Fast and easy digital communication via text message, instant message, or e-mail makes it less common for people to send written letters anymore. Maybe this is what makes a written letter from a friend feel so much more special. When one day you think of a dear friend, take a piece of paper and put your thoughts in writing. There's a good chance he too will like this personal way of keeping in touch.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Starting the Letter
Step 1. Determine the purpose of the letter
There are several reasons you should write a letter to a friend. Maybe you just want to hang out after a long time without seeing each other or need to tell them something interesting. Remember that you can also write a letter to find out how he is.
If you haven't received any messages from him recently, you can write to ask how he is and find out how busy he is
Step 2. Enter the address and date
Place your address in the upper-left corner of the letter. It's a good idea to always include this information because the recipient may not save or forget your residential address. In addition, include a date so that the recipient of the letter has a "reference" based on the date of what you are telling.
For example, if the two of you write to each other quite often, adding a date will help you determine if the letter he sent was a reply to the last letter you wrote
Step 3. Plan the length of the letter
If you want to write a short note, write a short letter. For a quick letter like this, you can use a small note card. If you want to write a long letter with lots of information and details, prepare several sheets of paper or one large card.
If the message you want to convey doesn't seem to fit on one card, use paper. With this step, you can use additional paper if needed
Step 4. Decide whether the letter will be typed or handwritten
Handwriting makes letters feel more personal, but you need to practice writing well so that your writing is legible. If you like to write in cursive, make sure your friend can read it easily. You can also just type a letter on the computer.
Tips:
If you want to write a letter to a friend who is quite old, it's a good idea to type the letter so that it can be printed in a larger, easier-to-read font.
Step 5. Choose a casual greeting
Since you're writing a letter to a friend, use a casual greeting. You can call him by name or nickname. In addition, the greeting used can also be cheerful. For example, you could use:
- Hello Juwita!
- Hi Ju!
- My friend Juwita,
- My friend Juwita,
Part 2 of 3: Writing the Main Part of a Letter
Step 1. Greet the reader
After you include your greetings, write a line or two of greetings for your best friend before you get to the main body of the letter. Think of this section as the start of your conversation. You can start the letter with a few simple sentences like:
- "I hope you are doing well."
- "Thank you for your last letter."
- "We haven't talked in a long time."
- "There are many stories I want to share with you!"
Step 2. Write the main point of the letter
Tell us any information or details you want to share. For example, tell us about a recent vacation you enjoyed or describe your daily life. While you can write about a variety of things, make sure each topic is placed in a new paragraph to make your letter easy to follow.
- For example, you could write 2-3 paragraphs about spring break. After that, make a paragraph about your daily activities.
- If you don't know what to write about, choose a simple topic or discussion. For example, tell your best friend about a movie you've just watched or a book you're reading.
Step 3. Talk about your best friend
After writing about how you've been doing, how you're feeling, and what your best friend needs to know, respond to what she wrote in her last letter. With these responses, you can turn letters into a chat medium, not just a one-way message.
- If he hasn't written to you recently, say that you haven't heard from him recently and would like to know how he's doing.
- For example, you could say, "In the last letter you sent, you said you weren't feeling well. Have you seen a doctor or are you feeling better now?"
Tips:
You can also comment on the things he wrote before. For example, you could say, "I can't believe you're graduating soon! I think you should accept the job offer so you can move and live closer to me!"
Step 4. Ask questions to build a dialogue
After providing new information, provide a new “direction” so that the chat can continue. This is important to remember, especially if you need her advice on something.
- For example, you might say, "Now that you know the story, what do you think I should do when my family visits?"
- If you don't know what to ask, you can ask general questions. For example, write, “How have you been lately? Did anything new happen?"
Step 5. Keep the tone or mood of the conversation on the letter
Use your writing and speaking style when writing letters. If you prefer, you can use slang (including jokes you both know) and include references to people you both know.
The tone or mood that builds up in the letter must match what you are writing. If you're talking about a happy holiday, build a cheerful mood in the letter. However, if you're writing a letter expressing your condolences, show your support and use a more serious tone
Tips:
To see if you are building a conversational tone or mood in a letter, try reading the letter that was written aloud before finishing it. If there is a part that feels strange when you read it, change that part.
Part 3 of 3: Completing Letters
Step 1. Make the cover section
Once you've listed all the information you'd like to share and tell your best friend about her life, you can end the letter. Write a few sentences describing future friendships and correspondence.
- For example, if you live in a different city, you might end your letter by saying, “I feel a lot of joy, but it would be more fun if you were here. I can't wait to see you when I get home!"
- If the two of you have been in a fight, you might write, "I know we're not on the right track right now, but I want you to know that I'm grateful that we can discuss this issue and improve our friendship."
Step 2. Write a greeting to close the letter
Choose a friendly greeting, followed by a comma. After that, put your name under the greeting. For a more personal cover, you can add your own signature so you don't have to print or write your name. Try using one of the closing greetings below:
- From your best friend,
- Send warm regards,
- Hug kiss for you,
- With love,
- Fine,
- Bye!
Step 3. Check your mail again
When you've finished the letter, take a break and reread it for any grammatical or spelling errors in the letter. If you don't have much time, you can retype the letter in a word-editing program and run the spell check feature for misspellings.
You'll also need to double-check your mail to make sure what you're saying makes sense. Keep in mind that tone of voice is often difficult to translate into written form, so make sure what you say is clear and won't be misinterpreted
Step 4. Write your address and friend's address on the envelope
Write your friend's first and last name in the middle of the envelope. Write his home address (including house number and street name) underneath. After that, include the name of the city, province, and postal code under the main home address line. List all your information in the same format in the top left corner or the back of the envelope.
If your friend lives in a different country, make sure you include the country of residence in the address
Step 5. Stick the stamps on the envelope and send the letter
In Indonesia, you can usually use any postage to send a letter. However, for shipping to other countries you need to know the shipping costs to the recipient's address. Place the stamp in the upper right corner of the envelope. Lick or use adhesive tape to seal the envelope, then take it to the post office or put it in the post box.
- You can sometimes leave a letter in the post box. Usually you need to raise a little red flag next to the post box to let the mailer know that there is a letter that needs to be picked up.
- If you are attaching other items or the envelope looks very thick, go to the post office and weigh the letter before you send it.
Tips:
To find out the shipping costs that need to be paid, do an internet search using the search keyword “cost of sending mail to [name of destination country].”
Tips
- Even if you say something unpleasant, make sure you say it in a respectful and friendly tone. Unlike verbal messages, your best friend can refer back to the letter you sent. Unpleasant writing can hurt her feelings more deeply than when you say it in person because your best friend can read it over and over again.
- To make your letter look more presentable and beautiful, you can practice writing a draft first. After that, write back or type a letter when you are satisfied. Use the best handwriting or stationery when writing the final letter.
- If your letter is long and exceeds two pages, it's a good idea to include a page number (eg 1-3, 2-3, 3-3) so that the recipient doesn't get confused when he accidentally drops the letter or arranges the letters in the wrong order..
