Before the invention of the telephone, communication over distances relied heavily on written correspondence. Whether you were conducting business or running a country, letters served as the primary means of sharing news, expressing emotions, and maintaining relationships. Friends and family used letters to share life updates, news, and personal feelings. Love letters especially were precious pieces of mail being taken around the country and the world, in times when travel was slow and uncertain and the only means to stay in touch with your love one..
In fact, we can appreciate how distance added a layer of emotion to letter writing. The anticipation of receiving a letter, the joy of reading it, and the lingering thoughts of a loved one far away made every letter a significant event. A letter from a soldier on the front lines would carry news, often deeply weighted with emotion, offering comfort to those back home. Furthermore, the time it took for a letter to be delivered could range from days to weeks, depending on the distance and this delay often heightened the emotional impact of the correspondence, making it so a young lover’s letter was written with longing and desire for connection.
The incorporation of poetry into letters allowed writers to convey their feelings more artfully. Poetry’s rhythm, imagery, and emotional depth made it an ideal medium for expressing complex emotions like love, sorrow, and longing.
“Your absence is a haunting melody, / Each note a whisper of what used to be. / In the silence, my heart sings of you, / A love so deep, ever true.”
In today’s world now dominated by digital communication, the art of writing love letters has become a rare and cherished practice. Sentiment expressed in love letters that once conveyed emotions, somehow eludes text messages and social media posts.
Writing letters is a disappearing art. Personal letters provide an intimate way to express feelings, share memories, and strengthen connections. Letter writing is not a talent given to everyone, and many will struggle, pen poised to paper, not knowing what to write. What makes a good love letter? Take heart, I cover some pointers and tips at the end of the blog, to help you craft a letter to your valentine that will hopefully resonate with the heart.
Types of Love Letters
Love letters come in various forms, each serving a unique purpose. The romantic love letter for example expresses deep affection and romantic feelings towards a partner and often include declarations of love, admiration, and future aspirations.
“From the moment we met, my heart has been drawn to yours. I cherish every moment we spend together and dream of a future filled with laughter and love.”
When misunderstandings or mistakes arise in a relationship, an apology love letter can help mend fences. With the invention of greeting cards, the task of providing a written apology was made easier. It is so much easier to express sentiments by using heartfelt message already written for us. A well chosen card of apology, can convey remorse and desire for reconciliation better than we can. These cards help us express a sentiment that will magically make a loved one feel cherished and appreciated.
Studies have found that the emotional response to a greeting card is greater than to a digital message or email.
They create not only an emotional connection between the sender and recipient but a physical one too, knowing the card has been touched by both parties. They can be held and kept and cherished. The words inside are a physical record and together with the imagery on a card, makes that message more memorable.
Couples separated by distance now stay in touch by video-chat and mobile phones. However, I tip my hat to those die-hard romantics who chose to write long distance love letters to each other, in order to evoke nostalgia and sentimentality into their relationship. It is their belief that writing these types of love letters allow them to express longing and commitment the way people of another era would,, and enhance the art of communication – although I have heard the same said by those cultivating an online relationship.
“Though miles apart, my love for you grows stronger each day. I hold onto the memories we’ve created, waiting eagerly for the moment we can be together again.”
Anniversary letters is perhaps the love letter I regret most not writing in my lifetime.
In a time where so much information is fleeting, anniversary love letters are a great way for two people to connect in an authentic, meaningful way, and preserve the memories, emotions and experience of a year together.
Being able to look back on the year’s journey, and highlight a momentous occasion in the year that was, and record how they were feeling in that moment is a costless yet highly personal way to celebrate an anniversary. It is precious to save them to look back on them later, and what a gift you are leaving the next generation.
If I had to do it over, I would start the practice on my first year anniversary.. In my view this type of love letter is absolutely the most under-utilized way to celebrate milestones in a relationship. I find there is something very romantic about the idea of entrusting words to a page, reflecting on cherished memories and expressing hopes for the future to your loved one.
“Happy anniversary, my love! Looking back on our journey together fills my heart with joy. I still chuckle at that time our bread making attempt turned into a cookie! I can’t wait to create even more beautiful memories with you.”
Like a greeting card, sometimes, the simplest gestures are the sweetest. A love letter written just because, sharing a heartfelt sentiment can brighten anyone’s day and remind them of your affection. According to research, getting a card “just because” is more meaningful because an unexpected card carries an additional element of surprise and delight. Sixty-five percent of people answering a consumer poll, agreed that receiving cards and letters in the mail lifts their spirits and “means more to me” than an email.
“I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how much you mean to me. Your smile lights up my world, and I am grateful for you every day.”
Tips for Writing a Love Letter
- Choose the Right Medium: Handwritten letters carry a personal touch, while typed letters may be easier for lengthy thoughts. Choose what feels right for you.
- Set the Mood: Find a quiet space where you can reflect and write without distractions.
- Draft and Revise: Don’t hesitate to rewrite sections to capture your feelings accurately. It’s okay to take your time.
- Proofread: Check for spelling and grammar mistakes to ensure clarity and professionalism in your letter.
- Consider Timing: Choose a special occasion or a random day to surprise your partner with your heartfelt letter.
The art of writing love letters is not just about the words on the page; it’s about the emotions they convey. By understanding the different types of love letters and knowing what makes them resonate, you can create a heartfelt message that strengthens your bond. In an age where digital communication often overshadows personal connection, a love letter stands as a timeless treasure—a keepsake of your affection that can be cherished for years to come. So, pick up that pen
FUN Facts About Greeting Cards
- Americans purchase approximately 6.5 billion greeting cards each year.
- Annual retail sales of greeting cards are estimated between $7 and $8 billion.
- Nine out of every ten households buy greeting cards each year.
- Birthday cards are still the best-selling card type, accounting for more than half of the total cards sold.
- Women purchase more than 80% of all greeting cards.
- While Baby Boomers continue to buy the most greeting card units, Millennials have spent the most money on greeting cards since 2015, outspending Boomers.
- Driving individual purchasing decisions are five key factors: the right message and tone; pleasing art and design; relationship relevance; appropriate subject matter; perceived value for the money.
Source: Greeting Card Association
