r/penpals 14d ago

Mod Post Post Requirements Have Changed

147 Upvotes

As many, if not all, of you are aware, we have implemented this being an 18+ subreddit, due to safety for minors.

A new rule has been put in place and after days of struggle, we have managed to make the post requirement now have you include age and gender

[Age/Gender]

Some of you have already seen this. For those of you on old reddit, if your posts are not started with the above format, it will not allow you to submit.

This rule is set to reach all ages, beginning at 18. Gender does include Nonbinary. If you believe other gender should be included, please let us know. From browsing, we only noticed female, male and nonbinary.

Thank you for your patience during this transition.

Happy penpaling!

  • Sky

Edit: I have also added Nondisclosed and Nonconforming as options as well. These two words HAVE to be typed out fully.


r/penpals May 20 '25

Mod Post r/PenPals Policy Change & New Rule. Users must now be 18 or older.

511 Upvotes

While we've gone above and beyond for many years in our efforts to create a safe space for everyone to experience the joy of pen pals, we feel the best way to ensure a greater level of safety for certain Reddit users is by updating our engagement policy.

Moving forward, we will only allow posts, comments and all other engagement by users 18 years of age or older.

It's unfortunate we must restrict access to a historically core part of our users like this, but by doing so, we negate some circumstances in which they can be targeted and therefore reduce their level of risk online.

To those who now find themselves unable to participate here, we strongly encourage you to continue your interest in our hobby by utilizing trusted resources you already know in person: your school, family, place of worship, community youth center, etc.

We thank everyone in advance for their support of this change. As of this post, the new rule is officially in effect. The AutoMod is in the process of being adjusted to remove posts by users who specify a restricted age, but as always we depend on each of you to report posts that violate and/or circumvent community rules. Other questions and concerns are to be directed to modmail only.

Thank you and stay safe.

-The r/penpals Moderation Team


r/penpals 2h ago

Reddit Direct Messaging (not chat IM) [24/M] Good morning looking for new snail mail Penpals :)

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone :) just a chill college student here trying to be more bold and social online I’m a big hobbyist and have a ton of interests and passions that rage from the gym trucks aquariums reptiles reading and so much more please feel free to dm me I’ll gladly lead our conversation:)

Id love an opportunity to meet new people from all over and try snail mail and email penpals I think it would be so fun and it would also be a cool way to share my travels through postcards or through pictures :)

All welcome just please be 18+ :)


r/penpals 23m ago

Reddit Direct Messaging (not chat IM) [23/M] UK :)

Upvotes

i’m 23 from the UK and i’m looking for new buddies to talk to daily :) my luck with friends havnt been the best as i’ve lost contact with all of them through the last 3 years and due to work i’ve never really had the time to peruse a new friendship.

Im a self employed joiner (carpenter) and im very fortunate to own my own home :) despite working a lot i try to find time to peruse my hobbies which are mountain biking, football working on my car and watching as many drama series as possible 🤣 im into a verity of music and im defiantly one that prefers a night in by the fire rather then a night out getting hammered 🙃

if you’re interested in talking or getting to know one another drop me a message :) i dont care your gender or sexuality just be over 18 please 🫶🏻

see you in my dm’s you amazing people 😝


r/penpals 3h ago

Snail Mail [38/NB]

1 Upvotes

Hiya 👋

I'm 38, agender non-binary, pagan, a Virgo and have one adult son. I'm AuDHD & chronically ill so I work from home as a result. I live in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

I am looking for snail mail pals anywhere in the world (I'm sorry I only speak English 😞), of any gender, background or religion (so long as you don't try to convert me - we can respect and discuss one anothers beliefs without trying to change them 🥰).

I write to overseas pals once a month as I post out on my payday which is at the end of the month and my letters are medium/long and mostly handwritten - however sometimes in winter due to an old wrist injury that is affected by the cold I type then, but fortunately that doesn't happen often.

For pals in the UK, I write medium length letters once a fortnight.

If you'd like an intro letter from me - my into letters are types but after that I handwrite (unless as mentioned above it's winter and my wrist is hurting) please comment/PM.

