GUIDELINES
- You should give personal advice only when someone sincerely asks for it. Even then, you should be careful and sensitive about what you say.
- Explain that you are replying to a request for advice about a problem.
- Suggest a course of action.
- Give reasons to support your opinion. Explain why you feel that it's a suitable course of action.
- Make the reader feel comfortable by saying that there is no obligation for him/her to follow your advice.
- End with an expression of confidence and encouragement.
SAMPLE LETTER
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]
[Letter Date]
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]
[Subject: Normally bold, summarizes the intention of the letter] -Optional-
Dear [Recipients Name],
I am touched that you didn't hesitate to approach me for guidance regarding the problems you and your husband are experiencing at the moment. Marriage is never easy. Sometimes we get sucked in by what we see in the movies and read in romance novels that we forget about the realities and hardships that love can make us go through.
The first thing that I am going to say is for you not to give up. If you love Jerry and are committed to making your marriage work, do not even start to consider getting a divorce. There is a reason you chose to marry that man and during difficulties like this, it is helpful to remember why you fell in love with him in the first place.
Divorce should not be an option but perhaps a brief time apart can give you the clarity you are seeking to find solutions to your problems. This solution is something that Earl and I used early in our marriage, and it helped us a lot.
But before you take any steps, it's important to think about what's best and what works for the both of you. Know that I am here to support the both of you and will help in any way I can. I wish you and Jerry all the best.
Sincerely,
[Senders Name]
[Senders Title] -Optional-
[Enclosures: number] - Optional -
cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -
Sample personal advice letter about marriage issues.
Further things to consider when writing advice letters to friends
Advice Letters
Advice letters are letters meant to give recommendations or guidance concerning prudent future action. Typically, these letters are written by a person who is regarded as knowledgeable or authoritative. Advice letters can be from a company to clients, managers to subordinates, or employee to employee. People write advice letters to help others make informed decisions and avoid bad actions. Some of the situations where you may want to offer advice through a letter include giving guidance on how to choose a career, advising clients on the best products, or advising a friend on how to deal with an issue. You may also send a letter to a subordinate to advice about certain behavior at work, etc.
When writing advice letters, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First things first, state the reason for this letter and maintain a formal and truthful tone. Communicate the advice being asked of you clearly and precisely, making sure that there is nothing that the reader can hold against you. State why you think it is important that the reader follows your suggestion. Where necessary, quote references you have consulted. Before closing the letter, you can ask for a reply.
Letters to Friends
Letters to friends are letters you write to people with whom you have a bond of mutual affection. These letters are like conversations and can be just about anything. They could be thank-you letters to thank your friends, congratulation letters to congratulate them, apology letters to say sorry, condolence letters to comfort the bereaved, etc. You could also write to your friends to share general information such as school and family news, what has been happening in your town, or just tell funny stories. Letters are special and show the other person that you are thinking about him/her. The recipient can keep the letters for years and read them over and over again.
Letters to friends are personal and are usually addressed to specific individuals. Since the recipient is a person with whom you have a close relationship, the salutation is more personal and less formal. Greet the recipient warmly and proceed to stating the reason for your letter. Share some information about yourself. Maintain a polite and friendly tone. End your letter on a note of anticipation to seeing the recipient soon or reading from him/her. You can also add a postscript for something you forgot to say.
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