Why do you penpal?

We asked some of our members the following question, and this is what they had to say!

Why do you penpal?

"I pen pal for a few reasons. As a small child, my great grandparents wrote to me often and I'd draw pictures and write back to them. I loved getting my own mail as a child. After high school it was a way to keep in touch with friends, but after the social media sites appeared, many of us stopped writing. Sadly its how we've mostly lost touch, even if they're on my friends list, we don't talk much now. I still enjoy receiving mail that isn't a bill, or local store ad. That's how I discovered pen pal websites and eventually that all led me here to LEP. :) I also love getting to know people from far away that I probably wouldn't have met any other way. Now I have a stationery addiction and my husband says that I stalk the mailman, but that's part of the fun, right?? :)"
-Natasha, AKA Super Weasel (USA)


"I penpal for the same reason everyone does, don't they? It's an excuse to collect cute paper, stamps and stickers! Seriously though, it's interesting to be asked that, as I'm just starting out in penpalling again after an absence of over 20 years. When I was a kid, I loved receiving something that had been in the hands of another kid from the other side of the world - someone I may have had a lot in common with, or someone who was living a life very different to mine. I loved reading about these real people whose lives weren't in books or on TV. After years of interacting with people on the Internet, I've found myself becoming dissatisfied with how shallow and one-sided friendships can be now. These days making friends with people from all over the world is easy and commonplace. Sure, I can email someone and it arrives instantly, or I can read their Facebook to see what they've been up to, but the magic is gone. The ease and instant gratification seem to have lessened the meaning behind it. That's why I decided to take up penpalling again. I want to have friendships where I respect the person enough, to take the time to choose paper and pen, write out my letter by hand and physically take it to a post box. And it makes me feel honoured to think that someone else has done the same for me."
- Katie, AKA Apartment Cat (Australia) 


"I penpal for a few reasons:
a) to keep in touch with old friends who have moved elsewhere
b) to keep in touch with new friends that I've only met through penpalling
c) because I have an addiction to cute stationery
d) I get work delivered to home, so it's nice to get things that aren't work related. 
e) to be friends with people with similar interests and viewpoints"
- Rebecca, AKA SullenHearts (UK)


"I pen pal because I enjoy the friendships formed through snail mail. Sometimes it's easier to write down my thoughts and feelings on paper rather than speak of them verbally. I enjoy sharing a little piece of myself with someone else and I enjoy the thrill of getting a return letter and I enjoy sitting down with a cup of tea and reading of my friend's life and share with them their triumphs and struggles. I feel because I put forth the effort to write to someone, it makes me a better friend to those whom I see all the time."
- Tracey, AKA Unicorn Girl (USA)


"Why do I penpal? I find I can organize my thoughts best when I write. I can take my time to formulate sentences and find the right words. I like the slow depth of writing, the unhurried pace of contemplation. Also, I like building friendships with people I wouldn't otherwise meet -- people all over the world! And of course the heart-jumping excitement of finding a special letter just for me in the mailbox. Lord Byron really did say it best: "Letter writing is the only device for combining solitude with good company." Yes, it's pretty special."
- Bonnie, AKA Bonstar (Canada)


"Why do I penpal? This is an interesting question. The truth is I have always loved receiving letters and postcards, when I was child I had some friends who only came to my village on holidays, the rest of the year we wrote each other long letters. I still remember how excited I was when the postman gave me my letters, it was a magical moment. On the other hand, I love stationery things, I become crazy when I visit other countries and I see the beautiful things that they have in their stationery shops (in Spain there isn’t many). For both reasons, and because I live now far from my family and boyfriend (I feel very alone sometimes), when I knew about Postcrossing first and then about LEP, I have decided to return to writing letters and meeting new people from over the world. See you soon!!"
- VerĂ³nica, AKA Sailor Ver (Spain)


"I like pen palling as I like to know about people. I am naturally nosey and I like to hear about what you have been up to and the stories you have to tell. I like to know that people do the same things as me, see things like I do and if not also get a whole different perspective on someone else's life. Writing is also very therapeutic. You can get completely lost reading and replying to a letter and being able to share things with people you know will appreciate it and that you will get the same back is very special."
- Emma, AKA Data Girl (UK)


"This is such a good question! And really, there are so many answers. When I was younger, I had a couple penpals here and there, and I loved getting letters in the mail! Then, as I got older, the travel bug hit me, and I am fascinated with new places in the world. I have "met" so many interesting new friends because of penpalling, and I consider these ladies to be friends just the same as the ones I can call on the phone. In fact, there is something more special about getting a letter in the mailbox than picking up the phone to make a call or send a text. I have met only one of my penpals, but I hope in the future that changes. Penpalling is important to me, and I hope to continue for many years to come!"
- Georgette, AKA The Valiant Android (USA) 