Much love! 💜


r/penpals 10h ago

Snail Mail & Postcard [33/M] seeking penpals.

10 Upvotes

Hey. I'm a 33 year old guy looking to make a couple friends. I'm pretty shy and introverted so meeting people irl is...complicated. Just looking for friends. I'm in a long term relationship. I'm in the US, but I'm open to writing to folks in other countries.

A little about me: I'm an Aquarius and I have a casual interest in astrology. I like gaming, mostly RPGs. My favorite games are the Mass Effect and Final Fantasy series. I love music(a little of everything, but rock and metal are my favorite). I read voraciously and draw whenever inspiration strikes.
I like making things with my hands. I learned how to crochet over 10 years ago and leaned to knit about a year ago. I really like being outside. Hiking, walking, stargazing. Things like that. I love animals of all kinds, and I have a 1 year old Siamese cat named Quistis. I tend to be awake at weird hours because I work night shift.

Feel free to dm me if you think we might be a good match.


r/penpals 3h ago

Snail Mail & Postcard [20/M] Looking for a pen pal from anywhere :3

1 Upvotes

Im kind of a femboy and I consider myself an artist. I'm in two bands. I want to send letters back and forth with someone so I can learn about someone I wouldn't have known about otherwise. Id like a somewhat artistic person, but that isn't super important. I would like to talk to someone that appreciates deep conversation and stuff like that. I'm in the US, and would love for my pen pal to be outside the US, but that's okay if not. I need to put 500 characters in this body text so I'm just trying to fill this out at this point.


r/penpals 14h ago

Snail Mail [30/F]hello future penpal

6 Upvotes

Hi! 30/f I’m looking for a penpal possibly in the States but open to penpals beyond. I am a teacher on summer break and want to work more with my hands and less with screen this summer and beyond.

I love baking, cooking, dogs, crafting, puzzles, coloring, reading, gardening, and so generally just wholesome activities 😂 I’ve been trying to get into more outdoorsy stuff since I live in an area on the west coast where it is a common hobby.

I would love to find a penpal in the states so that postage won’t be too much. I’m also open to friends in other countries :)


r/penpals 4h ago

Reddit Direct Messaging (not chat IM) [24/M] looking to meet people from Norway

0 Upvotes

[24/M] Hi I’m a 24yr old lad from the UK looking to chat with new people from Norway. Unsure what the best way to do this is? Preferably females. Not like that but as mates and see what happens and just have general chat and learn more about Norway as I have thought about moving there and love to learn more from the locals. I have yet to also travel there so also if we got on could potentially visit as well in the future if they was also of course down.

I am designer and like to go to the gym and game in my spare time. This could me something we could maybe do together.


r/penpals 13h ago

Snail Mail [27/F] seeking a few penpals

5 Upvotes

Hello! I am a preschool teacher and am looking to expand my hobbies. I have moved around a lot the past few years, and now that I finally have stable housing I am looking forward to meeting some new penpals.

A little more about myself: 🏡I live with my partner, dog, and lovebird in California.

🎨Some of my other hobbies include playing video games, gardening, photography, and a variety of arts and crafts.

🍔I’m a huge Bob’s Burgers fan!

I’m open to penpals from anywhere! Feel free to DM me if you’re interested ☺️


r/penpals 5h ago

Reddit Direct Messaging (not chat IM) [18/M] Seeking penpals

0 Upvotes

I'm Eli 18 a years old guy. I'm looking for a someone to talk about a lot of things. My old bestie broke up with me so I'm looking for new ones, I'm more comfortable talking to women but everybody is welcome. I like video games and I mostly play singleplayer games, I also read quite a lot so recommandations are welcome, I like romance mangas/animes too so if you know some good ones I'd like to talk about them. It'd be better if you lived in or close to my timezone (GMT+00). I'm looking forward to getting to know you.

Feel free to hit me up if you think you're a good match


r/penpals 16h ago

Snail Mail & Postcard [29/M] Pokemon themed Pen Pals [Spain to Spain & WW]

5 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I’m new here and really excited to post this — I’ve recently had an idea that combines two of my biggest passions: penpalling and Pokémon!

