The Complete Guide to Closing a Friendly Letter (With Examples)

What you need to know about ending your informal letter with a bang

"Sincerely,"… no too boring. "Thanks,"…eh, not quite. Letters are a great way to let your friend know you're thinking of them, but nailing the perfect ending can be tricky! The good news is we've compiled a great list of all the best ways to close an informal letter to a friend, so you can feel confident in your ability to choose the perfect ending your friend will love and appreciate. Message delivered!

Things You Should Know

  • Go for a classic "Love" if you want to end your letter to a friend with affection. For example, "Can't wait to see your smiling face! Love, Daisy"
  • Try "Kind regards" for someone you like but aren't super close to. You might say, "So great getting to know you better! Kind regards, William"
  • Use "Gratefully" if your friend helped you out or gave you a gift. For example, you could say, "Thank you so much for the awesome shirt! Gratefully, April"
  • Follow your chosen closer with your signature or even a nickname! There's no need to include your last name in an informal letter unless you want to.
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Adding a Concluding Paragraph

  1. Image titled End a Letter to a Friend Step 1
    1
    Signal that you're ending the letter in the final paragraph. In the last paragraph, wrap up the letter by writing something about how you'd like them to write back or how you hope to visit. Imagine you're having a conversation with your friend in real life, and write down anything you'd like to tell them before they go.[1]
    • Try writing something like "Thanks for writing. I hope to see you soon."
    • If you miss them, you could say, "It's not the same here without you!"
  2. Image titled End a Letter to a Friend Step 2
    2
    Summarize anything you want your friend to remember. The final paragraph is an excellent place to repeat any important information you want your friend to know.[2] That way, it's fresh in their mind as they finish reading your letter. Tantalizing gossip, funny news of home, or trip details like when you're coming to visit are all great things to toss into your ending.
    • For instance, you might write, "Remember, we'll be there on Saturday at 8 a.m. sharp. Be dressed to impress!" or "I cannot wait to tell you what happened at Jeff's house yesterday. Remind me when I see you so I don't forget!"
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  3. Image titled End a Letter to a Friend Step 3
    3
    Try to end your letter on a positive note. People love to hear something good at the end of a letter, especially if they're away from home and missing their friends and family. An upbeat ending will leave them feeling glad they read your letter and excited for more! Of course, if you're giving them bad news in the letter, it may not be appropriate to end it with a cheering note at the end, so use your best judgment.[3]
    • For instance, "I'm planning to visit soon. I can't wait to see you!"
    • If you did something fun you'd like to share, you might say, "I went on our favorite hike the other day. You wouldn't believe how gorgeous the flowers are now that its spring. So excited for you to see them!"
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Picking a Warm Closing

