Penpal Stories

Time has passed so quickly that I find myself back in the moment when we first saw each other and hugged. We hugged and cried.

These two people will probably never meet each other, but in my mind, their words stand side by side like bookends holding up a chapter of my life.

It was mid-September 2021, and that evening we got together. Our souls had found each other.

It’s crazy to think that through a simple letter exchange app, I found emotional support from people I’ve never met.

I feel seen and appreciated in her presence - in a way only a best friend can offer …

I often think about how magical it is that the person who sent me the first letter on Slowly has become the person I am now building our lives with.

I tried making some of the foods my pen pals shared with me, from Indian Jalebi, Brazilian Goiabada, Japanese sakura jelly, and Korean kimchi—let’s just say my attempts weren’t perfect, but definitely fun.

In writing to someone else, we begin to meet ourselves more clearly, not as who we think we should be, but as who we really are.

Until you gifted me a plane ticket and, after flying 800km, I was finally able to meet you in person.

She listens with empathy, offers thoughtful advice, and always knows how to make me smile.

Now I have people I can chat with whenever I want — when I’m bored, when I’m worried, or when I just need some healing words.

Through the Slowly app, I met incredible people from India who became true guides on my journey.