Writing a My Dear Friend Card
GG supporter, Heather, shares some tips and tricks for writing the best My Dear Friend cards (including prompts!).
Heather’s 3 tips for letter-writing
Set an intention
Before you start writing, answer this question: How do I want the senior who reads this to feel?
Maybe you want them to feel loved, or important, or special. Maybe you want to share a fun dad joke and make them laugh. Getting specific on your intention means your message will really shine through in your letter.Write like you speak
Don’t worry about sounding perfectly professional. Of course, you want your message to be loving, positive and kind. Just think of how you’d text a close friend and go from there. The point is it doesn’t have to be stiff or formal, just write in a way that comes naturally to you. (See my 5 examples for ideas if you’re stuck.)Make it handwritten
In our overly digital world, a handwritten note is rare and precious, and it means that much more. I highly recommend taking a few extra moments to write out a note in your unique handwriting.
Plus, a quick tip before you send off your letters:
An easy trick for catching errors is to read your letter out loud slowly. You’re more likely to catch a missing word that way then if you just skim quickly. Otherwise, don’t worry too much if it’s not perfect. Authenticity—a message that’s from you, in your own handwriting—is more important than it being “perfect.”
MDF letter-writing prompts
Example 1
Hello, my dear friend!
I'm thinking of you and sending you good energy today.
Wishing you lots of warm, joyful moments over the next few months, and in the year ahead!
Love,
Your friend [insert your name here]
Example 2
Hello, my dear friend,
How are you doing?
I’m thinking of you today and sending you lots of love.
Wishing you joy and laughter this holiday season, and in the year ahead.
Sincerely,
[insert your name]
Example 3
Hello, my dear friend,
Of all the humans in the world at this moment (almost 8 billion to be exact!), there’s only one you. Isn’t that incredible?
I’m so glad you’re you, and I hope you know how loved and special you are, just as you are.
Sending you the biggest hug.
Love,
[insert name here]
Example 4
My dear friend,
This holiday season, I hope you know how loved and important you are, and that someone (me!) is thinking of you right now, and wishing you the most wonderful holiday season and year ahead.
Warmest wishes,
[insert your name here]
Example 5
Hello, my dear friend!
Sending you a big, warm hug through this letter.
Wishing you joy and laughter this holiday season, and in the year ahead.
Always remember how important and wonderful you are, just as you are.
Thinking of you,
[insert name here]
