I've never done the whole pen pal thing before, but I think this would be an interesting way to start.

A lot of people I know have been to jail or prison, one being one of my best friend. He was incarcerated because he wouldn't snitch on a "friend" of his. I use the term friend very loosely here because real friends don't let their best friend get sent away for something they know they did.

My friend hasn't really told me a lot about his time in jail, but that within a year a lot of people stopped caring, and his girlfriend on the outside ended up getting with another guy. I can't even begin to imagine how terrible that must feel, and that's why I wanna do it.

I found a prisoner who I think seems like he is pretty straight forward about who he is and is in prison for drugs not murder or anything, and I decided I really do want to try to write to him. However, I'm kind of perplexed as to what I should write him in my opening letter, so that I do not sound weird or anything.

Anyone with experience on the subject wanna give me some tips? I'd really appreciate it.