to write about the ups and downs of our lives. tell me your hyperfixations, tell me your struggles. tell me your wins, tell me your failures. tell me about your best friend and who has hurt you past recovery. i have enjoyed every letter ive received, but it felt hard to write back at times when i received a letter about someone’s structured, successful life and my response is something like, “well i ended it with my situationship for a third time and my apartment hasn’t had hot water in three weeks!” i want to be freely messy, and i want you to feel the same.

i am forever an optimist but love dark humor. i love reading, writing short stories and poetry, any and all music, old movies, tv where you’re allowed to hate the characters, crafts, animals, and so much more that i’d love to tell you over mail. i can’t wait to meet you!


r/penpals • • 14h ago

Reddit Messaging [28/F] we haven’t met but maybe can be friends

6 Upvotes

Hello, I’m a Korean woman living in Seoul. Recently all my friends got married and suddenly I have more time - since my friends became more family-oriented and can’t spontaneously meet up for a beer anymore, so here I am.

I studied English, French and Politics in university and graduate school. Hence I love literature and politics and always read and write about them. My more recent accomplishment (yeah I call it one!) is that I finally learned to read the Arabic letters this month. Finally! 😂

Apart from my career, I spend my time on ballet, swimming, books, movies, art and theatre. I like good coffee and tea. A huge Swiftie, too.

So I’d love to have single friends again, those who do not have to go back to their children and familial duties at some point. And sorry, I’m not a long-letter person. Though I appreciate good conversations, I get lost when I have go write 4-5 paragraphs every time. In the past, I’ve met really great people who tend to write huge letters, and I always feel guilty for not being able to answer. I try, I open the chat, and my mind goes blank. 😭

Last but not least, please don’t complain about your own people to me… Like, “Girls in my country are all bad. So I’m here to get to know foreigners”. I’m not dating you either so stay away from me. (I’m writing this after receiving 10 messages like this)

See you soon!


r/penpals • • 1d ago

Snail Mail [26/F] I want your trash

119 Upvotes

Hello Reddit.

I’ve had an idea for a while now, and I’m wondering if this is the place to make it happen. As we all know: “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” I’ve gotten into junk journaling, and am hoping to make a journal of strangers’ junk.

So I’m calling on you. Yes, you. Here’s my plan. I want as many strangers as I can get to flood my mailbox with a memento of your day, a snippet of your life. Maybe a train ticket from your commute, a (hopefully cleaned) candy wrapper from your sweet treat this afternoon, a receipt from your trip to the mall, a napkin from a bar you met someone at for a first date? Anything works. Doesn't even have to be actual trash. And then, in the spirit of penpals, send a letter introducing yourself and describing your day. I’m going to compile them all into a single journal, proving once and for all the value of a stranger’s trash.

I would also love to get some new penpals out of this experience. I promise to respond to every person who writes. If you feel so inclined, please reach out. I would love to experience a small sliver of your life 😊

Edit: OMG this is wayyy more people than I expected to respond. Like a true trash panda, I'm excited to see what y'all send in!


r/penpals • • 13h ago

Snail Mail & Postcard [28/F] Looking to send letters and postcards!!

5 Upvotes

Hello everyone!

I hope you all are having a great day!! I just recently moved to the northwest region of the US for graduate school, and I am hoping to make some new connections over mail! I am a bit shy and am looking to expand my social circle now that I'm in a new place (I'm also hoping to get more into the habit of handwriting letters).

I have a lot of different interests that I would love to talk about with others! I enjoy crocheting and have recently picked up knitting as well. I play MTG and used to play DnD (hoping to start again once I find a new play group)! I have been reading a lot lately and am always looking to expand my TBR list. I also play video games, even though I am not very good at them. I like to hike and camp and am also trying to get more seriously into multi-day backpacking. I love plants (especially trees) and IDing them, and I am trying to get better at birding.

