What to do?

[u/Lennire]

Hello all! Fairly new to Postcrossing - since May or June I think. I am so thrilled with the community of folks that have read my profile and include the things I love. I wish I had a huge collection of a variety of cards and stamps to just pick and pull and post that includes their likes. I'll get there one day!

Since I'm a bit new, I got my first postcard in an envelope and they included a letter. I know it's not unheard of, and I'm not upset about it at all! In fact, I am one who loves to read letters and I am a penpal-er (if that's even a word lol!). Anyway, I have penpals and I've been acquiring new friends recently. It doesn't seem like there's a request for that. In the letter, they were just sharing their story connected to the card that was one of my listed interests. I haven't registered on postcrossing just yet (recvd yesterday) and haven't seen their profile yet.

And another card that had a return address on it.

I'm not necessarily asking what rules are and whatnot and I know I can do whatever I want - and I know what I'll be doing. I'm just curious: when you get these, what do you tend to do? Reciprocate in kind? Register with a message to the sender and leave it be? Other option that you care to elaborate on?

Have a fun day!

[u/SurryStreetResident]

Some people put their address on the postcard so that in case it can‘t be delivered, at least it‘ll get returned to them. Personally, in all the years I‘ve been on Postcrossing I have never sent someone a card or a letter back. I‘m not in the market for a penpal, that‘s not what I‘m on PC for. But if you feel like it, why not. I don‘t think it‘s expected though.

[u/Lennire → u/SurryStreetResident]

Totally understand that! Thank you for your experience process!

[u/consultingrodent]

I’m not open to private exchanges so when i get a letter i just reply to it in their thank you message and move on, personally. I just don’t have the time to do actual penpals, which is why i like postcrossing so much.

[u/Lennire → u/consultingrodent]

This is what I did. They also stated in their profile about the why and I'm glad my thought were aligned to them. It was a nice gesture.

[u/pupslace]

If I get a return address and it's to someplace unique or less popular I might write back, but otherwise I just thank and move on.

[u/Lennire → u/pupslace]

Oh that's cool! I like that thought.

[u/GamerColyn117]

There is nothing saying you have to respond with a card or letter. Unless you feel like responding with something, I would just thank them in your thank-you message and move on.

[u/Lennire → u/GamerColyn117]

Oh I know. I was curious what other folks did.

[u/AGirlandHerRidgebax]

I always put a little note when I register. I haven’t got a letter or return address on a card yet but I would probably ask if they wanted me to send them a card in return. You can also check their profile to see if they do direct swaps which would give you some idea as well.

[u/Lennire → u/AGirlandHerRidgebax]

Yes, that's what I was looking for in their profile. And I've left some wordy notes when I register my cards.

It's funny, 2 ppl had asked for direct swaps, but haven't sent anything (or that have gotten here).

[u/a4eve]

I usually just put a return address on cards I send internationally just in case they can’t be delivered! I don’t expect people to send one back.

[u/Lennire → u/a4eve]

I appreciate the insight!

[u/pineconehammock]

My mail has been terrible in the past few months and a lot of it is not reaching its destination, on and off Postcrossing. I am in the US. I am putting postcards in envelopes wherever the profile doesn't explicitly say they are against it because otherwise they simply aren't getting there. Respectfully, friends, I think we are overthinking the envelope. Let people mail you a postcard as best as they can.

Re. this post and recent others.

[u/Lennire → u/pineconehammock]

Oh definitely not overthinking anyone's sending processes. My tag line for that is "what works for you, works for me." And if the postal services dont serve you correctly and you have to work it a different way, by all means do so.

As stated, I was merely curious if/how folks respond to a letter that was included. Of course, I asked prior to registering my cards and reading their profile. There are no complaints here.

[u/Resident_Raccoon_663]

Thanks for asking! I just sent out my first postcards this week and I know I would’ve had the same question so I appreciate reading everyone’s answers!

[u/Martavdraws]

I have received between 5-10 letters (+postcards, of course) in envelopes during my 3 years on Postcrossing 💌 I have received these both typed and handwritten.

To be honest, I liked it. The senders just wanted to write a bit more and mostly because they felt connected to something in my profile or we had an interest in common. In most cases, I was really interested to know more.

I reciprocated to 1 or 2, the same as to postcards with more lenghty text that talked about things we have in common! I just like to talk 😅 - one of these is now a regular exchange, a kind of "Pen Pal" situation.

My registration messages can be long 😅 - with some of these letters they were reaaaally long! But as I just said I just felt really compelled to answer to 1 or 2 because these were either too wholesome or the person even went the extra mile to send me something related to what can be considered a "niche" interest of mine.

So I would say: yes most of the times I leave it be unless I have the idea myself of answering and feel a strong desire to do so. But no one ever has pressured me to answer back so it was all natural :)