Everything you
need to know.

Simply a Friend is an AI pen pal service. Your pen pal is AI — we never pretend otherwise. That said, every letter is written personally for you, remembers everything you have shared, and is crafted with genuine warmth and care. The relationship is real, even if your pen pal is not human.

Digital subscribers receive their first letter shortly after completing their profile — usually within the hour, any day of the week, with new letters every Monday morning after that. Post subscribers have their first letter mailed within a few days of completing their profile, then on the 1st and 15th of each month after that — US delivery typically takes 3–5 days after mailing, international typically 7–21 days.

Simply a Friend supports over 50 languages. When you complete your profile you can choose the language you would like your letters written in — and your pen pal will write to you in that language from the very first letter.

Yes — everything. Your pen pal remembers the details you shared when you signed up, and every reply you have ever sent. Over time your letters become more and more personal, like a friendship that grows deeper the longer you know each other.

When your letter arrives by email, simply press the reply button — just like writing back to a friend. Write as much or as little as you like. There is no wrong thing to say.

One important thing: please reply from the same email address you used when you signed up. That is how your pen pal knows the message is from you. Your pen pal reads your most recent reply before writing your next letter, so if you send more than one message between letters, your pen pal will read the last one you sent.

At the bottom of every physical letter you will find a reply email address. To write back, open the email application on your computer or phone, start a new message, and send it to that address.

One important thing: please send your reply from the same email address you used when you signed up — that is how your pen pal knows the message is from you.

Not at all. Your pen pal writes to you on schedule whether you reply or not. Digital subscribers receive a new letter every Monday morning. Post subscribers have a letter mailed on the 1st and 15th of each month. That never changes regardless of whether you reply.

But when you do reply — even just a few sentences — the next letter will feel even more personal. There is no pressure and no expectation. Write when it feels right.

Your privacy matters deeply to us. Your personal stories, your letters, and everything you share with your pen pal are completely private. They are never sold, never shared with anyone, and never used to train AI for other people. Ever.

Only you and your pen pal. The only exception is if our safety screening system flags a message as a potential crisis — in that case, a human at Simply a Friend will review it before any letter is sent, with your wellbeing as the only priority. This is explained fully in our Privacy Policy.

When you cancel your subscription, all your data is permanently and automatically deleted — your profile, every letter, every reply, and all memories your pen pal has of you. Nothing is kept. No exceptions.

If you choose to return to Simply a Friend after cancelling, you are always welcome — but your pen pal will start completely fresh with no memory of you.

No. Simply a Friend is a pen pal service, not a mental health or therapy service. Your pen pal is a warm, caring presence — but is not a therapist and cannot provide clinical support. If you ever feel overwhelmed, please visit findahelpline.com.

Yes — one click, no questions asked, no guilt. You can cancel at any time from the manage page linked in every letter. When you cancel, your subscription ends and all your data is permanently deleted.

Yes, anytime. Visit your manage page — linked at the bottom of every letter — and you can upgrade, downgrade, or switch plans with one click. Your pen pal's memories carry forward completely no matter which plan you are on.

You are always welcome to return. When you cancelled, all your data was permanently deleted — so your pen pal will start completely fresh. Complete your profile again and your first letter will arrive shortly after.

Billing is handled securely by Stripe. Simply a Friend never sees or stores your card details. You can update your payment method, view invoices, and download receipts at any time through the Stripe billing portal — linked in your manage page.

Your pen pal is AI, and occasionally AI makes mistakes. Simply reply and tell your pen pal — just as you would with any friend who got something wrong. Your pen pal will take note and do better next time.

If a letter ever feels genuinely inappropriate or upsetting, please write to us at support@simplyafriend.com. We take this seriously and will review it personally.

Your pen pal tries to be warm and thoughtful, but if something in a letter upsets you, please know you never have to reply. Your next letter will arrive as normal — no explanation needed.

If you are ever feeling overwhelmed, please reach out to findahelpline.com.

Yes — absolutely. If you would like shorter letters, longer letters, a different tone, fewer questions, or anything else, just say so in your reply. Your AI pen pal listens and will adjust. There is no wrong request.