If you'd be interested in being pen pals, please let me know! I'd love to discuss pretty much anything and enjoy hearing about people's lives. I also have a bunch of postcards that I've just never sent out, so if you'd be interested in getting a postcard specifically please let me know. Thanks for reading and I hope you all have a good rest of your week!!


r/penpals • • 7h ago

Snail Mail [23/NB] Snailmail friends ☆

0 Upvotes

Hi! I had a bunch of penpals before bur unfortunately lost alot of correspondences due to life events so here I am looking for new penpals!

My name is Moth, Im 23 and go by He/They pronouns. I live on the East Coast, USA, in a small queer town.

I am autistic and insects are one of my special interest! I have a praying mantis and a tarantula :]

I love to go thrifting and recently found a typewriter which id love to use for our letters!

I love to write, draw, forage, craft, sew, play videogames, research, true crime, sanrio, collect oddities and much more!

I hope to keep corresponding for a long time and to be able to make real friendships ☆


r/penpals • • 22h ago

Reddit Messaging [41/M] Looking for a someone to talk to and laugh with

17 Upvotes

Hi!

My name is Elias and I'm from Sweden. So here is a little about myself, I am well-educated and work as an operations developer officer. I like to both listen to music and make my own music for fun, nothing serious as its more of a hobby. I am an active person who is s frequent gym-goer but don't worry, I won't try to sell you supplements or anything :)

Besides that I love traveling and have visited five continents, hoping to have visited all of them at some point in my life. One thing I love about traveling is getting to know new cultures and visit amazing historic buildings or to see beautiful sceneries.

I'm looking for a deeper sort of correspondence where we can share things and joke around a bit. I'm open to any form of correspondence but I prefer to start chatting/emailing first before exchanging letters.


r/penpals • • 16h ago

Snail Mail [18/F] Looking for a penpal in the U.S

4 Upvotes

Hello everyone! My name is Sage. I'm 18 years old and live in Florida. I'm looking for some new penpals! I don't have a gender prefrence but I would prefer someone who's within the United States just because international postage is a bit expensive at the moment. I also would like to keep my penpals between the ages of 18-25. I've been penpalling since middle school and just decided to pick up the hobby again seriously, and I'd love some penpals who are looking to communicate almost exclusively through letters. I love sending little goodies with the letter, such as stickers, washi tapes, memo pads, and I have plenty to share! I love fashion, thrifting, literature, philosophy, and history. I really enjoy crafting as well, so please let me know if you're interested! I do have some references of letters I've sent and things I've created if you'd like to see.


r/penpals • • 12h ago

Snail Mail [34/F] based in CA looking for a snail mail pen pal!

2 Upvotes

Hey! I’m Alexandria and I live in the Bay Area with my husband and our two cats. I’m looking for a pen pal or two to exchange snail mail about interesting stuff to learn new things and get to know each other. I’m into lots of things like reading, nature, hiking, yoga, pilates, strength training, animals, veganism, activism, environmentalism, philosophy, music, meditation, travel, thrifting, to name a few. I have tons of cute paper, stickers and supplies and would love to exchange cute letters and materials. DM me if you’re interested!


r/penpals • • 9h ago

Snail Mail [21/F] New girl friends or cool older ladies

0 Upvotes

Hi! I’m Madison :):) I’m a Christian college student in the U. S. and I have a major itch to meet new friends or be mentored by some older ladies with wisdom and life experience 🥰

Things about me:

I love learning and growing and becoming!

I am a piano performance major with a minor in psychology and theatre. I love all things music and arts related. 🎵

Favorite artists: Childish Gambino, Vampire Weekend, Adrianne Lenker, Foster the People

I LOVE strength training and any form of exercise really. It’s taught me so much about discipline and overcoming challenges.

People give my life meaning! I haven’t always found it easy to have solid community in the past, so I’m grateful for the people that I have in my life today.

I’d love to have some female friends from around the world to share perspectives about life with! Pls dm me if you think we would enjoy getting to know one another 💕


r/penpals • • 9h ago

Email [33/M] I want to discuss books with a like minded soul

0 Upvotes

Looking for like-minded people to discuss books.

I mostly read speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy and horror) and some literary fiction.

