Writing a casual letter means removing formalities. No need to be too careful or write strictly. These letters are often used in intimate settings such as family, friends, trusted people or informal situations. The goal is simple: social connection.
It can be an invitation, a birthday wish or just a status update. But the tone is consistent. It shows confidence. This shows closeness.
The choice between formal and informal has nothing to do with the message itself. What matters is how you deliver it. Want to invite your cousin to a birthday party? Informal. Does a diplomat invite another? formal. The words have changed. The relationship stays the same.
Define a relaxed tone
There are different degrees of informality. It depends on who you are and how close you are to the recipient. In general, informal letters have certain characteristics.
**Simple and relaxing language. ** You don’t have to polish every word. The tone is colloquial and direct. You skip formal courtesy formulas.
**Proximity. ** This letter represents your intimacy with the person reading it.
Use Tú or Vos. ** When used, these pronouns take precedence over the formal Used. It shows equality.
Spoken language. Slang and casual expressions are often used. They are a natural consequence of little formalization.
The structure is also loose. The length is undefined. This is the perfect format for sending updates to your closest circles.
Relaxed letter structure
Informal letters are not strictly structured. However, certain elements are suggested to help organize the process.
**Place and date. ** Not required. You aren’t using this as proof of administrative deadlines.
Salutation. Keep it casual. Dear X works. Use commas instead of formal colons.
body. This is meat. It usually follows a loose three-part flow:
1. Introduction (why you’re writing).
2. Development (details).
3.
Conclusion (what to expect next).
Farewell. Courtesy formulas show closeness.
hugs, see you soon, good.
**make. ** Ends with your name. No official signature is required.
Why structure is important even in casual writing
You might think that skipping the structure saves time. This is not true. A messy letter confuses the reader. A clear letter will keep them interested, even if it’s random. The difference between shaky writing and a thoughtful letter is intentionality.
Think about it. When was the last time you received a letter that made you smile? Chances are, it felt personal. Not because of the rhetoric, but because it felt written on paper.
Examples of informal letters
Informal correspondence requires mutual understanding. some degree of closeness. Here’s what actually happens: A man writes a letter to his cousin.
October 10, 2024
Dear Juan
how are you I hope everything goes well. I’m writing this because I want to talk about something that happened recently. It’s been two years since we saw each other. By the way, let’s meet up soon. You’re only two hours away by train, haha.
Okay, I’ll start before you get bored.
Last year I traveled through Mexico.
Everything there is wonderful. The food, the people, the scenery.
The only thing I didn’t like was that it was a rainy day, so I could barely leave the hotel (I went with a friend I’m going to introduce you to, hehe).
A few months ago I changed jobs.
I now work in an office doing administrative tasks. It’s boring. But they pay well. I can treat myself every once in a while. It’s great to save at least a little.
By the way, do you remember Rosa? Our grandmother’s neighbor’s granddaughter? I ran into him the other day. He is married and has a daughter. Time goes by really fast!
I don’t want to bother you anymore (just kidding, lol). See you soon. Too much time has passed. Please call me every now and then, even just to check on you. The excitement of receiving a letter is greater than receiving a text message.
Sending you lots of kisses and hugs.
Julian
Highlights of the next letter
Don’t overthink the shape. Focus on connection. Use pronouns that feel natural to you. Skip formal greetings. If you’re unsure about your tone, ask yourself this: “Would I say that out loud to this person?” If so, the letter is probably good.
The advantage of random letters is their flexibility. you can be funny. You can be more serious. It’s good to shorten it. The only rule is authenticity.
The next time you connect, put the phone down. Take a pen. Or open a blank document. Write like you speak. The results feel very real.