The idea for the "Box" feature didn't come out of nowhere—it’s part of a real story from my life.
For my birthday, my girlfriend sent me a gift that included a bunch of small, handmade envelopes. Each envelope had a note on it indicating when it should be opened: "When you're sad," "When you're fed up with everything," "When you can't sleep," and so on. These envelopes turned out to be something special: I carried them in my backpack to duty every day, and just having them with me made me feel warmer inside. And when I finally opened one, it felt like she was right there with me, even though there were actually hundreds of kilometers between us. I still keep all those letters and reread them sometimes, because, unfortunately, there is still distance between us today.
I always felt this idea deserved more than just a single box sitting in a drawer. That’s why the Box feature was created for "Nearer".
What is it?
The Box holds letters that cannot be read immediately.
You write a letter to your partner and choose from several options:
- Allow your partner to open the letter whenever they want.
- Show that the letter exists, but have it unlock on a specific date you set.
- Keep the letter hidden until the chosen date, revealing it only then. ## Two ways to open it
By date. "February 14th," "in a year," "on our anniversary." On that morning, the letter opens automatically, and the partner receives a notification.
By condition — "Open when..." When feeling sad. When missing someone. After an argument. When you can't sleep. After a tough day. When you're proud of yourself. When you're having doubts. When there's good news. Or a custom option—any text you like.
I prefer the second method. A date-based letter is just a calendar event. A condition-based letter is something to return to over the years. And the author learns not just that the letter was read, but which moment the person chose for it. It’s almost like a conversation.
If you’re worried the condition might never arise, you can set a backup date. The letter will open automatically on that day.
It really looks like a letter
There was a key principle here: the letter shouldn't look like a standard instant message.
And it doesn't. It’s an A4 sheet—with real paper proportions, a warm hue, margins, and a drop shadow. The text is in handwriting. You can highlight words with color, underline them with a marker, or add emphasis.
Plus, you can print it or save it as a file. Just tap, and you get a real A4 PDF ready for system actions: print, "Save to Files," or "Share." In other words, the digital letter can become a physical one if you wish, returning to the very same drawer where it all began.
Reactions and replies
Your partner can react to an open letter and write a reply. Replies are always free—it would be strange to give one partner the right to speak while denying it to the other.
Pricing
Three free letters for each partner. Get more with Pro.
Three isn't just a "try it and leave" offer. Three thoughtfully written letters can last for years. But if you want to write regularly, Pro removes the limits.
One fair warning: deleting a letter doesn't restore your free slot. Otherwise, "three free letters" would effectively mean "unlimited letters."
Where to find it
"More" → "Couple," right next to wishes and important dates.
What else is in this update
- new app icon;
- English language support alongside Ukrainian;
- minor fixes throughout the app.
And finally
The best letters in the Box aren't the ones written just for the sake of it. They are the ones written when you know something your partner doesn't yet realize about themselves: that they can handle it; that the argument will pass; that they are truly admired.
← All entries