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Here's everything you need to know about closing your informal letter in a memorable way
"Sincerely," can feel a bit stiff. "Thanks,"... well, it's okay but not exciting. Letters are a fantastic way to show your friend you're thinking of them, but finding the right ending can be a challenge! Don't worry though—we've gathered a list of the best ways to close an informal letter to your friend, so you'll be ready to choose the perfect sign-off that your friend will love. Mission accomplished!
Things You Should Keep in Mind
- Use "Love" for a warm, affectionate closing. For example, "I can't wait to see you! Love, Daisy"
- "Kind regards" is perfect when you like someone but aren't very close to them. For instance, "It was great getting to know you better! Kind regards, William"
- If your friend helped you out or gave you something special, try "Gratefully." For example, "Thanks for the amazing shirt! Gratefully, April"
- Finish your letter with your name, or even a nickname! No need to add your last name unless you'd like to.
Steps to Take
Concluding Your Letter with a Final Paragraph
Indicate you're about to close in the final paragraph. In your last paragraph, finish the letter by mentioning how you’d love to hear from them again or how you're excited to visit. Picture yourself having a chat with your friend and jot down any last thoughts you want them to know before they wrap up reading your message.
- You could try saying, "Thanks for writing. I hope to see you soon!"
- If you’re missing them, something like, "It’s just not the same without you here!" would work.
Restate anything important you want your friend to keep in mind. The closing paragraph is a great place to highlight anything that you want your friend to remember as they finish your letter. Whether it’s something exciting, like upcoming visits, funny anecdotes, or just catching up on the latest gossip, it’s all perfect to mention now.
- For example, you might write, "Just a reminder, we’ll be there Saturday at 8 a.m. sharp. Don’t forget to look fabulous!" or "I can’t wait to tell you what happened at Jeff’s house yesterday. Remind me when I see you so I don’t forget!"
End your letter with a positive tone. People enjoy reading something uplifting at the end of a letter, especially if they’re missing home or their loved ones. A cheerful note will leave them feeling good about your message and excited for the next one! But if your letter includes any bad news, consider adjusting your tone accordingly to avoid ending on a sour note.
- For instance, you might say, "I’m planning to visit soon, and I can’t wait to see you!"
- If you’ve done something fun, you could say, "I went on our favorite hike the other day. The flowers are so gorgeous now that it’s spring. I can’t wait for you to see them!"
Choosing a Heartfelt Closing
Use the simple closing "Love" for a close friend. This timeless sign-off expresses your affection and care. It’s a heartwarming way to show you're thinking of someone—no overcomplication necessary!
- You can also switch it up with "With love" or "Love always" to add a personal touch.
- For example, "Can’t wait to visit you next week! Love, Margot"
Try "Affectionately" or "Fondly" for a good friend. If you’re not entirely comfortable with using "Love," these closings also convey warmth and fondness, just with a bit more subtlety. They let your friend know you're happy to have them in your life.
- Other options include "Hugs," "Yours," or simply "Your friend."
- For instance, you might say, "Counting the days until you get here! Affectionately, Jackson"
Go for "As Always" or "Kind Regards" when signing off with an acquaintance. If you get along well but aren't close friends, using "Love" or "Affectionately" might feel too personal. Both "As always" and "Kind regards" are friendly yet more formal, so there’s no risk of crossing boundaries.
- Other possibilities include "As ever," "Warm regards," or "Cheers."
- "Until next time" works great too. For example, "It was wonderful seeing you before my trip, looking forward to another meetup when I return! Until next time, Amy"
Consider "See you soon" if you’ll be seeing your friend shortly. This is a simple and upbeat closing that leaves things on a positive note. It shows you're excited about the upcoming visit!
- Alternatively, try "See you shortly" or "I can't wait to see you soon!"
- For instance, you could write, "I’ve been counting down the days—can't believe we’re almost there! See you soon, Will"
Use "Gratefully" when you're thanking your friend for something special. If your friend has done something kind for you, like giving a thoughtful gift or offering a helping hand, "Gratefully" is the perfect way to express your thanks.
- "Thankfully yours" or "Gratefully yours" are excellent alternatives.
- For example, you might say, "I can't thank you enough for your help moving—you're an absolute lifesaver! Gratefully, Rose"
Choose "Later Gator" for a playful sign-off. Everyone enjoys a bit of humor, right? If you and your friend share a love for laughter and playful banter, this fun and quirky ending is perfect for closing your letter.
- Other humorous options include: "Smell ya later," "Straight from the mind of a genius," "You heard it here first," or "After a while, crocodile."
- For instance, you might write, "Well, I’ve filled you in with all the latest gossip, and I’m sure you're in awe of the brilliance I’ve shared. Your humble servant, Jess"
Closing with a Directive Ending
Show your care with "Take care." If you're thinking of your friend's well-being and want them to stay safe, this closing is a gentle reminder that you care about them.
- Other ways to express concern include "Take it easy," "Take care of yourself," or "Kind thoughts."
- For example, you might say, "I’m always thinking of you in the hustle and bustle of the big city, but I know you’ve got it under control. Take care of yourself, Ron"
Send good vibes with "Have a nice day." This friendly sign-off encourages your friend to enjoy the day ahead and enjoy themselves.
- Another great choice is "Have a great weekend!"
- For example, you could say, "I’m eager to hear about your plans—hope everything goes fabulously! Have a great weekend, Vera"
Use "Enjoy" if you're including a gift or recipe. If you’ve tucked in a small gift, like a bookmark or a gift card, into your letter, "Enjoy" is a great way to let the recipient know you hope they like it and have fun with your thoughtful surprise.
- For instance, try something like, "I’ve enclosed a gift card for the best spa in town—get ready to indulge in their amazing massages! Enjoy, Elliot"
Use "Stay as you are" to show how much you appreciate them for who they are. This closing is a heartfelt way to express how much you love your friend just the way they are. They don’t need to change a thing!
- Alternatively, you can say "You're amazing" or "You're awesome."
- For example, you might write, "I was so bummed to hear you’ve been feeling low, especially since you’re the one who always lifts me up! You're simply the best. Never change, Rae"
Choose "Be safe" if you're feeling concerned about them. If your friend is traveling or spending time alone, this closing shows that you're thinking about their well-being and safety.
- Other ways to convey concern include "Stay safe" or "Watch out for yourself."
- For example, you could write, "Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do! Be safe, Jeff"
Using a Signature and a Postscript
Place a comma after your closing. Typically, you’ll add a comma right after the closing word. If the closing is particularly emphatic or exciting, feel free to use an exclamation point instead. Here are a few examples of how you might write it:
- Love,
- Stay safe,
- Sincerely,
- Affectionately,
- Stay as you are!
Sign your name after leaving a space. After your closing, skip a line before writing your signature. Since it’s for a friend, just your first name is perfectly fine and less formal. Go with what feels most natural to you!
- If the person usually calls you by a nickname, feel free to use it.
- For example, "See you next Tuesday, Bestie #1! Love, Bestie #2"
Include a postscript if you missed something in your letter. Postscripts, or "P.S.," are a great way to add something you might have forgotten to mention in the main body of your letter. Whether it’s a funny remark or an important detail you’ve left out, a P.S. is a fun way to wrap up your letter.
- For example, you could say, "P.S. You'd better write me back, goofball!" if your friend tends to forget to reply to your letters.
- Or, you might add, "P.S. I hope this letter gets to you before I do!"
Letter-Writing Assistance
Sample Endings for Letters to Friends
Common Ways to End a Letter
Things to Avoid When Closing a Letter to a Friend