  1. Image titled End a Letter to a Friend Step 4
    1
    Use a simple "Love" for a close friend. This closing is classic for a reason, as it shows your friendly affection and care. Everyone likes knowing they're being thought of with love—it's a no-brainer![4]
    • You can also use "With love" or "Love always" if you feel like spicing things up.
    • For example, "Looking forward to visiting you next week! Love, Margot"
  2. Image titled End a Letter to a Friend Step 5
    2
    Try "Affectionately" or "Fondly" for a good friend. If you're uncomfortable using "Love" with a friend, these closings can convey affection, too, with a little more subtlety. These sweet closings tell the other person that you're glad they're your friend.[5]
    • You could also go for "Hugs," "Yours," or even "Your friend."
    • For example, you could say: "I'm counting down the days till you arrive! Affectionately, Jackson"
  3. Image titled End a Letter to a Friend Step 6
    3
    Choose "As Always" or "Kind Regards" for an acquaintance. If you're friendly with the person but not close friends, you may not feel comfortable using "Love" or even "Affectionately," as it may seem a little too much. "As always" and "Kind regards" are friendly without being too informal—no worry of weirdness here![6]
    • Other options include "As ever," "Warm regards," or "Cheers."
    • "Until next time" also works well. For example, you might say, "It was so nice seeing you at the dinner before my trip, hope to do another when I get back! Until next time, Amy"
  4. Image titled End a Letter to a Friend Step 7
    4
    Try "See you soon" if you'll see your friend in person shortly. This closing is simple and direct—plus, it helps to end things on a positive, exciting note! What better way to show your dear friend that you're looking forward to visiting them.[7]
    • You could also say, "See you shortly," or "Can't wait to see you soon!"
    • For example, you might say, "I have been waiting and waiting to see you—can't believe the time has almost come! See you soon, Will"
  5. Image titled End a Letter to a Friend Step 8
    5
    Pick "Gratefully" if you're thanking your friend for something. Perhaps your friend gave you a wonderful gift or did a favor for you. In that case, ending with "Gratefully" is the perfect, appropriate way to show your appreciation for their kindness.[8]
    • "Thankfully yours" or "Gratefully yours" are other fabulous options.
    • Try something like, "I can't thank you enough for all your efforts in helping me move—you are a complete and total lifesaver! Gratefully, Rose"
  6. Image titled End a Letter to a Friend Step 9
    6
    Choose "Later Gator" for something silly. Who doesn't like a lighthearted zinger? If you and your friend love to joke around and laugh, a jokey ending is perfect for closing your letter.[9]
    • Funny options include: "Smell ya later," "Straight from the mind of a genius," "You heard it here first," or "After a while, crocodile."
    • Try something like: "Well, now you're up to date, and I hope you're impressed with all the info I've so diligently stored and relayed just for you. Your humble servant, Jess"
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Ending with a Directive Closing

  1. Image titled End a Letter to a Friend Step 10
    1
    Let your friend know you're thinking about them with "Take care." If you're concerned about your friend and want them to stay safe and healthy, this closing lets them know you want them to be good to themselves.[10]
    • "Take it easy," "Take care of yourself," or "Kind thoughts" would also work here.
    • Go for something like: "I'm always thinking of you alone in the big city, but I know you can handle it easily. Take care of yourself, Ron"
  2. Image titled End a Letter to a Friend Step 11
    2
    Wish your friend well with "Have a nice day." You're encouraging your friend to enjoy themselves by ending with this closing. What’s not to love?[11]
    • "Have a great weekend!" is another great option.
    • For example, "I can't wait to hear how your fabulous plans go down. Have a great weekend, Vera"
  3. Image titled End a Letter to a Friend Step 12
    3
    Write "Enjoy" if you include a recipe or gift. Maybe you slipped a bookmark, gift card, or another small gift into your lovely letter. "Enjoy," tells the other person that you hope they like your gift and have fun with whatever fun surprise you've hidden inside.[12]
    • Try something like, "I've snuck in a gift card to the best spa in town—their massages are to die for! Enjoy, Elliot"
  4. Image titled End a Letter to a Friend Step 13
    4
    Use "Stay as you are" to show how much you like them for them. This closing is a sweet way to say how much you like your friend just the way they are. Stay great, and never change![13]
    • You could also use "You're amazing" or "You're awesome."
    • "I was so bummed to hear that you've been feeling down, especially when you're the person I can always count on to lift me up! You're simply the best. Never change, Rae"
  5. Image titled End a Letter to a Friend Step 14
    5
    Pick "Be safe" if you're worried about the person. Maybe your friend is traveling or on their own a lot. This closing lets them know you worry about their safety and you want them to watch out for themselves.[14]
    • You could also use "Stay safe" or "Watch out for yourself."
    • For example, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do! Be safe, Jeff"
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Using a Signature and a Postscript