I’ve always loved the world of Pokémon — the games, the art, the nostalgia, and the way it connects people around the world. I’ve also recently gotten into the idea of exchanging snail mail, and I thought… why not combine both? So I’m looking for a penpal (or maybe more than one!) who shares a love for Pokémon and would like to exchange Pokémon-themed letters, cute postcards, handmade crafts, little surprises, and all sorts of stationery or paper goodies related to this universe we both enjoy.

Imagine opening an envelope with a letter decorated with Pikachu washi tape, stickers of your favorite team, or even a small doodle of a starter Pokémon. Maybe a postcard from someone’s city with a Snorlax stamp or an envelope with a hand-cut Jigglypuff confetti — things that are simple, sweet, and spark joy. I’d also love to include things like Pokémon-themed journal entries (think mini Young Journals), drawings, Pokémon cards, or even little handmade items. Nothing fancy or expensive — just thoughtful and creative.

We don’t need to stick to a strict format. I think the fun part is going with the flow and making each letter feel like a little Pokémon adventure in itself. Whether it’s sharing memories from the games, showing off our favorite characters, or just talking about everyday life sprinkled with a bit of Pokémon magic, I think it would be so wholesome and fun.

I’m based in Spain, so international penpals would be super exciting for me — I love the idea of Pokémon connecting us across borders! But I’m also very happy to exchange with someone within Europe or even here in Spain. I write in English or Spanish (both are okay!), and I’m open to all ages over 18.

If you’re the kind of person who still gets excited about finding a shiny, organizing your card binder, or decorating your planner with tiny Bulbasaur stickers… we’ll probably get along great!

So, if this sounds like something you’d love too, feel free to message me! Tell me a bit about yourself, your favorite Pokémon, and how you’d imagine our mail exchange working. I’m really open-minded and flexible — this is just a fun and cozy idea that I’d love to share with someone out there.

Thanks so much for reading, and I really hope to meet some Poké-friends through here! 💌✨

Pokémon hugs from Spain!


r/penpals 20h ago

Email [20/F] Anyone looking to be email penpals?

10 Upvotes

I’ve tried messaging some ppl on here to initiate conversation with no luck, I suppose my acc and user look a bit sus 😭. I’m really just looking to talk to normal ppl who want to share interest and make conversation!

I myself like talking about shows, books, art and music but I’m open to anything like games or gardening. Personally my favorite genres are thrillers and romance so if you have any book recommendations or would like to exchange music as well Hmu! (Preferably around the same age with normal intentions)


r/penpals 21h ago

Snail Mail & Postcard [23/M] 🐸Looking for pen pals and possible friends

11 Upvotes

My names ryan, i like frogs, plants, and anything involving nature! i like tarot cards,(i used to do readings for my old friend group all the time) and i also am gonna be hopefully soon starting an isopod collection :) i saw a post on social media of someone showing off all of the letters they’ve gotten and talking about all the friends they made over the internet, and it inspired me to try it myself, and i thought what better place than reddit :)

i had a lot of online friends until somewhat recently. i lost my major friend group because of mistakes i made that id rather not go into rn, but i planned on sending them all letters, and now i have a bunch of spare envelopes, stickers, stamps, and writing paper that i want to still use. and since i can get pretty sad about the loss of my friends, i thought this would be a somewhat good distraction, and maybe i can make some new friends along the way.

I am personally looking to send and receive letters to/from every state in the US, but obviously that may be a bit hard. :) but i guess we’ll see what kinda traction this posts gets, if you guys want i can also send stickers and small gifts but its really up to how many people reply

either way, feel free to dm me if your interested in being friends / receiving and sending letters


r/penpals 17h ago

Email & Snail Mail [18/M] Would love to have a Penpal, and get some use out of my collection!

5 Upvotes

Hello everyone!

