Frequently Asked Questions
How is Dearly different from an instant messaging app or email?
Dearly is intentionally slow. Letters take time to travel and be received. There are no online presence dots, typing indicators, or pressure to respond instantly. Each letter is crafted on beautiful digital stationery, packaged inside an envelope with collectible stamps, and sealed with virtual wax.
Is my personal email address or real name visible to other users?
Never. Dearly enforces strict privacy by design. Other members only see your chosen public nickname, broad age range, and shared interests. Letters are sent using unique private mailing codes (e.g., DEARLY-7K9M-2Q8P).
How does the friendship compatibility algorithm work?
You choose a 20, 30, 40, or 50-question discovery questionnaire covering 17 personality, lifestyle, and communication dimensions. Our server-side weighted scoring algorithm compares your answers to find kindred spirits with a 90% or higher compatibility score.
What is the daily sending limit?
To preserve the thoughtful and intimate quality of correspondence and prevent spam, users can dispatch up to 5 letters per day, with a maximum of 2 new pen-pal introductions per day.
Are read receipts real or automatic?
Read receipts are authentic: they are triggered only when the authorized recipient legitimately opens and renders your letter inside their Dearly post office.