Tips for Writing Love Letters
Create atmosphere- To focus your attention on the person you are writing to, eliminate distractions. Give yourself the space to discover how you feel. Bring them to mind with a photograph or some memento, and, then have a conversation with them on the page. Be natural.
Content- Think about what you like about this person…qualities and attributes. Express your appreciation in familiar terms. If you share a favorite song or joke, reference that. Use the person’s name at least once or twice in the letter. Put them first. Say something about “him/her,” then “I,” and finally end with “We,” with the thoughts for a future meeting… Say:”I love you” somewhere- perhaps, as perfect way to end your letter.
Putting it together- Have patience. Give yourself time to get it right. Write down thoughts and phrases to express how you feel. Prepare to write several drafts. Remember the handwritten love letter is the most desired Valentine’s gift! It is a keepsake which can be read, reread and cherished. It will get easier with practice.
Handwriting– Your own hand is the most personal and is uniquely you. It will increase the value of your effort. And remember, we “choose better words when we write by hand!” -Margaret Shepherd
A caution about email- Anything you write in an email is never private. Don’t express feelings you wouldn’t want the whole office to see.
Final product- Find the stationery, ink, card or stickers that will compliment your feelings perfectly. Use humor whenever possible. Include cartoons, pressed flowers, rose petals, glitter, drawings…be creative. Make it lighthearted and fun. Just a note on greeting cards, don’t let the sentiment in the card say it all for you. If you choose a card write at least 3 lines in your own words. You could say: “I couldn’t have said it better,” and then express your own thoughts in words…
The recipient- If you are writing to someone you already have an established relationship with, then just about anything you say will be appreciated. Use a letter to reinforce your shared feelings and memories. Write an ‘I love you’ note, and put it on the bathroom mirror, in a child’s lunchbox , or in a jacket pocket- will elevate the mood for their day.
“A moment of love is a miracle. Life is too short. Don’t let anything go unsaid.”-Stephen Levine
If you are writing to someone who is not aware of your affection for them, then the rule is: go simple. Be neutral. Avoid saying: “I love you,” until you know the person will be receptive to that. Focus on what you appreciate about the person. Say less than more. Yes, you will feel vulnerable. That’s normal. But remember a handwritten note is so rare it commands attention!
Increase your circle of love- Write a loving letter of appreciation to a relative or friend. Share memories and history. They will treasure the gesture, and it might even prompt a tradition!
Finally,- A handwritten love letter is a keepsake, and a lasting gift,-a document of your love and personal history for future generations.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________