We have only been writing a few months, some less but my pen pals ages run the gamut from 50-20, I'm 30. Similar to my friends ages. We all have somethings in common, and some things that are different. I think it is what makes us more able to relate to each rather than not. Its why we get along.

Life would be very boring if it was all black and white, that is why rainbows are so pretty.

Originally Posted by sunray's wench

For those who only write to others around your own age, I think you're missing out. Up to recently, I had pals aged 23, 46, 47 and 73, and I'm just into my 40s. Each one brought their own take on things and there was never a lack of things to talk about.

You know, I have often thought about writing to someone older but I've always been a bit scared I guess. Like a few others said, I worry that I wouldn't know what to say to them and that they'd see me as too immature. But you're quite right, there's alot to be learned from people of different ages. Maybe next time I'll give a slightly older PP a chance

I should also add that at 20 (soon to be 21), I feel very, very young. I think perhaps it would feel less 'weird' writing to someone in their 40's or 50's if I was in my 30's, for example.

Originally Posted by sunray's wench

For those who only write to others around your own age, I think you're missing out. Up to recently, I had pals aged 23, 46, 47 and 73, and I'm just into my 40s. Each one brought their own take on things and there was never a lack of things to talk about.

I agree. If I ever want to get another penpal I won't hesitate to write to someone who's older than me. Maybe because in real life I totally get along with people older than me. Probably because I have an old soul, hahaha!

Originally Posted by sunray's wench

For those who only write to others around y draw the line our own age, I think you're missing out. Up to recently, I had pals aged 23, 46, 47 and 73, and I'm just into my 40s. Each one brought their own take on things and there was never a lack of things to talk about.

Sunray you have a good point here, I recognize the value and merit of doing so. I am 23 years old, when I say around my own age I mean anywhere from 18-35ish. I'm fble. It's after that I draw the line. I find it harder to relate to people after that, I'm drawn to people in that age range in writing AND in real life. But you brought up a good point to consider, thank you.

I'm 19 and my penpal is in his 40's, I actually prefer writing to older adults because they can be more settled and mature (not always, but sometimes). Some of my closest friends in the free world are much older than me.

Originally Posted by Xtina

In the back of my mind though, I worry that someone older might think 'Oh why is a 24 year old writing me, we're not going to have anything in common'

If you were next door neighbours, would you never pass the time of day with them over the garden fence? It's not like you have to write pages and pages to them every day, or even send multiple emails each morning. Just a couple of pages every couple of weeks works just fine, and you might be surprised at thier interests or attitudes to things.

I take it you all have grandparents, it's just like that really. Adopt a geriatric inmate today!

Seriously though, I can understand why it might be something that might put you off, but hopefully it would not be a deal breaker if there were other things that interested you about the person.

Originally Posted by sunray's wench

If you were next door neighbours, would you never pass the time of day with them over the garden fence? It's not like you have to write pages and pages to them every day, or even send multiple emails each morning. Just a couple of pages every couple of weeks works just fine, and you might be surprised at thier interests or attitudes to things.

I take it you all have grandparents, it's just like that really. Adopt a geriatric inmate today!

Seriously though, I can understand why it might be something that might put you off, but hopefully it would not be a deal breaker if there were other things that interested you about the person.

It's definitely food for thought. You're right, I wouldn't just shrug off an older person in real life and in my job I'm constantly dealing with people of all ages, so it's not like I can't relate to them....Maybe if the chance comes up where I can fit in another PP, I'll take your advice and give it a shot

Honestly, D was the first person I saw listed on the page when I started looking. I read his profile and liked what I read. (I might add that something about his eyes drew me in as well)...anyway, we have hit it off fabulously. As cheesy as it may sound, I truly believe it was "fate" or "destiny". He tells me everything, just as I do him. Perfect match!

Originally Posted by ShadeyBiz89

Sunray you have a good point here, I recognize the value and merit of doing so. I am 23 years old, when I say around my own age I mean anywhere from 18-35ish. I'm fble. It's after that I draw the line. I find it harder to relate to people after that, I'm drawn to people in that age range in writing AND in real life. But you brought up a good point to consider, thank you.

I have found over the years I don't relate too well with younger persons as I just don't have much in common with them. Older individuals are not a problem and I would have no difficulty in writing to such however as far as many women's ads go they all but insist the guy writing them be their own age or older and that's that.