Well, I am hooked.
I haven't had a pen pal for quite a while and now I'm probably more excited than the inmates themselves. It's a good thing that this website has limits on initial emails as I simply don't know how to restrain myself. It is quite easy to be tempted to write to more people. And now - it is easy, but I know that if I write to any more, I will not be able to give them enough of me later.
I don't really know how to deal with my own impatience. :)
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Just remember, they're people not toys and a lot of what you have they don't have. Enjoy your letter writing.
I put in the other thread...she should just write snail mail too..I wish I had cos the initial e mail took 6 weeks to get to B..which I didn't know..and thought he might not wanna write..then HIS replies took weeks to get to me ..with luck my reply to them MIGHT just have got there now..
@Frankie, yes, I am aware of all that. I just liked pen-palling as a teenager (used to write with different people from countries other than mine) and it was really nice getting to know someone from far away.
I wrote the emails now, so before writing anything else (I don't really want to overwhelm anyone or be annoying in some way), I will wait for their response. Even if it takes a month or two. But, yes, that doesn't stop me from feeling the impatience and be thrilled about the whole thing.
PS. I don't really know why the thread has been posted twice. Perhaps a moderator or an admin can merge them?
Its just a common sense thing that some people don't get, these people are people with feelings, thoughts and emotions just like yours. Some people get excited and send dozens of letters and then get overwhelmed and don't reply properly or at all.
I actually care. I am very sensitive and empathic. One of the reasons it is hard for me to not write to more people - I just want to cheer them up, make them feel better, give them the friendship they need. I will not leave anyone hanging for a response just because I have been busy, or sick or exhausted or whatever. But I know that it will take a toll on me emotionally if I spread my heart to too many people.
Very sensible..I only write to 2...a gal pal in Michigan...and B in Arizona...I'm luckier with L in Michigan as she has jpay email..so it's much quicker, and easier...but with B..it's snail mail and nothing else...
I suppose if you wanted to write to a few inmates and they had institutional jpay e mail..then that would be faster and much less time consuming..but I wouldn't want to take on anymore PPs whereby I have to sit and handwrite a letter..that WOULD be too much...but as Frankie pointed out..it's not fair to e mail inmates ..make then think they have a PP and then not bother cos it gets too many and too demanding on your time..I know you'd reply..but as Frankie said there are probably people who collect PPs then leave them flat..
I know that feeling, menyanthe, and I didn't pick a new pp since May of last year - and I'm not planning dfor another one.
But let me assure you: Things will sort itself out. You are gonna form specific and unique relations with the ppl you're writing to, finding a rhythm and a tone and subjects with each of them.
Happy writing,
Kirsten
Dozens of letters to one person or dozens to several? Haha in the past 7 days I’ve sent 5 brief letters (all with pix included) and 2 long letters. Plus 3 emails. Poor guy lol - but he said on Wednesday on our call to “keep them coming he loves it.” He’s said that in letters and emails too. Be careful what you wish for right?? Hahahah
Lol..cool..good for you..IL PPP...I'm keeping writing too..that will avoid a future " dry spell" like we landed in now...
I think this post is sweet (-: Writing to people is a lot of fun. Absolutely, life gets busy and you don’t want to burn yourself out but definitely everyone understands and you can always mention it if you get sick or have stuff going on! Friendship will stay strong even during those breaks.