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. 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 10-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 Internet access, go to www.girlslife.com, and click on Pen Pals. Credit card users, complete the application and pay online. Otherwise, print off the application, fill it out 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 (neatly write your complete name and address in the center of a business-size envelope, stick a stamp on it, fold it in half, 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 all application.

3 If mailing your application, fill it out very neatly. Also, don't forget to include the search engine, such as AOL, for your e-mail address!

4 For your own safety, we strongly suggest that each pen pal obtain a P.O. box or provide an e-mail address instead of a home address.

5 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 in your court to write away!

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