Hello.

My partner writes to inmates and has convinced me to do the same.

In December I wrote to about ten people but have only heard back from one person.

Is this usual? How long does it take to meet people who you form a REAL connection with?

My partner said he's written to about sixty in the last year - has heard back from about twenty - of those half have stopped writing but of the people he still corresponds with, he has formed a real bond.

Is this usual?

We are both OS - does that make a difference?

Should I keep writing to new people til I find someone I form a bond with?

The answers may be obvious - I just need advice.

Thanks guys - love you all.

Hi PDM,
Welcome to WAP. It took me three tries before I found the perfect one.
Personally, I only write to one at a time. Obviously there are differences in opinion, but I like to think that quality is better than quantity in these letters. About one at a time is all I could handle.
Be patient, good luck and happy writing.

__________________
Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly.

Cowards are cruel, but the brave love mercy.

When I started, I sent out four letters, I was afraid to send more in case I would get overwhelmed. Two of them did not respond, which amazed me. They are sitting in prison all day, did they have something better to do? One became a steady and I just wrote a new one which I haven't received a response from yet.

I feel starting with a few and seeing how they workout, then add if you feel you have the time, is a good plan.

pdm, there are a lot of variables, such as how many pen-pals does the inmate already have? Can he afford to take on a new one? Did you sell yourself in the introductory letter to the inmate based on the inmate's interests? I initially wrote to 11, but got 9 responses. I also offered to supply postage for the correspondence. Of those 9, I still write to 3 that I consider good friends. I've added more, since I lost the others, and have been amazed with the depth of feelings and content in 3 of my newest pen-pals letters. Some pen-pals did not respond after my 2nd letter, but thats okay - I don't take it personally. These guys/gals have to come up with stamps, paper and envelopes to keep the correspondence going. Some of the guys I write do not earn money of any kind, and some don't have family to help them out. Men are more likely to respond than women - is what I have learned at this site. Also, have you tried asking other members at this site for pen-pal suggestions? I bet there are a lot of inmates that would enjoy your letters....