There is something special about someone who takes the time to write you a handwritten letter, inked with cultural and personal gems that draw you into their world and intrigue you to write back about yours.

Seeing the word “pen-pal” for some feels almost like picking up and dusting off an old book you used to love, but placing it back on the shelf to collect more dust because, well, its done its time.

The pen and paper tradition seems like an outdated practice used among young kids to improve their relational skills and foster cultural exchange.

For foreign language students, it helps to improve their reading and writing skills too.

Most grow out of it, forgetting the names of their overseas friends and misplacing received letters.

A few manage to nurture a connection into adulthood, finally meeting up in person, while others walk into a lifelong friendship or even marriage.

Social media has perhaps created e-pals as a substitute for traditional pen-pals, so it may be safe to say the art has evolved rather than completely died out.

A new friend outside your borders is a direct message away on Instagram, reachable by e-mail or on a video-chatting platform like Omegle waiting to see you.

Maybe you’re super old-school and prefer to interact with new people as you go about your day instead of delaying the face-to-face encounter with regular visits to the post office and stocking up on stamps.

Whichever you prefer, pen-pal, e-pal or a strictly face-to-face pal, making friends will never go out of style.