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Learn how to format a friendly letter to send to friends & family
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When getting in touch with a distant friend or family member, most people opt to send a text or a social media message. But nothing beats a good, old-fashioned friendly letter! If you've never written a friendly letter before, this article will show you how to format the beginning, the body, and the closing parts. We'll also offer up some ideas for making your letter extra fun and special!
How to Format a Friendly Letter
- Heading : Write the date you're writing the letter in the top left corner.
- Salutation : Write a greeting with the person's name, like "Dear Ivy."
- Body : Ask about their health, share news, and reference topics relevant to both of you.
- Farewell : Close the letter with a friendly farewell, like "Love," or "Sincerely."
- Signature : End by writing your name in clear, legible letters.
- Postscript (optional) : Write "P.S." followed by anything you didn't mention in the body.
Steps
Sample Letters
Section 1 of 4:
Beginning a Friendly Letter
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Write the date as the heading in the top left corner of the page. If you're taking the trouble to write a letter by hand, it's nice to add a date on the top left corner of the paper (this is also called the heading of the letter). Many people save letters for years to come, and they like to be able to see what day and year it was written to reminisce about earlier times. Write out the date - for example, "May 18, 2020" - or abbreviate it using only numbers indicating the month, day and year. [1] X Research source
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Write a salutation beneath the heading. The beginning of a letter, whether it's handwritten or in the form of an email, is called a salutation . That's where you address the person to whom you're writing by name - for example, "Dear Emily" or "Hello, Skylar." Think about the nature of your relationship with the letter recipient, as well as your own preferences and style, and choose your greeting accordingly.
- If you tend to like to write in a slightly formal style, using "Dear" in your salutation is a nice choice. It sounds typical, but think about it: calling someone "dear" is actually very sweet, and indicates that you care about him or her. However, you don't have to read into it; "dear" is as appropriate for a letter to your best friend as it is for a letter to an acquaintance you just met.
- For a letter that is more casual in tone, consider beginning it with "Hi, [name]" or "Hello, [name]." This greeting is appropriate for a friend or relative, but don't begin a business letter this way; it's a bit too casual.
- Write a more personal greeting for someone with whom you're intimate, or want to be. For example, "Dearest [name]," "My [name]" or "Sweet [name]."
- Be sure to end your greeting with a comma. It is also formally correct to begin the body of the letter on the next line. [2] X Research source
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Section 2 of 4:
Writing the Body of a Friendly Letter
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Begin the body beneath the salutation with some pleasantries. The body of the letter is where you'll write whatever you want to tell the recipient. The first paragraph is usually warm and lighthearted. It's a way to set the tone of the letter, letting the recipient know what's to follow will be more friendly than businesslike or serious. Use the first few lines to ask about the other person's health or reference the season.
- "How are you doing?" or "How have you been?" are common ways to start a letter. Asking a question helps make the letter feel like part of a longer conversation. If you'd like a reply to your letter, feel free to pepper it with questions throughout.
- You can also use the first paragraph to inquire more deeply about the recipient's life. For example, "I hope little Julie has been enjoying kindergarten. I can't believe she's gotten so big!"
- Referencing the time of year is another common letter opening. Think of it as the equivalent of making small talk before you launch into a deeper conversation. For example, "I hope you've been having a wonderful fall. The trees in my neighborhood are more brilliant than they've ever been before. I think we're in for a cold winter, though."
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Share news and personal details. Now it's time to get to the meat of the letter, your purpose for writing it. Why are you opening this correspondence? Do you want to get back in touch with a long-lost friend, express to someone that you are missing them, or thank them for helping you out in some way? Be forthright, open, and articulate to communicate your message effectively.
- Write about what's happening in your life. No matter what it says, your letter will probably be appreciated, but the recipient will feel much closer to you (and therefore the letter will be more effective) if it's revealing. Tell what events have occurred, what emotions you've felt, and what plans you have for the future.
- Don't create an airbrushed picture of your life; that defeats the purpose of a friendly letter. Avoid a holiday newsletter-style update; your friend will start skimming to the bottom if you just list everything you've accomplished since your last letter. You don't have to go too deep into your troubles but try to portray your life realistically.
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Reference topics that are relevant to the recipient. What was your friend up to the last time you talked? Were they on the verge of breaking up with her boyfriend? Were they in the middle of a difficult season on the soccer team? Follow up by making references and asking questions to show you're interested in their life.
- You can also discuss topics of mutual interest. Write your thoughts on art, politics, current events, or any other subject that you'd discuss with your friend in person.
- Consider suggesting movies you've seen that you think the recipient would like, or books you've read that you want to recommend. Sharing good information is always welcome in letters.
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Section 3 of 4:
Closing a Friendly Letter
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End the body with a final paragraph. Write a closing paragraph sending your friend or loved one your best wishes. The last paragraph is usually lighter in tone than the body, but it should match the friendly feel of the entire letter. Try to end the letter on a note that will leave your friend with positive feelings.
- Reiterate the purpose of the letter. For example, if you invited your friend to come to a party, write, "I hope you can come!" If you simply wished your friend a happy season, write, "Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!" or something to that effect.
- Encourage the recipient to write back. If you'd like a response, write, "Hope to hear from you soon," or, "Please write back!"
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Write a farewell phrase with your signature below the body. The farewell phrase you choose should be in keeping with the feel of your letter, whether it is traditional or more casual in tone. Like the salutation, it should be determined by your relationship with the recipient. Follow the closing by signing your name . [3] X Research source
- If you want to write a formal closing, consider "Sincerely," "Warmly," or "Best wishes."
- If your letter is more casual in tone, try "Yours," "Take care," or "Cheers."
- For a more intimate closing, choose "Love," "Much love," or "Thinking of you." [4] X Research source
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Consider including a postscript at the bottom of the letter. A postscript , or PS, is often included at the end of friendly letters (after the farewell phrase and signature) to add information that isn't important enough to mention in the body of the letter. You could also write a playful joke, or leave it out altogether. In any case, make sure it matches your letter's tone and leaves your recipient with the feeling you want them to have when they finish reading it. [5] X Research source
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Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat should I say after "How are you?" to a family member?Community AnswerYou can say "I hope you're doing well." Then, write about your life: what you've been doing recently, any interesting or exciting news...
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QuestionHow do I write a letter to my new lecturer describing myself?Community AnswerYou just literally describe yourself, your capabilities, your interest, your standard and all those things.
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QuestionHow do I write the address?Community AnswerPut the address (e.g 100 Lickhill Road) in the top right corner. Underneath, the town/city (e.g Chippenham), then the county (Wiltshire) and at the bottom, the postcode, or zipcode. Thus: 100 Lickhill Road, Calne, Wiltshire, Sn11 8FT.
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Tips
- Write a draft of your letter on plain paper with a pencil. When you've perfected what you want the letter to say, switch to a pen and write the final version on your preferred stationery.Thanks
- Read the final version of your letter carefully to check for spelling errors before you mail it.Thanks
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About This Article
Article Summary
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Before you write a friendly letter, add the date on the top left corner of the paper so your friend can save the letter and look back on it. Start the letter by writing “Dear [Their Name],” and then mention things you both are mutually interested in like current events or politics just like you would if you were talking out loud. If you think of something you want to add after you've signed the letter, you can always add a postscript, or PS, with one final insight or joke! For ideas on more topics to talk about in your letter, keep reading below!
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