One Letter, Two Versions

I have prepared two versions of the same letter: Version A and Version B.

Version A expresses my honest thoughts directly, while Version B is arranged in a more casual and enjoyable way for the reader.

Which version do you prefer?

A version

Thank you for your letter.

I imagine you were excited about exchanging letters with pen pals from all over the world through SlowlyApp.  Perhaps, in the freezing cold, you had many thoughts running through your mind and decided to write to me.

I started using SlowlyApp in February 2020—five years ago now.  This is mentioned in my profile. I have corresponded with people from all over the world, but you are the first person to send me a letter discussing the topic of the Atomic Bomb.

If you have time, please read my profile again.

It says:

"Kay enjoys collecting beautiful stamps on SlowlyApp.  She is 59 years old, taking care of her 72-year-old husband, and finds it difficult to go out for long periods.  She often rides her bicycle to a nearby park to watch wild birds and enjoy the seasonal flowers."

From this, you could probably guess:

"What kind of letters would make Kay happy?"

I was hoping for a response like:

"Caregiving must be tough.  I hope you can take some time for yourself and do things you enjoy.  Are you getting enough sleep?  Are you receiving sufficient support from the government?  In Japan, cherry blossoms and tulips will bloom as we move into April.  Life can be challenging, but let’s believe in spring and try to find as many joyful moments as possible."

Yes, my life is tough.  But then, on top of that, you brought up the painful topic of the Atomic Bomb, which only darkened my feelings even more.

Do you think I would want to receive such a letter? Would you be happy to write about a tragic event from 80 years ago, knowing that it might ruin the mood of your 59-year-old pen pal?

You said you studied psychology, but I have been told by doctors multiple times:

"If you keep recalling painful memories unnecessarily, you might invite PTSD.  Be careful."

I strongly advise against bringing up the topic of the atomic bomb with modern-day Japanese people.

On Feb. 27, I posted an Open Letter on SlowlyApp.

I wrote:

"My birthday is on March X. Since my husband has many health issues and I cannot go out for long periods, I would be happy if people from around the world wrote to me to say, ‘Happy Birthday.’"

As a result, I received birthday messages from 20 pen pals across the world—Canada, the USA, Argentina, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Germany, the UK, and France.

Since I enjoy collecting stamps, I was able to receive some unique stamps from different countries. Most people also wrote kind words like,

"Kay, caregiving must be hard.  Be kind to yourself."

In contrast, I was shocked to receive such a depressing letter from M, a Lithuanian pen pal interested in Japan and knowledgeable about psychology.

You enjoy writing and exchanging letters, and I believe SlowlyApp is a good place for you when you have time.  However, please consider writing letters that make your pen pals feel happy when they receive them.

I wish you good luck and prosperity.

B version

Thank you for your letter.  

I can imagine how excited you must be, discovering the world of pen pals through SlowlyApp! Perhaps, while shivering in the cold, you had all sorts of thoughts swirling in your mind and decided to write to me. What an adventure, right?

I started using SlowlyApp in February 2020—five years ago already! (Time really flies, doesn't it?) This little fact is right there in my profile.  Over the years, I’ve exchanged letters with people from all around the world, but guess what?  You are the very first person to bring up the Atomic Bomb in a letter to me.  Quite the unique distinction!

Now, if you have a moment, take another look at my profile.

It says:
"Kay enjoys collecting beautiful stamps on SlowlyApp.  She is 59 years old, taking care of her 72-year-old husband, and finds it difficult to go out for long periods.  She often rides her bicycle to a nearby park to watch wild birds and enjoy the seasonal flowers."

With this in mind, you might wonder:
"Hmm, what kind of letters would make Kay smile?"

I (Kay) was hoping for something like:
"Caregiving must be tough! I hope you find time to do things you enjoy.  Are you getting enough sleep? Is the government providing good support?  Spring is coming to Japan soon—cherry blossoms and tulips will be in full bloom!  Life can be challenging, but let’s hold onto the hope of spring and find as much joy as we can!"

Instead… BAM!  Out of nowhere, you hit me with the Atomic Bomb.  Talk about an emotional explosion!

Now, let’s be honest—do you really think I would enjoy receiving a letter like that?  Does writing about an 80-year-old tragedy to a 59-year-old pen pal bring you joy?

You mentioned that you studied psychology, right? Well, here’s a fun fact: My doctor has told me multiple times,
"If you dwell too much on painful memories, you might accidentally invite PTSD over for tea and biscuits.  And trust me, PTSD is a terrible guest!"

So, a friendly tip—bringing up the atomic bomb with modern-day Japanese people?  Not exactly the best conversation starter.

Oh, by the way! On Feb. 27, I posted an Open Letter on SlowlyApp.

I wrote:
"March X is my birthday! Since my husband has many health issues and long outings are difficult, I’d love to receive birthday messages from friends all around the world!"

And guess what?  It worked!  I received birthday wishes from 20 different pen pals across the globe—Canada, the USA, Argentina, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Germany, the UK, and France.

As a stamp collector, this was a jackpot!  Not only did I get warm messages, but I also received some fantastic, unique stamps from different countries. And most letters included kind words like:
"Kay, you work so hard! Be kind to yourself!"

But then came your letter—dark, gloomy, and completely unexpected. It felt like watching a comedy movie only for the screen to suddenly switch to a tragic war documentary!

Now, don’t get me wrong—I think you have a great passion for writing, and SlowlyApp is a wonderful place for you to enjoy pen pal exchanges. But may I kindly suggest writing letters that brighten someone’s day rather than ones that make them feel like they’ve just walked into a history lecture on despair?

Wishing you happiness, good fortune, and a knack for more cheerful storytelling!