A study abroad letter to your partner, before you go
Written by hand · Sealed with wax · Sent as one link
The hard part is that your excitement and their sadness are both true at the same time, and a letter that only holds one of them will ring false. Say plainly what you are looking forward to, then say just as plainly what you are not leaving behind. A few concrete promises will reassure them more than a big declaration will.
Free · No sign-up needed · Sent as a link
Ways to begin
“I leave in three weeks, and I keep catching myself being excited and then feeling guilty about it. I wanted to write down both so you know I'm not hiding either one.”
“I'm going to be eight time zones away, and the thing I'm most sure of is that I still want to tell you about my day.”
“Before I get on that plane, I want you to have something you can reread on the nights when a text isn't enough.”
What to write
1. Name the real logistics: the day and time you'll call, the first visit you're already planning. Specific plans feel more solid than saying we'll make it work.
2. Admit one thing you're nervous about, such as missing their birthday or the time difference. It makes your reassurance believable.
3. Don't ask them to wait or promise to be faithful in grand terms. Say what you want and what you'll do, and leave their feelings room.
Frequently asked questions
Q. How do I sound excited about going without hurting my partner?
Share the excitement, then turn straight to them: tell them what you want them to be part of, like photos, stories or a visit. Excitement reads as exclusion when it is only about you, and as invitation when it includes them.
Q. Can I make the letter arrive on the day I leave, or later?
Yes. Set an opening date and the letter unlocks at 00:00 that day. Send the link whenever you like through any messenger, text or email, and your partner can open it in a browser with no app or sign-up. Writing, sealing and sending are free.