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Writing Guide

How to Write an Unsent Letter, and Why It Helps

Not every letter needs a recipient. Sometimes writing it is the whole point.

1. Write it like you're actually going to send it

Even though you won't, writing as if someone will read it tends to pull out more honesty than writing "just for yourself" in the abstract.

2. Don't hold back to be fair

Unlike a real conversation, this letter doesn't need to consider the other person's feelings. This is the one place you can be entirely on your own side.

"I never said this out loud, but I needed to say it somewhere."

3. Let yourself repeat things

If you keep circling back to the same sentence, that's usually the part that matters most. Don't edit it out for the sake of tidiness.

4. Decide what happens to it after

Some people keep unsent letters. Some delete them right after writing. Both are fine — the writing did its job either way.

Write it anonymously if you want — no one has to know it's yours.

Write Your Unsent Letter