Find your perfect pen pal!(Brief article)

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 $20 (that's four bucks a friend, folks). Hit up the 'rents for a Jackson, 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 girlslife.com. Look at the links at the bottom of the home page, and click on Pen Pals. This will take you to our online application. Prefer to pay by check or money order? Download the mail-in application, fill it out and send it along with a $20 check or money order made out to Girls' life (see address in step No. 2). No cash, please!

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!, GI., 4529 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21214. We'll send you an application.

3 Fill out your application neatly with a dark ink pen. When providing your e-mail address, include the domain (like yahoo.com). For your own safety, we 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.)

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