"I started penpalling when I was 7yo. I grew up on a farm so didn't have much interraction with other kids my age, plus I was super shy and not very good at making friends. My nanna thought writing letters might be a good way for me to establish friendships with other kids around my age. My first penpal was the same age and also lived on a farm. Her name is Karyn, and we are still friends. What I discovered pretty quickly is that writing is my preferred method of communication. It gives me time to think out and clarify what it is I want to say. It also makes me feel as though I'm being listened to, that someone is interested in what I have to say everytime they reply. I'm not being interrupted and I don't have to worry about saying something stupid. I can write about shared interests with people and establish long-lasting friends with those who understand and appreciate how I think, why I like what I like, and how I see the world. Actually, that's my favourite thing about penpalling: Finding kindred spirits. In "real life" they are hard to come by, but in the world of penpalling I've found many. Some of my longest, bestest friends EVER started out as penpals. As someone who is introverted and shy, I'd probably feel incredibly lonely if I didn't have all my wonderful pals."
- Sarah, AKA Mesmer (Australia)


"I started to pen pal when I was fifteen years old. Originally, I started so I could talk to others who were anime/manga fans. Since I lived in a small town that didn't have many anime fans and I wanted to be associated with others who shared my interests. As I got older I fell in love with receiving mail so I expanded outside anime pen pals. Which is good since like much of my original pals, I have mostly outgrown anime. I still pen pal because it's my preferred method of social interaction. I'm not a social butterfly, opting to spend time in small groups or at home rather than going out. So talking to others in letters makes me feel more social than I really am (lame right?) also it's nice to be able to occasionally vent in a letter without judgement."
- Reannon, AKA Sweet Trap (Canada)


"Ever since I can remember I’ve had a thing for stationery, postcards, paper, pens, stickers etc. Doesn’t every little girl? My daughters did but they outgrew it. I never did. I’ve also always loved the thought of getting mail. The anticipation of waiting for the mailman, hearing the mail truck on the next street over and the excitement of finding something delivered to me. Something fun that someone else somewhere around the world took the time to send me. But it’s not just about the goodies and finding things other than junk in the mailbox. I’ve always been a little awkward socially. I have a hard time making friends and just talking to people sometimes. I’m your typical wallflower. The girl sitting in the corner at the party talking to the person she came with and observing all that’s going on around her wishing she had the nerve to participate. Pen paling gives me the chance to participate. Even if “hiding” behind pen and paper. It gives me a way to connect with people in a way I don’t always feel comfortable with in real life. It gives me the chance to meet people I would probably never have come in contact with otherwise... or talked to if I did! It still may take a letter or two for me to “come out of my shell” so hopefully people I’ve written to so far haven’t found me too boring to start out and will give me a chance. So glad I found LEP and hope I can make some lasting friendships along the way!"
- Lynn, AKA Eagle Eyes (USA)


"I enjoy sending and receiving letters because I love to connect and get to know different people and places! There is nothing like coming home and finding a letter from a penpal on the door mat, opening it up (carefully obviously!) and getting a snapshot of people's lives and what they are sharing!"
- Kelly, AKA Miss Dotty (UK)


"I really enjoy getting to know people on a one-to-one basis, and you learn so much pretty quickly about what another person thinks and feels when you communicate through writing. Unlike with verbal communication, I can read and re-read my letters, and I can take my time to think through what I want to say before writing my responses, eliminating some of the awkwardness of the immediacy of conversation. I'm also a little shy and reserved when first meeting people in person, and meeting someone through writing actually eliminates most of the shyness. I do still find those intro letters pretty difficult to write -- kind of like creating a dating profile, only for pen friendship instead of romance. The connection with my penpals definitely makes my life better. Plus, there's such a rush of happiness when you find a letter from a treasured penpal in your mailbox!"
- Maria AKA Mail Wonder Woman (USA)


And you... Why do YOU penpal?!

And the winners are...

Since the League of Extraordinary Penpals is a growing community, we thought it was time to have our own awards ceremony!

Does everyone have a seat? Are all members dressed appropriately for the occasion? Are you all wearing your superhero costume? (Courtney, please put your pants back on.) Alright, the show can now begin.

Hello LEPers & LEPeeps! I'm Julie AKA Super Sushi and I'll be your hostess tonight. All of you are obviously extraordinary so we wish we could give you all an award, but sadly we only had time to make 25 prizes. Come on guys, they're handmade paper statues - give us a break! And if you win, you get to make a speech in the comments below, but in 50 words or less please. We don't want to spend all night listening to endless blabber because some of us have a Stationery Anonymous meeting to attend later on.