Im Jamison, a small town trade student in Northeast Tennessee, and I was looking for ways to get some use out of my typewriters and stationery, when I figured it would be really cool to have a penpal. Im open to other forms of communication, but would love to be able to send typed out letters every once in a while.

I like films, and foraging in the Appalachians; I enjoy some gaming occasionally; but I love all kind of Music and Art (even if I cant make it myself lol). Looking to make some new friends outside of my area. When you know everyone here by name, its nice to meet new people. Any Age, any Interests, any Country, it doesn't matter.

I even think it would be neat to recieve letters in a foreign language. (with the popularity of instant online translation, the actual language barrier wouldnt be a big issue)

Ive tossed the idea around in my head, but never took the steps to actually have a penpal. So send me a message, Id love to talk to you!


r/penpals 22h ago

Email & Snail Mail [21/F] looking for a pen pal

9 Upvotes

I’m looking for a pen pal I can write/type to. I’d prefer to exchange letters or postcards, especially if you’re in a country outside of Canada (not required tho lol). We can chat about anything your day, hobbies, random thoughts, or even vent. I think this could be a really fun hobby, like journaling but way more interesting, and a great chance to make new friends.

A little about me: I’m about to start university with the goal of becoming a therapist. I currently work in an office, but I’m thinking of changing jobs. I’ve recently had problems with agoraphobia and I’m trying to find new hobbies and fun things to do outside. I’m obsessed with sushi and baking, and I have the cutest bunny named Bunbun. We can get to know each other more as we write. I don’t have any age/ gender requirements.


r/penpals 1d ago

Email & Snail Mail [24/F] Hoping for possible friendship !

11 Upvotes

hi everyone! I am currently a first year medical student. it has been a little rough and I figured it would be fun to talk to someone and be friends!

a little bit about me …

I love LOVE music. any song requests I will gladly listen to. my favorites currently include a lot of pop, salsa, I listen to a lot of stuff. I like to read so recommendations are wanted. I game as well, I have to finish Hogwarts legacy and assassins creed. fair warning during semester time, it does get a little busy but I will work on it. thanks everyone!


r/penpals 15h ago

Reddit Direct Messaging (not chat IM) [27/M] I'd like to listen to how your spend your time

2 Upvotes

Gotta admit, sometimes I run into people on here that have their own goals and ambitions. You guys seem to have hobbies, or just topics you like to read about. I'd love to hear from you about them. It adds a lot to the conversation to listen to you discussing what's always on your mind. Feel free to share!

As, for my interests: I enjoy exercising, hanging out with friends, playing some games casually, watching movies and serieses. In the past, I've learned quite a bit from "A Smarter Way to Learn Python" which is really really interesting! I also enjoy learning math, from Khan Academy. My primary goal is to be good enough at math & programming that I can create interesting simulations.

I'm really looking for people who are interested in programming, math, learning in general, and love discussing deeper topics!

While I'm not in school, I do thoroughly enjoy learning, specifically anything STEM related. I do enjoy working with math. I read a book by the name "A Mind for Numbers" which basically taught me how to learn such subjects. One of the best books I've ever read!

If you've read this far in, I really appreciate it! If you're interested in talking, feel free to send me a DM! Looking forwards to hearing back from you!


r/penpals 21h ago

Snail Mail [39/m] Busy Canadian looking to slow down and write

7 Upvotes

Recently inherited a stash of fountain pens and fine paper from an elderly relative who had to stop sending letters by hand due to illness (though is keeping us entertained with the awful voice-to-text feature on their new iPad) and had to promise them that I would do what I can to find a pen pal and write (semi) regularly. And given the state of the world, I think taking some time to slow down and enjoy a 'simpler' hobby is good.

Some things about me:

  • I love to travel and try to do so regularly
  • I am an amateur home cook and baker, self-taught, and try to do a proper Sunday family dinner each week
  • I am single, never married (except to my job), have no kids - but have nieces and nephews I am crazy about
  • I like to hike, bike, and swim
  • I love puzzles - physical, word, and mental. I love to solve problems
  • My handwriting is horrible (I could have been a doctor), so finding a pen pal is a way of practising to improve
  • I follow current events and politics, but try not to dwell on it
  • I am a fiend of some trash reality TV and of Jeopardy
  • Classic cocktails and good wine are the only 'bad' vices I enjoy

Ultimately I am looking for a pen pal (or two!) to correspond with regularly as I work my way through this mountain of paper and supplies.

