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How to write a love letter: 60+ ideas & examples.

Lia Miller, M.A., MPA, MSW

Some would say that writing a love letter is a dead form of communication, a relic from olden days that's irrelevant in the era of instant gratification where we find ourselves today.

At a time when we are separated by visible and invisible barriers, forced apart by social distancing, and almost completely reliant on more impersonal forms of communication like email, social media, and video chatting, a love letter is a particularly meaningful and romantic gesture because it's slow, intentional, and deeply personal.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to write a love letter to a partner, a crush, or just about anyone.

How to write a love letter to your partner

Be ready to get vulnerable.

Writing a love letter to a long-term partner such as a boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse can be a great way to affirm or even rekindle your love for each other.

Mental health counselor Chaute Thomson, LMHC , points out that couples can often forget to keep connecting with each other as they get swept up in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

So, a love letter can be a moment to step back, get in touch with your emotions, and show some serious affection to your partner—particularly if it's not something you often do with each other.

"Allow yourself to be vulnerable and share your heart," she recommends. "Many times, we are scared to truly share ourselves out of fear of rejection or misunderstanding, but writing a love letter creates a genuine opportunity to connect with one another."

Really lean into your emotions—that's what's going to really make your love letter sing.

Start out the letter with a personal greeting

The greeting is important because it will set the tone for your entire letter, so you want to make sure you start off with something that will catch their attention and keep them reading.

Don't just start with "Dear [name]"—instead, greet them with something more romantic or personalized. Pet names and inside jokes work great.

  • To my best friend...
  • To my darling...
  • To my soul mate...
  • To my forever love...
  • Baby, sweetie, bae, etc.
  • Dear [pet name]...

Say why you're writing the letter

Is it an anniversary or another special occasion? Did your partner come through for you in a big way and you want to show appreciation? Have you just been feeling a lot of love for your partner and wanting to show your affection?

Whatever it is, say why you are writing the letter to give your letter some context.

Tell them why you love them and/or being with them

The body of the letter is where you will really pour out your heart.

For a longtime love, you want to talk about memories, overcoming obstacles together, what made you fall in love initially, why you still love them today, and what you see in the future.

Examples and ideas:

  • Tell them why you love them. In some cases, this can literally be a list of the things you love about them and more importantly why you love these qualities or attributes.
  • Literally "count the ways" you love them, and list some of the reasons for your love.
  • Talk about how your life has changed since they became a part of it and why you are grateful for that.
  • Talk about the future, where your relationship will be going next, how you will be there to support and "show up" for each other. Talk about why the future together is exciting.
  • Reaffirm your love and commitment to them and how you will hold up your side of the relationship/partnership.

Use storytelling

Recall a romantic memory—the first date, the first time you saw them, your wedding day, an anniversary, a special vacation, the first time you laughed together or cried together, etc. The point is to make it meaningful.

  • When I first saw you...
  • The first time I heard your voice...
  • When we first met, I immediately knew you were special because...
  • I knew you were the one when...

Close the letter warmly

Closing or wrapping up the letter is important because it is where you sum up all the things you have just laid out in your letter. This section shouldn't be that long since you've put the meat of the letter into the body.

  • I look forward to loving you for a lifetime.
  • I am so lucky to be with my best friend and soul mate.
  • These years with you have been the happiest of my life.
  • My love for you will never end.
  • Till death do us part—I said it then and I still mean it now.

How to write a love letter to your crush

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love letter creative writing

Writing a letter for a crush is a lot different from writing a love letter to a partner.

For starters, writing for a crush can be really scary because there is a risk in putting yourself out there if you have no clue if the feelings are mutual.

However, there is no way to know how they will respond if you don't open yourself up.

Many of the tips given in the previous section of writing a letter for a longtime love or partner apply to writing a letter to crush, though obviously the difference is you don't know them as well. 

Here are some general tips for letter writing for a crush:

Consider whether it's the right gesture

Love letters can be a really romantic way to let someone know you like them, but they can also come off strong and can veer into "creepy" territory if you're not careful.

Before writing a full-throttle love letter to a crush, you should have some sense of where they stand—some inclination that they might feel the same way about you.

If you know that you're both crushing on each other, a love letter can be a great gesture. Alternatively, you can write someone a love letter simply with the intention of making them feel loved, without making it about trying to start a relationship with them.

Sending an extremely affectionate love letter to someone who has no clue that you like them or who doesn't view your relationship romantically might be overwhelming and can make some people uncomfortable.

Consider whether you're writing this letter for their benefit or for your own; if the latter, it may make more sense to write the letter without sending it. This can still be a very therapeutic process for you!

