There is one love letter that I still keep. One, though some others came along. It’s inside my old diary from the time that received it. I open the letter once or twice in a blue moon. Reading it always brings a huge smile to my face. The penmanship is outstanding… for an eleven years old.

I’m not joking. His penmanship is admittedly much better than mine was. And I received the letter when I was eleven.

Now, I only share the contents with some of my choicest friends… but there are things this letter had that were the makings of a great love letter.

It Captures a Feeling

I need only read the first words of the whole letter to feel the same way I first read it. It was there in words, in ink, on paper. How: Be honest to yourself. Do not overthink, just write how you feel. Do not exaggerate, just be true.

It Brings Back Memory

A lot of the sentences describe his point of view of what happened between us. And reading it, I can see it plainly in my mind. How: I meant ‘what happened’ literally. Write about the things you did together. Places, what you see. What you love or possibly regret about your history.

It Reveals

The written words were not flowery, but they dropped a mask, a pretense, so to speak. It acts as a confession, without shame. How: If you’re going to do this, go all in. This is no time to be self conscious. Say it like it is, no Shakepeare needed. The feeling will get through.

The Things Not Written

The receiver of the letter gets, aside from the written words, the meaning of the unwritten. The letter hinted, without promises, what would happen moving forward. How: This is where the magic (connection) happens. There’s nothing you can do about this one. It happens the moment the reader finishes reading your letter.

Good Penmanship

The letter is well written, very neat. The choice of ink (pen) and paper made it lasting for years. It also shows appreciation for the receiver. I mean, I would still keep the same words written on a paper torn from a book – but what a shame. I would just wish it was written in a more long lasting method. Because it can’t be rewritten – it just won’t be the same thing. How: just choose the best (heavy) paper you can find. A regular pen will do, but it might be worth testing if it’s waterproof, at least. Also, consider putting it in a nice envelope. It’s a thrill when the reader can tell who sends the letter just by looking at the handwriting.

I hope this inspires you to write a love letter of your own. Please, don’t wait until Valentine’s Day! It does take courage, giving your emotions a shape, but what a lovely world it would be if there were more love letters written (and sent!). And it doesn’t have to be a romantic love either. It’s a great way to tell someone how they mean to you, and show that you’re not taking them for granted. And if it is a romantic confession, I hope they feel the same way about you.

S.