What could be more romantic than receiving a love letter? A good old fashioned, hand-written love letter is still one of the best Valentines around, but don't just save it for February. A love letter is a powerful expression any day of the year.
You don't have to be Shakespeare to write the perfect love letter. All you need to know is how you feel. What makes a love letter so romantic is that it is deeply personal. It shows your beloved how well you know them, and that knowledge is the very stuff of love.
Here's how:
- All you need to get started is a pen and some decent stationary. Use thick card stock with some texture to it rather than stationary with roses and cupids around the edges. The recipient is probably going to keep this letter for a long time. Writing on heavy card stock will help it last.
- Before you start writing, take a few moments to think about your beloved. The following questions can help to get your thoughts going:
- What is their greatest strength?
- What do you see in them that they don't see in themselves?
- What is the most romantic thing they have ever done for you?
- What do they do on a regular basis that shows you they care about you?
- When did you fall in love with them?
- What about them pleasantly surprised you?
- What is your favorite memory of the two of you?
- How has your world changed since you got together?
- You can start your letter anyway you like as long as you include their name. You don't have to be super-mushy right from the start, a simple "Dear _____" works well. Begin your letter with a very specific quality that you appreciate about them. Make the sentence exclusive - for example "I've never met anyone as _______ as you" or "No one has ever made me feel as____ as you do when you ____" Starting out this way shows them that they rank higher than anyone else in your books -- a great way to start a love letter.
- As you are writing be specific. Tell the person exactly how they make you feel and what they do that makes you feel that way.
- Write in the second person ( use "you" ) so that your letter speaks directly to them.
- As you write, tell them exactly how you feel. Use specific examples that show that you've been paying attention. Remind them of the things they have done that really meant something to you. Share a favorite memory and a hope for the future.
- Don't forget to say "I love you."
- It doesn't matter how long or short your letter is, as long as it's sincere.
- There's no rule that says you have to use poetry in a love letter, but if you're stumped finding just the right words, one or two carefully chosen lines can work really well. If you don't have a poem in mind, there's a lot to choose from online. If you want to use something other than the usual classics, I highly recommend "Dance Me to the End of Love" by Leonard Cohen.
- Once your letter is complete, read it over carefully and check for errors. This letter will be read over and over. You don't want a mistake spoiling the mood.
- If you want to add an extra special touch, seal the envelope with wax. Sealing kits are available at most fine stationary stores, but a regular taper candle in a dark colour works just as well. Simply light the candle and carefully drip a small puddle of wax about the size of a quarter over the flap.
- Once the letter is complete, drop it in the mail and wait for a great response. If you're lucky, you just might get a love letter yourself.
Claire Colvin is the editor of Women Today Magazine. She has a B.A. in English from Trinity Western University. She kept the first love letter she ever received and it's still her favorite. Used with permission.
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