“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” We may not be Shakespeare, but we’re all capable of sharing our feelings through a love letter.
In a world filled with digital emoji and quick texts, stand out from the crowd with a sincere note expressing your feelings. All you have to do is write a letter from the heart to let someone know you love them. If reading the love letter makes them feel loved, then you’ve accomplished your goal.
Whether you’re a seasoned romantic or a rookie when it comes to love notes, this guide will explain how to craft letters that make the recipient feel special and cared for.
What is a love letter?
A love letter is a heartfelt written expression that describes your affection, passion, or romantic feelings toward another person.
Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or no occasion at all, a love letter is a timeless and intimate way to convey your emotions and capture the essence of your love.
The tradition of penning notes with love words can be traced back to ancient times, though it was a major feature in the medieval era when French troubadours composed poetic letters to express courtly love. In the 19th and 20th centuries, love letters became an essential part of relationships, especially at a distance and during times of war—after all, there was no such thing as email or texting back then.
Plus, love letters are tangible keepsakes that can be held, reread, and cherished. Rather than sending your partner a routine expression of affection, a love letter shares something vulnerable and meaningful that can deepen the emotional connection between partners.
Preparing to write
We can all agree that staring down a blank page can be intimidating. As you prepare to put pen to paper, here are some tips to make the activity pain-free:
- Plan it out: Instead of writing your love letter in one go, give yourself time. Develop ideas about what you want to include, then create a list of all your thoughts and ideas.
- Know your audience: The content, tone, and delivery of your letter will depend on your special someone. Are they a traditionalist? If so, a handwritten note on romantic stationery will make their day. Are they comically inclined? A sweet message on a quirky greeting card will do the trick.
- Use memories to guide you: If sappy emotions aren’t your thing, jog your memory as a guide. Draw on your shared history, and write down details you can remember. Capturing a specific moment in time is a foolproof way to express your love.
Structuring your love letter
Begin your love letter with an endearing greeting. Open with your lover’s pet name or nickname. You can also opt for something more dramatic, like “To the love of my life” or “To my one true love.”
Next, let them know why you’re writing the letter. This could be something as simple as “Just thinking of you,” or a bit weightier, such as “I don’t know where I’d be without you and wanted to make sure you know how I feel.”
Within the body of the letter, focus on the unique things you love about your partner. What’s the most cherished memory you share? Why did you fall for them in the first place? What is one of their most endearing qualities? How has their love changed you for the better?
Writing down those little everyday things that you seldom mention will convey an extra level of appreciation.
Finally, end on a high note. Nothing beats a simple, “I love you.” But you can also get creative by detailing your vision for the coming year(s)—whether it’s more coffee dates, living together, taking a big trip, or starting a family. A future moment or milestone is also worth mentioning.
Personalizing your love letter
Now that you’ve nailed down the structure, the key is to personalize your love letter so that it’s filled with meaning. Of course, reflecting on shared memories or anecdotes only the two of you know is one way to personalize your message.
Here are a few more creative tips:
- Create a playlist of all the songs that remind you of them
- Write a short romantic poem that’s just for them—such as an ode or sonnet
- Draw or include artwork that symbolizes your relationship
- Include a mini activity list that you plan to do with them
- Make your letter a scrapbook with saved mementos like ticket stubs, receipts, or photos
- Write in a different format, such as a short story or a song
- Craft a treasure hunt for your partner that leads them to a romantic surprise
- Design a booklet of sweet, personalized coupons for future use
What to avoid in a love letter
When writing the perfect love letter, it’s important to be mindful of certain pitfalls to ensure that your message is well received and effectively conveys your emotions. Here are some things you’ll want to avoid:
- Clichés and generic phrases: Common greeting words like “Hello” or “Dear [name]” won’t feel very heartfelt. Avoid clichéd expressions found in generic greeting cards. Strive for originality and sincerity instead.
- Excessive praise without specifics: Focus on specific qualities and quirks that you genuinely appreciate. You’ll want to steer clear of vague and overwrought compliments, like “You’re so amazing” or “You make me complete.”
- Negative topics: A love letter is not the place to air grievances or point out negative issues in your relationship. Keep the focus positive and uplifting.
Final touches
Unlike the ending of an email, you’ll want to end your love letter with some real passion. As you tie it all together, it’s a good idea to reiterate your commitment and share some of your hopes for the future.
When it comes to matters of the heart, we all like to feel safe without any lingering questions or uncertainty. By communicating your plans or vision for the future, your partner will feel secure that you’ll be there for them.
After you carefully proofread and put the final touches on your love letter, tuck the note in a place that will surprise them, like under their pillow or in their car, or mail it to them at work. A little bit of extra effort in the delivery will go a long way!
Love letter FAQs
What is a love letter?
A love letter is an expression of love in written form. It is typically written by someone who is romantically involved with the recipient, detailing deep feelings of affection, love, and admiration.
How long should a love letter be?
The length of a love letter can vary based on personal preferences, the nature of the relationship, and the depth of the feelings being expressed. Sometimes, a concise and well-articulated letter can carry just as much emotion as a five-page saga.
Is it OK to quote poetry or songs in my love letter?
Yes, it is absolutely OK to include poetry or song lyrics in your note. This can add a romantic touch to your message and enhance the emotional impact.
How can I write a love letter if I’m not good with words?
Even if you’re not necessarily a wordsmith, you can still write a sincere letter. Write from the heart, as authenticity is key. Your partner will appreciate any effort you put into expressing your love, regardless of your perceived skill with words.
Can a love letter be digital, or does it need to be handwritten?
The choice between a digital or handwritten love letter is up to you and depends on what you believe would resonate most with your partner. Some people appreciate the convenience and creativity of digital letters, while others find the tangible and personal nature of a handcrafted note to be more romantic.