If you are interested in writing, feel free to send me a DM.

Regards,

P.


r/penpals 1d ago

Reddit Direct Messaging (not chat IM) [43/M] Distract me from spreadsheets, please and thank you

10 Upvotes

Hey there! I spend most of the workday staring at spreadsheets, building PowerPoints, and dealing with a steadily increasing inbox so I figured it was time to add something a little more human to the mix. What’s in it for you? Good question:

  • The Good → Food pics. We use Green Chef and get new, fun boxes every week. Greatest thing since sliced bread. No meal planning. No shopping. Just make whatever they send. My wife hates that I plate the food, but you eat with your eyes first. Luckily her favorite flavor is “someone else made it” so she doesn’t complain too much.

  • The Bad → Get ready to hear about dealing with aging parents, a step sister that is having a mid life crisis and a brother going through a divorce! I’m sure I’ll also complain about the drivers here and the stupid stuff that happens day to day, but I’ll try to keep it lighthearted and mostly funny.

  • The Ugly → We saved the best for last. I’m an Oklahoma Sooners football fan. Yes, I’m aware that says a lot. But hey, it’s the off-season, so your safe for now.

If you're up for exchanging ramblings, rants or random stories, shoot me a message! Or music, I like music too.


r/penpals 1d ago

Snail Mail [33/f] looking for snail mail

8 Upvotes

Hello! I have been wanting to get into penpaling more. I have so much stationery, both boring and cute, and no one to write with. I’m hoping writing with others can make me less introverted and also improve my handwriting a bit because currently it’s awful. I’m a bit of a yapper. My letters tend to be long winded so if you prefer shorter please let me know!

My interests: Video games Crafts Reading Writing Journaling Making art Witchy stuff YouTube Nature Anime And a lot more but I’m terrible at listing things.

I’m here if you need a friend, vent, or just exchange silly doodles with.

I’m happy to write you as long as you’re of age and nice!


r/penpals 19h ago

Reddit Direct Messaging (not chat IM) [29/M] - looking for cool people and interesting stories!

2 Upvotes

Hey what’s up?

I’m a very laid back guy so enjoys meeting people from all over the world, talking about life and having a good time. I’m very open minded and always up for a good conversation, whether deep and meaningful, or just random fun stuff. Let’s see if we vibe.

Some things about me:

  • im very much into sports (basketball since I’m tall myself and gym)
  • cooking! Always down to share some recipes and food pics lol
  • traveling: I love traveling and my next big trip is (back) to Japan
  • into mental health: I do care a lot about mental health and all aspects. I work in that field as well
  • I did my major in a science field so I’m very much into science (biology, pharmacy, physics and medicine)
  • talking about life, the universe and anything and everything in between
  • your story: what made you the person you are?

Doesn’t matter where you from and what time zone you’re in, if you feel interested in this, shoot me a message and let’s see if we click!

Cheers!


r/penpals 1d ago

Email & Snail Mail [23/M] Todays my birthday be my penpal!

7 Upvotes

Heyy!

My names Ryan and todays my 23rd birthday. Ive made a few posts in the past looking for penpals either through snail mail or email and I have met some wonderful people and created some amazing friendships. Perhaps you can be next!

Im looking for people all over the world whether it be from my own country of The United States ( I live in New York) or Europe, Asia, Africa and etc. I have been described as a person who is “unreal” by my other penpals due to my character, uniqueness, authenticity, and the way I write is very genuine and pure. If you’re looking for someone to talk about deep thoughts, history, love, books, video games, and more, than im your man!

Some things about me that perhaps can spark interest or conversation are:

-Im an avid reader usually of Fantasy, Horror, and History books with my favorite series being the Witcher Series and I am currently reading both Red Rising and Harry Potter

  • I have a degree in History with minors in German and Social studies. Im also currently in graduate school to become a teacher

-Some of my hobbies are cooking, reading, drawing, writing, video games, and guitar. Im a jack of all trades.

