From Theresa Chan, Singapore, China:

In the June issue, two readers said how rude it is to ask for pen pals and then not respond to people who write to you. I agree fully. It is very disrespectful, rude and mean and shameful. I happen to have experienced similar rudeness--not just once, but several times. When someone has the kindness to respond to your request, always be kind--even if the friendship is unacceptable. Just return a short note to say, simply, thanks for your offer, which I appreciate, but will not be able to write. That is OK and people will understand, but if you just ignore them, they will be hurt. Also, when you make requests, always state what kind of correspondents you want, including ages, nationalities, genders, interests and formats of contact. I also have very rude friends right here at home; they never reply to my e-mails. There are rude people of every nationality. Whatever it is in life, do not use your blindness or any handicap defensively because it is your physical fate and not society's responsibility. Remember, sighted folks have problems, as the blind have. Some of us do much better than sighted people in some ways, but never in every way. There is discrimination, but not just against the blind or blindness. I know there are some people who do not like blindness, but not all in societies. Some people do not have the ability to understand you. We cannot blame society for our aches, and we must remember not to expect to be treated specially because of our blindness. If we would like to be well treated, we have to treat others well.