Start with an attention grabber

It can be powerful to hear someone describe shared memories and interactions from their point of view. Consider describing how you've experienced your time together:

  • When I first saw you, you took my breath away...
  • When I heard you speak, it really impressed me or caught my attention...
  • You are captivating and make me feel things I haven't felt before...
  • The time we spend together is so precious to me...
  • The first time I spoke to you, I knew you were someone special...

Compliment them

Many people love receiving compliments that make them feel good about themselves; if nothing else, most people are interested in hearing how other people see them.

Without going over the top, describe the little things that make this person special to you. Don't just focus on their outward appearance—talk about their inner qualities, such as their strength, resilience, playfulness, passion for their work, etc.

Pay attention to the details

Don't be too general in your letter. Don't just say that you like them or that they caught your interest. Tell them why you like them and how they make you feel.

  • You make me happy because...
  • I always look forward to seeing you because...
  • I find you captivating because...

If you're feeling stuck, find inspiration. Look for examples of love letters that say things similar to what you want to say. Look at the great poets and writers and find inspiration in their words. You can even quote them if it feels appropriate.

Drop in a cheesy line

There is nothing wrong with a little cheese if it captures how you really feel.

  • When I think about you, I end up with a stupid grin on my face.
  • Since I met you, I've been feeling like I'm living the best dream of my life.
  • We're all special, but you raised the bar on that.

Be clear about your intentions

Make sure they know why you're writing this letter. Are you just wanting to make them feel good? Are you telling them how you feel because you're hoping they might feel the same way?

If you're not sure where the recipient stands, it is important to let them know that there isn't any pressure on them to do anything, to respond to the letter in any specific way, or to feel the same way you do.

Talk about the future, if appropriate

If you and the recipient are already in a process of courtship (i.e., you both already know you like each other), it can be really romantic to daydream about the future.

When closing your letter, consider imagining what the relationship might look like:

  • Talk about the fun dates you could go on.
  • Talk about the silly arguments you might have.
  • Talk about watching your favorite movies in an evening of Netflix and chill.
  • Talk about the upcoming good days and the bad days.
  • Talk about how awesome it will be dating each other!

General tips for writing a creative love letter

Set the mood.

Before you even put pen to pad, you need to get yourself in a letter-writing state of mind. According to Laura Louis, Ph.D. , a licensed psychologist at Atlanta Couple Therapy, your "state of mind is so important when preparing yourself to write a love letter.

To get yourself into a mindset of creativity and inspiration, you need to manage your environment."

Tapping into your five senses can help you get into the right head space.

For example:

  • If possible, go to a place you find inspiring, creative, and romantic to write your letter. Alternatively, you can find a good photo of the location in mind (e.g., a photo of a beach at sunset) and place it in your work area where you can easily see it and draw motivation from it.
  • "Music can be incredible for getting into that creative space," says Louis. If you are motivated by music, make a playlist that taps into that creative part of yourself and brings up positive feelings that you associate with the person you are writing the letter for.
  • Don't discount aromatherapy to help get you into a love-letter-writing mood. "Certain scents can affect your mood. In particular lavender and eucalyptus are powerful in affecting your mood" and inspiring creativity, says Louis. Alternatively, you can use a scent that you love that reminds you of your loved one.

Think before you write

You don't need to be an expert writer to get your point across, but you should take the time to think about what you want to say before you start writing.

It's OK if you have to write and rewrite the letter a few times before you get to a version that you are ready to send.

Practice makes perfect. If you don't like what you've written, don't settle. Keep at it until you end up with something you love, which will ensure your recipient loves it too.

At the same time, don't put too much pressure on yourself. The recipient will most likely appreciate your efforts, and their focus will be on the sentiments shared in the letter and not on how "well" the letter was written.

Consider how you want the recipient to feel

A good love letter will make the recipient feel loved, cherished, accepted, desired, special, and important. As you're writing, think about not just what you want to say but also how you want the person to feel as they read your words.

Thompson suggests thinking about the five love languages as you write—aka touch, words of affirmation, acts of service, gifts, and quality time.

Which of these ways does this person enjoy receiving love? "Be sure to touch on what your partner's love language is when you are writing to tell them what you love about them," Thompson says.

Get the delivery right

The way you deliver your letter is almost as exciting as the letter itself. This is where you can get really creative and have some fun with it.