You can see my bookish tastes better on Storygraph on the profile maninsidethehelm, but here are some of my highlights from last year: Roadside Picnic by the Strugatskys, The Employees by Olga Raven, Monstrilio by Cordova, I Who Have Never Known Men by Harpman. And from this year: The End of Everything by M John Harrison, Lord of Light by Zezlany, the Wolf Hall trilogy by Mantel. I have a lot of classic paperback sci-fi stashed at home.

I'm open to communicate via email and letters. I live in Portugal, so for letters, probably better with someone from Europe.


r/penpals • • 1d ago

Snail Mail [27/F] 🇨🇴|📍🇩🇪 Looking for long-term pen pals

11 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I’m an introverted but talkative Colombian (once I get to know you!) living in Germany. I'm looking for a penpal to build a deep, meaningful connection. I would highly prefer (not mandatory) someone who speaks Spanish (👉🏻👈🏻), as it's my native language and I miss using it for deep conversations.

A bit about me:

- I'm actively trying to decentralze my phone. I love vintage things: I use an analog watch, an analog camera, a typewriter, vinyl, and cassettes. I'm new to the world of fountain pens (currently obsessed with olive green ink!).

- I work at a theater as an apprentice in scenic painting, so art is a massive part of my life.

- I have giftedness, which means I get frequent hyperfixations. I'm emotional, slightly nostalgic, and I love deep, stimulating conversations rather than small talk.

- When I have energy, I love reading, cafes, cycling, cultural events, and exploring social/political causes. I also strive for a conscious, sustainable lifestyle.

If you are looking for a slow, deep, and honest friendship, please send me a DM! Please include a little bit about yourself too. ✨


r/penpals • • 21h ago

Snail Mail & Postcard [20/F] wales - looking for a penpal to exchange letters, “junk” journal esque items, cards etc!

4 Upvotes

hi! i’m a student biologist living in wales, UK, who’s keen to start penpalling for the first time. as a way of learning about others day to day lives in different countries and sharing cute letters, stationary, etc. my main interests are vintage / antiquities (and collecting trinkets!) arts and crafts, and history. i’d like a penpal who would like to exchange semi frequent letters and cards, and preferably female (no creeps, sorry :,) i have no particular age preference but someone also in their 20s would be ideal. as well as sending little junk items / stickers / postcards from countries. even a little flyer or wrapper! thank you for reading, and please dm if interested 🩷🎀


r/penpals • • 22h ago

Snail Mail [30/F] Witchy!

3 Upvotes

Hey! You can call me Moss, or Cuddle, or like...idk. My real name is Amber, but I like being called other things. It makes me feel special. Call me Sugar Lips for all I care. My son does, it makes him laugh.

I'm a 30 year old cis female (but totally an ally). I'm looking for someone who will trade witchy ephemera, spells, stories, and talk about random stuff together. I feel like my life is weird enough to share, is yours? Or do you need me to liven it up? I'm up to the task!

I like watching Haunted Hotel, Danny Phantom, Transformers: Prime, The Owl House, Dollightful, salted latte, Haunted Destinations, KPop Demon Hunters (long live the Saja Boys!), any planner video (even though they really encourage overconsumption and I'm trying to be better about that.)

I listen to Simple Plan, Marianas Trench, Mayday Parade, MCR, Blink-182, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, bbno$, Baby Bugs, Avril Lavigne, Jack Staubers Micropop, Josie Edwards, Marino, Set It Off......A lot of other stuff.

I've been recently trying to read more, and I'm currently reading Hekate: Goddess of Witches.

My favorite colors are pastel green and royal purple. It used to just be purple, but pastel green really grew on me. it honestly has taken over the purple for me.

I have a cat (Reed) and a dog (Megatron.) I have a fiance and a child.

I also had a horrible childhood if that sweetens the pot for anyone.

My hobbies include photography, poetry, writing, thrifting, reading, wearing big comfy hoodies, trying to forage, and screaming into the void.

