Find your perfect pen pal!

Ever wish you had faraway friends? Girls who could let you know what's up in Wisconsin? A bud who knows the trends in Tuscaloosa? Or maybe just someone you can tell your innermost secrets--without the chance of your entire school finding out? Pen pals are perfect for that! While you could just write random addresses in Amsterdam, we have a foolproof system in place. Here's the deal. The good news is, we have someone whose sole job is to find you five perfect pen pals (thanks, Georgia!). The bad news is, it's gonna cost you $10 (that's two bucks a friend, folks). Hit the 'rents up for a ten-spot, and follow the easy steps below. Then get ready to hear, "You've got mail!"

Here's What You Do

(1) If you have online access, go to www.girlslife.com, and click on Pen Pals. Credit card users, complete the application and pay online. Otherwise, fill out the application, print it, and mail it to us with a $10 check or money order made out to Girls' Life. Don't send cash!

(2) If you don't have Internet access, take a self-addressed, stamped envelope (write your complete name and address on a business-size envelope, stick a 34-cent stamp on it, fold it up, and put it in another envelope) and mail it to I Want a Pen Pal!, Girls' Life, 4517 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21214. We'll send you back an application.

(3) For your own safety, we strongly suggest each pen pal obtain a P.O. box or provide us with an e-mail address instead of a home address.

(4) Once we receive your application and payment, we'll match you up with five girls who share your interests. (We're good with this matchmaking stuff.) The ball is then in your court to write away!

(5) Short on bucks or just want a new bud by dinner? Check out Cyberpals at www.girlslife.com.

(6) The most important thing about being a pen pal is to follow our rules on being a safe cyber or pen pal. Then write back, for Pete's sake!