  1. 1
    Use a comma after your closing. With any closing, you'll usually include a comma directly after it. If it's something exciting or meant to be impactful, you can opt for an exclamation point instead. For instance, you would write your closing like one of the following examples:
    • Love,
    • Stay safe,
    • Sincerely,
    • Affectionately,
    • Stay as you are!
  2. Image titled End a Letter to a Friend Step 16
    2
    Sign your name after skipping a line. Leave a blank line between the closing and your signature. Since you're sending it to a friend, signing with just your first name is usually fine and less formal. As with anything, do whatever you're most comfortable with!
    • You can also use a nickname if the person usually calls you by it.
    • For example, "See you next Tuesday, Bestie #1! Love, Bestie #2"
  3. Image titled End a Letter to a Friend Step 17
    3
    Add a postscript if you forgot something in your letter. Postscripts, also known as "P.S.," are a fabulous way to include something you might have forgotten to include in the body of your letter. Your P.S. can be anything from a funny joke to something you actually need to include but have yet to. Have fun with it—a good P.S. entices everyone![15]
    • For example, you might write, "P.S. You'd better write me back, goofball!" if your friend isn't great about sending mail back.
    • Alternatively, you could try, "P.S. I hope this letter gets there before I do!"
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    What's the difference between the salutations "Sincerely and Faithfully"?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    While there is not much difference between these 2 closers, "Sincerely" suggests the sincerity of the contents of your letter, while "Faithfully" suggests your faithfulness to them as a friend.
  • Question
    How do we write the conclusion of a letter?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    A great way to conclude your letter is to note any details you'd like them to remember or share a positive tidbit about something good that happened to you that you think your friend might be interested in. Have fun, and imagine that you're talking to your friend in person. What would you want to say to them before they leave?
  • Question
    Can "Yours" be used as a closer?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Yes, "Yours," is a great closer that shows affection and friendship. Another sweet option is "Always yours,"
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References

  1. ↑ http://www.personalitytutor.com/how-to-end-a-letter.html
  2. ↑ https://blog.ung.edu/press/parts-of-a-letter/l
  3. ↑ https://www.writeexpress.com/letterclosings.html
  4. ↑ https://www.writeexpress.com/letterclosings.html
  5. ↑ https://www.writeexpress.com/letterclosings.html
  6. ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/using-thanks-and-regards-in-email-and-letters
  7. ↑ http://www.personalitytutor.com/how-to-end-a-letter.html
  8. ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-sign-off-with-gratitude-alternatives
  9. ↑ http://www.personalitytutor.com/how-to-end-a-letter.html
  1. ↑ https://www.writeexpress.com/letterclosings.html
  2. ↑ https://mamachee.com/2010/07/01/normal-funny-unique-and-loving-ways-to-end-your-letters-notes-e-mails-conversations-tweets-posts/
  3. ↑ http://www.personalitytutor.com/how-to-end-a-letter.html
  4. ↑ https://mamachee.com/2010/07/01/normal-funny-unique-and-loving-ways-to-end-your-letters-notes-e-mails-conversations-tweets-posts/
  5. ↑ https://mamachee.com/2010/07/01/normal-funny-unique-and-loving-ways-to-end-your-letters-notes-e-mails-conversations-tweets-posts/
  6. ↑ https://blog.ung.edu/press/parts-of-a-letter/l

About This Article

Tami Claytor
Co-authored by:
Tami Claytor
Etiquette Coach
This article was co-authored by Tami Claytor and by wikiHow staff writer, Savannah Vold. Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification. This article has been viewed 264,533 times.
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Co-authors: 4
Updated: March 23, 2023
Views: 264,533
Categories: Friends
Article SummaryX

To end a letter to a friend, write out something positive in the last paragraph to leave your friend with a good feeling. For instance, you could say, “I plan on coming for a visit soon. I can’t wait to see you!” If it’s a close friend, follow this with an affectionate salutation like “Fondly” or “With love.” Alternatively, write a more casual salutation like “See you shortly” or “Take care.” For a fun salutation try saying something silly like, “Later Gator!” Finally, put a comma after the salutation, then skip a line and sign your name. To learn how to add a “P.S.” note at the end of your letter, read on!

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