I have a hard time with figuring out postage, so help with that would be GREAT! (I sound so old 😭)

I'm a Hekate devotee, chaos practitioner, and I love writing in my BOS, journaling, taking naps in comfortable blankets...I'm a simple creature. Sometimes.

I tried this penpal thing before and it went badly- Some letters didn't send, sometimes the postage was wrong- PLEASEEEE let me know so I can fix it!! I'm looking for a friend- a really really good one.

I want to share stories about my small (very very small) business, and my job (which I have mixed feelings about) and how I don't know who I really am- do any of us?

I live in Wisconin USA.


r/penpals • • 17h ago

Email & Snail Mail [35/M] I'm from Chile 🇨🇱 and I'm looking for new friends :)

1 Upvotes

Hi!
My name is Jordan. I'm 35 years old and I live in Casablanca, Chile 🇨🇱. It's a small town near the Pacific ocean, with a lot of vineyards and nature.

I enjoy traveling, cooking, going hiking, wine and beer from time to time, relaxing at the beach, and listening to music (I really love alternative music!). I also love postcards and letters—they make me feel connected to people in a special way.

I’m looking for a penpal to write emails! Maybe in the future we can also exchange letters and postcards. I think it’s nice to share our daily life, thoughts, and culture without pressure. Just a calm and friendly exchange.

📬 A few more things about me:

  • I’m vegan and like trying new recipes
  • I speak Spanish and English
  • I like learning about other countries and meeting new people
  • I’ve made two friends online (from the USA and Poland) and have traveled with them—it was a great experience!
  • I usually write in the evenings or on weekends

🌍 Who I'm looking for:

  • Someone kind who enjoys friendly and thoughtful conversation
  • From Europe, the US, or anywhere really
  • You don’t need to write every day—just sometimes is fine
  • If you like postcards too, even better!

If this sounds good to you, feel free to send me a message. I’d love to hear from you!

Take care,

Jordan


r/penpals • • 1d ago

Reddit Messaging [21/M] Respectful Open-Minded Conversations, Meaningful Exchanges & Pen-Pal Vibes

2 Upvotes

Hi! I’m looking for a pen pal who values open, judgment-free conversation. I really enjoy connecting with people where we can talk about anything everyday life, random thoughts, or things we don’t usually say out loud—without pressure or expectations.

I’m open to messaging first, and would love to move to longer emails or handwritten letters once we’re comfortable. I like thoughtful exchanges and genuine curiosity about each other’s pov

A few things I enjoy: Reading and reflective writing Creative outlets like journaling, sketching, and art Deep conversations mixed with light, everyday talk Spiritual and philosophical ideas (not religious, just open-minded) Nature, food, and small, meaningful moments

If you’re looking for a safe, respectful space to share and listen, and want a consistent pen pal, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to connect.


r/penpals • • 18h ago

Reddit Messaging [20/M] hi? give me some time to get used to it I can't immediately write okay?

0 Upvotes

I'm mostly a boring person? like a very routine life though I have many variables that can have many effects, I study things like cybersec, compsci, even gamedev, sciences I am into are like mathematics, organic-chem, comp-bio, and several more. as to literature I love books about real world events, History, Exploration, Biography , or even rare unpopular books.

if you aren't in my age group please don't msg me =/ ...

we can have a friendship as real as it get's maybe have calls were we discuss what we study or a call were it's literally silent for hours? i usually keep a friend for years or indefinitely, it's like idk means a lot to me when i call someone a friend though it wont be easy.. sorry dont take it personally, im as stated hard to get along with especially at the start, but if consistency is your thing and you had anything in your life other than gaming movies music, we will get along just fine, btw i do make art! we can share our arts or even work on collabs!

moreover i know the shtty situation when you're a guy and you meet another interesting guy but then you get ghosted because turns out he was mostly just looking for some gf, im absolutely not like that!, even if you're a guy which is what im more comfortable with ironically, you're more than welcome, if you're here because you felt alone, i can talk but not everyday, though i will do what i could.

i used to be insecure about myself and this maybe the first time i admit it, my mtbi type is most likely esfj or something with an s and a j idk &_&.