How do I get free lives from alphabetty friends?

Rusty-2

I ask for lives from alphabetty friends but the envelope (mail icon) always shows as empty.   Does this have something to do with my connection?  How do I read answers to other questions asked by other players?

StuckInATree

If it is something to do with your connection then this should be able to get those lives flowing again: https://care.king.com/en/candy-crush-saga/lost-your-connection-to-facebook-android