How to write a letter when you've forgotten how
Written by hand · Sealed with wax · Sent as one link
Most people stall on a letter because they picture something formal, when a personal letter is just talking to one person on paper. All it needs is three parts: a greeting that sounds like you, one thing you actually want to say, and a closing that says who it's from.
Free · No sign-up needed · Sent as a link
Ways to begin
“Dear Anna, it's been years since I wrote anything by hand, so forgive me if this wanders a little.”
“Hi Dad, I kept meaning to call, and then I decided a letter would say it better.”
“Dear Mrs. Oyelaran, I wanted to thank you properly, and a quick text never felt like enough.”
What to write
1. Start the greeting the way you'd greet them in person: "Dear Anna" for most people, "Hi Dad" for family, "Dear Mr. Clarke" only if you'd really say Mr.
2. Pick one subject for the body, such as a thank-you, an update or a memory, and write two or three short paragraphs about it. Leave out the list of everything that happened this year.
3. End with a plain sign-off that matches the greeting, like "Love," "Warmly," or "Yours," followed by your name. Skip the long apology for not writing sooner; one sentence is enough.
Frequently asked questions
Q. How formal should a personal letter be?
Write the way you speak to that person on a good day. Use their first name and everyday words for friends and family. Keep a more polite tone, with a title and fewer jokes, for a teacher, a boss or someone much older. When unsure, lean a little warmer than you think you should.
Q. Can I write it now and have it opened on a certain date?
Yes. After you seal the letter you can set an opening date, and it unlocks at 00:00 that day. You send one link by text, email or any messenger, and the other person opens it in a browser with no app and no sign-up.