Question:
Hi. I'm writing a friendly letter to my friend. I want to include a particular subject as part of the letter: I don't want to give any advice, but how can I encourage my friend, in words, that she is the type of person who's true to herself and enjoys life?
Answer:
Letters of encouragement can be the hardest- you usually can't tell them how much you really think of them without having your intentions blatently mistaken. But if you settle for less, you're not really being honest.
Tell her what you think of her as a friend. Memories, emotions, what you admire about her. Just write what comes to mind, and if you don't like it, start over.
Answer:
Originally Posted by H.M. Murdock you usually can't tell them how much you really think of them without having your intentions blatently mistaken.
Which is why a 12 year old girl now has a crush on me.

Answer:
Originally Posted by H.M. Murdock ...you usually can't tell them how much you really think of them without having your intentions blatently mistaken.
Luckily in my case, I'm so totally not her type and I am like a brother to her. Fortunately, she is grossed out at the thought of being attracted to me. God forbid if either of us start liking each other (in that way).
Originally Posted by H.M. Murdock Tell her what you think of her as a friend. Memories, emotions, what you admire about her. Just write what comes to mind, and if you don't like it, start over.
In the letter, I have gotten those topics down already. Thanks a lot --- you're already on the same page as I am in that respect.
However, in regards to this particular "be yourself-enjoy life" topic, I do not intend for my friend to feel inadequate as if I'm advising her to improve in this area; rather, to let her know that she IS that type of person and "to keep on doing just that". I am open to any ideas of what synonymous words to use and/or how to express this particular idea in a "poetic-grammatical-sentence-structural" way.
Originally Posted by Kato Which is why a 12 year old girl now has a crush on me.
Whoa. I dunno if that's bad or good for you. Nonetheless, it's a forbidden attraction. Personally for me, girls<10 and old woman tend to have crushes on me.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Stealth3si Luckily in my case, I'm so totally not her type and I am like a brother to her. Fortunately, she is grossed out at the thought of being attracted to me. God forbid if either of us start liking each other (in that way). I envy your friendship. You two have a good thing going.
However, in regards to this particular "be yourself-enjoy life" topic, I do not intend for my friend to feel inadequate as if I'm advising her to improve in this area; rather, to let her know that she IS that type of person and "to keep on doing just that". I am open to any ideas of what synonymous words to use and/or how to express this particular idea in a "poetic-grammatical-sentence-structural" way. So you're basically just telling her that you like her the way she is and that she should keep on the path she is on rather than straying?
Whoa. I dunno if that's bad or good for you. Nonetheless, it's a forbidden attraction. Personally for me, girls<10 and old woman tend to have crushes on me. For me it is my friends' moms.
Answer:
Originally Posted by H.M. Murdock I envy your friendship. You two have a good thing going.
Thanks. The Lord has really blessed me with her.
Originally Posted by H.M. Murdock So you're basically just telling her that you like her the way she is and that she should keep on the path she is on rather than straying?
Basically, yes. I want to get that message across to her in terms of that specific topic.
Originally Posted by H.M. Murdock For me it is my friends' moms.
Your situation reminds me of "Stacy's mom has got it going on" by Fountain of Wayne; except, it is the other way around.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Stealth3si Thanks. The Lord has really blessed me with her. First piece of advice: Don't take that fact for granted.
Basically, yes. I want to get that message across to her in terms of that specific topic. "I admire and love you the way you are. If it were to be my choice, I would keep you as you are for ever."
Anything I might suggest to you would probably be contrary to the style you are writing this letter in, so paraphrase if you like. In a matter such as this, no one can really help you figure out what to say. Think about it and write it. I, for one, usually go through about five different versions of a letter before I am finally satisfied with the way it sounds and reads.
Your situation reminds me of "Stacy's mom has got it going on" by Fountain of Wayne; except, it is the other way around. "Mrs. Smith's son has got it going on. He's most of what I want and I've been waiting... not long."
Hah.
Answer:
Originally Posted by H.M. Murdock "I admire and love you the way you are. If it were to be my choice, I would keep you as you are for ever."
Anything I might suggest to you would probably be contrary to the style you are writing this letter in, so paraphrase if you like.
Thanks. That gives me a good idea of how to express my appreciation of her integrity. Now, what about the part where I like the way she enjoys life and to keep enjoying life? Somehow, I want to combine that concept with what Solomon mentioned in Ecclesiastes 8:15, 9:7-12, which is to enjoy the life and things that God has given to us and that life is but a vapor. Basically, live life to the fullest unto God. Any ideas?
Answer:
"So many people never really take hold of how much of a gift life really is, and the few who actually do are few and far between. It has always been encouraging to me personally how much you really appreciate the life you have and how you are able to enjoy it when so, so many others in this world condemn such a wonderful thing."
Answer:
Thanks, Murdock. Your ideas will help me a lot. As far as my demeanor goes, I intend to write the letter as if I'm talking to my friend face-to-face yet sprinkle some poetry on it [if i can]. You have nice eloquent sentences and words; although I'm not going to use every exact word in the same order, I would definitely use that idea, so I will paraphrase to fit how I would normally conversate.
P.S. I will post again IF I need help on different topics. Maybe, maybe not. Even so, you are truly appreciated for your lending help. God bless you.
Answer:
Here is another topic for this letter: [the celebration of] my friend's adulthood. Below are general ideas/sentences that I am considering to include in the letter, which are not in any particular order or formal structure:
-I truly enjoy your company
-It's a joy to see you mature into your own person.
-You stand out from the crowd.
I welcome paraphrases, transitions, grammar correction, etc. In addition, I'm really open to new ideas, like how to effectively approach the topic. As Murdock's suggestions before, I would like to continue with the same style of writing.
Any help is tremendously appreciated. Happy Thanksgiving!