So without further ado, here are the award categories:

* Will squee when excited about something! And the award goes to... Frida in Norway! (Special mentions go to Othella and Michael in the USA.)

* Makes everyone jealous with perfect fountain pen calligraphy! And the award goes to... Lisa in France! (A special mention goes to Aimee in the USA.)

* Is well versed in swearing! And the award goes to... Cheryl in Scotland! (Special mentions go to Samantha in Australia, Jim in the UK and Venus in Canada.)

* Has a sexy voice and knows how to use it! And the award goes to... Simon in Japan! (Special mentions go to Rhiannon in the UK and Katherine in the USA.)

* Won't shut up about (and post pictures of) stationery purchases! And the award goes to... Sara Jean in the USA! (Special mentions go to Samantha and Amy in Australia as well as Shelby in the USA.)

* Sends goodies to everyone through the mail like it's Christmas every day! And the award goes to... Athanasia in Greece! (Special mentions go to Denise, Kimmie and Mary in the USA.)




*Lives in a fantasy world filled with strange creatures and characters! And the award goes to... Michi in Poland! (Special mentions go to EmPress in Canada and Sarah in the USA.)

* Says the word BOOBIES at every given occasion! And the award goes to... Courtney in the USA! (Special mentions go to Trine Lise in Norway and Lisa in France.)

*All have the same name! And the awards go to Jennifer G. in Canada, Jennifer E. in Germany, Jennifer W. in Germany, Jennifer R. in the USA and Jennifer W. in the USA! (Special mention goes to Jenn L. in the USA.)

* Have more kids than they know what to do with... And the awards go to Sherri and April-Alina in the USA! (Special mentions go to Jessica N. and Elizabeth D. in the USA as well as Samantha in Australia.)

* Makes you laugh with completely unexpected comments! And the award goes to... Jemima in Australia! (Special mentions go to Courtney in the USA, Yoshi in Austria and Lisa in France.)

* Gets to be kissed by Donnie Wahlberg ON THE LIPS! And the award goes to... Cindy in Canada! (Special mentions go to no one because Cindy apparently doesn't share!)

* Makes everyone drool by posting food pictures! And the award goes to... Jonathan in the UK! (Special mentions go to Sandra in the Netherlands and Shelby in the USA.)

* Makes envelopes like there's no tomorrow! And the award goes to... Tessa in the Netherlands! (Special mentions go to Sara Jean, Tara and Michael in the USA.)

* Were all born on the same day! And the awards go to... Karen and Emilie in the USA as well as Samantha in Australia for all being May 23 babies. (Special mentions go to our dozens of birthday twins.)

* Makes the most awesome illustrations! And the award goes to... Ciara Kay in the USA! (Special mentions go to Sulea in Australia, Michi in Poland, Korina in Guam and Heleen in the Netherlands.)

* Somehow infiltrates herself in LEP dreams! And the award goes to... Rhiannon in the UK! (Special mentions go to Katherine and Denise in the USA.)

* Has the most hilarious profile picture on Facebook! And the award goes to... Eunice in the UK! (Special mentions go to Lisa in the USA, Martina W. in Germany and Wendy in the USA.)

And that's it folks! (OK Frida, you can stop clapping now.) We hope you enjoy your paper statues (that's all we could afford - sorry!) and we hope to see you at the Stationery Anonymous meeting next door in 30 minutes. Amy will be selling overpriced stationery in the back alley after the meeting and she only accepts cash. Thank you very much!

Did someone say fountain pens?!

This week we're pleased to have a guest post from LEP members Rachel & Arjen (AKA The Tooth Fairy and Lady Vengeance), the fantastic coordinators of the League of Extraordinary Pen Lovers!

Do you often walk around with ink stained hands? Have more pens than a person could use in a month? Can you identify the difference between a blue ink and a sllliiightly lighter blue ink? Then this club is for you!


Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the League of Extraordinary Pen Lovers! This is the home for all things pen and ink related. Feel free to share your pictures of your pens (or pen porn as we have been known to call it!), discuss new inks and share tips about where to get the latest pens! We are a small group but a very friendly one and our first swap is just starting out.


In order to tempt you into our lair, Arjen has offered to donate a pen from her collection to the winner of our new challenge! If you wish to be in with a chance of this rare prize then this is what you need to do:

Write a love letter to your favourite ink or pen, in the ink itself or with the pen that is the object of your affections. Post your letter on the Extraordinary Pen Lovers group and join in the fun.

We look forward to meeting you and enabling your pen collection!

Rachel & Arjen