pen pal
Long-distance letter friend
A pen pal is a person you correspond with regularly, typically someone you've never met in person.
The relationship exists primarily through letters—hence pen.
The term emerged when letter-writing was the only way to maintain long-distance friendships, especially across countries: I had a pen pal in Japan all through middle school.
Now often used for any remote correspondent, including via email or messaging.
Alphabetic characters or mail
- writingRecorded language on surface
- stationeryCorrespondence writing materials
- envelopeFolded paper enclosure
- postageFee for mailing
stamp · mailbox · postcard · handwriting · ink · calligraphy · address · airmail
In foreign countries
- abroadIn foreign territory
- farawayAt great distance
- foreignFrom another nation
- remoteDistant or controller
separated · transoceanic · intercontinental · cross-border · long-distance · far-flung · transatlantic · miles away
Forming close connections
- rapportHarmonious mutual connection
- camaraderieGoodwill among companions
- companionshipState of having company
- acquaintancePerson slightly known
affinity · connection · kinship · empathy · understanding · trust · loyalty · confidant
Lasting extended period
- lifelongLasting entire existence
- continuityUninterrupted progression or coherence
- commitmentFirm pledge to act
- constancyUnchanging faithfulness over time
persistence · dedication · faithfulness · years · decades · lasting · reunion · visit
Including multiple ethnic traditions
- languageSystem of symbolic communication
- customsTraditional practices or import taxes
- traditionsLong-established customs passed down
- heritageInherited cultural legacy
diversity · global · worldview · perspective · curiosity · learning · bilingual · translation
letters
Alphabetic characters or mail
- writingRecorded language on surface
- stationeryCorrespondence writing materials
- envelopeFolded paper enclosure
postage · stamp · mailbox · postcard · handwriting · ink · calligraphy · address · airmail · letterhead
overseas
In foreign countries
remote · separated · transoceanic · intercontinental · cross-border · long-distance · far-flung · transatlantic · miles away · time zones
bonding
Forming close connections
- rapportHarmonious mutual connection
- camaraderieGoodwill among companions
- companionshipState of having company
acquaintance · affinity · connection · kinship · empathy · understanding · trust · loyalty · confidant · intimacy
long-term
Lasting extended period
- lifelongLasting entire existence
- continuityUninterrupted progression or coherence
- commitmentFirm pledge to act
constancy · persistence · dedication · faithfulness · years · decades · lasting · reunion · visit · meeting
multicultural
Including multiple ethnic traditions
- languageSystem of symbolic communication
- customsTraditional practices or import taxes
- traditionsLong-established customs passed down
heritage · diversity · global · worldview · perspective · curiosity · learning · bilingual · translation · foreign language
- Friendshipbest friend, bestie, BFF, buddy, companion
- letter writersscribes, scribe, complainant, petitioner, job seeker
- nonrelativesfriend, neighbor, coworker, colleague, classmate
- online relationshipsonline friend, internet friend, virtual friend, online date, match
- Pre-digitalrotary phone, telegram, telegraph, typewriter, phone booth
- acquaintancesacquaintance, casual friend, familiar face, nodding acquaintance, associate
pen palbest friend
Most trusted companion
close friend · intimate · confidant · bosom buddy · soulmate
pen, pal, written, pens, pals, correspondent, correspondents, penfriend, pen pals