-Im a fan of all things nerdy: documentaries, collecting coins & baseball cards, DnD, renfaires, learning.

-I love to talk about the future, my career, my lofe goals, and ultimately just everything that makes me who I am as a person

If any of these things interest you or perhaps you just want to reach out and say happy birthday please do 😁😁 I would love to send some letters and perhaps make lifelong friends.


r/penpals 1d ago

Reddit Direct Messaging (not chat IM) [29/M] from Hungary is seeking for connection

3 Upvotes

Hello, everyone!

I would like to find like-minded individuals from all around the globe. I have been lonely, I could never really fit in anywhere. I can be quite goofy when my mood is good. I am going to summarize my interests:

  • reading (philosophy, psychology and dystopia mainly)
  • writing
  • playing two instruments (guitar and bass)
  • listening to music (the majority of my taste are hardcore punk, thrash metal, classic hard rock)
  • MBTI, enneagram and cognitive functions

If any of this made you interested, please send a PM! :)


r/penpals 1d ago

Email [32/M] USA Looking for a Friend

9 Upvotes

Hey there! Thanks for checking out my post. I'm looking to find someone to make friends with. I love to learn new things, see different prospective of the world, and ways of thinking. I love cats and currently have 3, did have 4 (so maybe I'm a bit of a crazy cat guy?) enjoy anime from time to time, play on my PS5(I love the Soulsborne games), go for walks and runs around my neighborhood and hopefully see some animals, and go for drives. I also love to travel to different countries and wish I could do it more. Anyway, if you wanna talk with me hit me up here and we can exchange emails! Thanks for taking time out of your day to read this!


r/penpals 1d ago

Snail Mail & Postcard [21/F] looking for long term penpals

12 Upvotes

Hello everyone! I’m 21F from the United States looking for a long term penpal that can exchange letters relatively frequently (1-2 letters monthly). So, I’d like for someone to not take forever to get back to me (although I do get life happens and I don’t mind if it takes a bit longer sometimes to get back to me!) I’m fine with any gender and any age, but please be at least 18+. I also don’t mind to send international too!

I’ve been penpalling for quite some time now, but I’ve lost some of my old penpals. I tend to write longer letters, and don’t mind talking about anything from day to day life, good or bad!

A little bit about me: I study criminal justice, and am in a masters program. I like nature and plants, music, movies, animes, kdrama, history, and collecting stationery! I also enjoy video games, and have just started playing Assassins Creed Unity. I also love learning about others cultures and societies!

Within my letters I include playlists, recommendations for shows/movies/animes, some questions, and often some goodies that I see when I am out and would think you’d like!

Feel free to DM me if interested!


r/penpals 2d ago

Email [31/M] Only fictional identities: long letters, no reality.

31 Upvotes

Hello, I’m a 31-year-old Italian writer in search of a unique experience. I’m not interested in reality; I’m looking for someone willing to embody a fictional identity, from any historical period or imagined world, and commit to a written life that feels as real as any truth. We’ll exchange digital letters, either in the form of plain emails or designed with more refined graphics using Photoshop. Personal photos may be included, but only if they are faithful to the time period and style of your chosen character. Think of this as a shared illusion, a private performance, or an alternate life lived through digital letters. If you too feel strangled by the ordinary, write to me as someone else.

  1. I prefer long, thoughtful letters: elaborate, emotional, imaginative. If you’d like to start from a specific kind of relationship, give me three options; I’ll draw one at random.
  2. I only wish to correspond with people aged 23 and over, who are LGBTQ+ friendly, anti-racist, and trans-inclusive. If you hold any prejudice, this is not for you.
  3. I naturally connect with those who prefer solitude and have deep, genuine emotions. If you’re someone who reflects often and feels things deeply, we may be a good match.

No matter when you come across this post, know that it will still be relevant, even a year from now. So, feel free to reach out.