Monday, November 16, 2009

How to Write a Love Letter

We feel good when we make the people we love feel happy. Whether this letter is for someone you are confessing your secret love for them to, or someone that already knows and loves you, it will be appreciated. Bring back the art of letter writing!

Step
  1. Start with good stationary. No one wants to receive a note, no matter how heartfelt, on a scrappy piece ripped out of you school book- it looks like homework! Instead take time to choose a paper with a design or feel that reflects the person you are writing to.
  2. Start off lighthearted. If you are writing from a long way away, tell them you miss with them. If not, tell them about something in your day that reminded you of them like a pretty flower or a particular smell.
  3. Think of a time when you felt particularly moved by seeing your loved one, no matter how small the event. Recall the emotional and physical feelings you experienced in that moment.
  4. Write a description of that moment including details about your feelings at the time, starting with a phrase such as, "I remember when".
  5. Recall two or three other experiences when you were moved by your loved one's words or actions. Add recollections of these experiences to your letter in the same way you wrote about the first one.
  6. Add many things that you love about their personality and/or appearance.
  7. If you feel comfortable and it works for your relationship, add dirty things - talk about the last encounter you two had, or what you'd like to do next time you meet.
  8. End with a "P.S." Make it stupid. That way, any embarrassment you feel about the letter is lessened. Hopefully, you're not embarrassed by your love letter.
  9. It's not about being mushy gushy. It's about being honest to this person about how much they mean to you in your life in this world. That is far mushy gushy enough.
Tips
  • Spray the letter (once) with expensive perfume or cologne. The right smell could be very seductive and enhances the mood.
  • Describe your experiences using your own words, without forcing yourself to be fancy.
  • Take your time. If a letter is rushed, it shows. Pause to think before each sentence, and look up difficult words before you attempt to spell them to avoid ugly crossing outs.
  • Write your own, original words, not something you've read or heard unless you directly quote it. You could try quoting romantic lines from their favourite film or book.
  • Read it out loud! Just because it makes sense on paper doesn't mean it will make sense when spoken.
  • Try to learn calligraphy. If you think that's hard, it's not. Go to an art supply store, and get a pen, a fine nib, a thicker nib if you like, and a bottle of ink, then go slow and carefully when you write. This not only lets you think more about what you say, it also looks far more impressive.
  • Keep it appropriate for the person you're sending it to! If it's your partner of some time, then sure, write 3 paragraphs detailing your love of watching them sleep- if it's for the girl in your class you like, don't scare her off before she knows you've got a crush on her.
  • Cheesy can be okay, but be sure not to overdo it. Make it sweet, heartfelt, and true.
  • Don't go overboard and gush a ballad to someone you hardly know.
  • Don't lie to impress. Example: Don't say "I feel breathless everytime I think of you" if it's not true. Remember, you can't really take back the things you say without hurting someone. Honesty is the best policy.
  • Love letters are great as a "refresher" in a relationship, possibly for a special anniversary or such.


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