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 coolest 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 to random addresses in Timbuktu, 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, Peach!). 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!"

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Here's What You Do

1 If you have Internet access, go to girlslife.com. Click on "Fun & Games," then "Pen Pals" Print the application, fill it out, and mail it with a $10 check or money order made out to GI.. No cash!

2 If you don't have Internet access, take a self-addressed, stamped envelope (write your complete mailing address in the center of a long business-size envelope and put a stamp on it), then fold it, put it in another envelope, and mail to: I Want a Pen Pal!, GL, 4529 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21214. We'll send you an application.

3 Please fill out your application very neatly with a dark ink pen. When giving us your e-mail address, don't forget to include the domain (like yahoo.com). For your own safety, we strongly suggest that each pen pal provide an e-mail address or obtain a post-office box instead of giving out a home address.

4 Once we receive your completed application and payment, we'll match you with five girls in the United States or Canada who share your interests. (We're good with this matchmaking stuff.) Then the ball is in your court to write away!

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