  • Go direct and hand it to them in person.
  • Use good ol'-fashioned "snail mail" and mail it to them with an envelope and stamp for a real treat. Who doesn't love getting mail that isn't a billing statement or promotional item?
  • Break it up into little bits and send your love on a "scavenger hunt" with clues leading them to the places they can find the different pieces of the letter until they have the whole thing—which leads them back to you.
  • Leave it in a place they will least expect, such as on the front seat of their car before they are about to leave the house or on the bedside table for them to find while you're out of town. Or if they take their lunch to work, tuck it away in their lunch so they have a surprise waiting for them when they open it up at work.
  • Use Post-it notes and leave short excerpts or key parts of your love letter on the Post-its, placed in strategic places throughout the house. Or you can even cover an entire wall in your words of love for them if you're feeling ambitious.

Why writing a love letter is so romantic

We live in a "microwave society" where people want things "quick, fast, and in a hurry," Louis says. But that's what makes letter writing so special.

It takes time to put together and is a permanent testament to your love that doesn't disappear in a long thread of text messages.

Lover letters are one of the greatest exemplars of true romance. The letter isn't even the romantic part but rather the idea that your lover is thinking of you even when they are not physically in your presence.

Writing a love letter lets them know their importance in your life, captures what makes your relationship special, and demonstrates what makes the person you are with amazing to you.

Finally, a love letter allows your partner to see themselves through your eyes, which is, in itself, a gift.

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Your Love Letter Ideas Toolkit: 118 Examples and Samples for Romance

Want to add a spark of passion and romance to your relationship? 

Crafting the perfect love letter can reignite the flame, connecting you to your loved one like nothing else. 

But where on earth do you start? 

From romantic love letter ideas and topics to letter templates that melt hearts, this complete toolkit will give you everything you need to write meaningful love letters full of tenderness and devotion. 

Learn tips used by history's greatest writers to put your deepest feelings into words. 

With a little creativity, these ideas and suggestions will help you rediscover romance one thoughtful note at a time.

Why You Should Write Old-Fashioned Love Letters

118 love letter ideas, topics, tips, and more, 1. reasons i love you , 2. our story, 3. date invitation, 4. trip down memory lane, 5. our song , 6. things i've learned from you, 7. bucket list dreams , 8. what i love about our relationship, 9. age-related birthday list  , 10. thank you, 11. compliment bundle , 12. recipe  , 13. coupon book  , 14. my ideal day with you, 15. things that remind me of you , 16. hopes and dreams , 17. list of cute couple things to do  , 18. loving poem, 19. minor irritations, 20. mindful questions , 21. i miss you, 22. apology letter  , 23. bold bucket list , 24. a loving acronym , 25. drawing or sketch , 26. sweet adventure plan , 27. cheesy jokes, 28. uplifting quotes, 29. cute pet nicknames, 30. scavenger hunt clues , 31. wedding vows draft, 32. gratitude challenge , 33. spotify playlist , 34. reasons we're meant to be, 35. future dreams visualization  , 1. anniversary, 2. valentine's day  , 3. birthday  , 4. new year's  , 5. after a fight, 6. apology , 7. long distance  , 8. congratulations on a milestone   , 9. condolences  , 10. sweet surprise  , 11. bucket list check-off  , 12. honeymoon  , 13. before a long trip  , 14. thank you   , 15. encouragement  , 16. after an argument , 17. holiday card  , 18. “open when…” notes  , 19. first home, 20. engagement/proposal  , 21. wedding day vows, 22. new addition  , 23. bon voyage   , 24. just because  , 25. morning love notes , 26. annual traditions  , 27. bedtime sweet nothings, 1. set the scene , 2. prep writing supplies, 3. brainstorm specific memories , 4. articulate intimate emotions , 5. match tone to message, 6. show writing style , 7. reveal layered intimacy , 8. affirm everlasting love  , 9. perfect through patience  , 10. present with panache, 1. first date memories, 2. longing for our upcoming reunion   , 3. hopelessly smitten, 4. soulmate , 5. my rock during grief  , 6. happy half year, love, 7. you’re my dream come true  , 8. standing by you through the storms, 9. starring role in my dreams  , 10. you feel like home, 11. thanks for the wake up serenade , 12. celebrating 10 years through ups and downs, 13. the muse who reignited my creativity  , 14. it was meant to be, love , 15. thanks for making life sweeter, 16. thanks for being my anchor, 17. full circle back to the beginning, 18. forgive my temper, love, 19. happy birthday, my heart, 20. my funny valentine, 21. here’s to 50 more years together, 1. customize stationery, 2. watercolor wash background, 3. fragrance enhancement, 4. wax seal closure , 5. dried flower petals, 6. creative inking , 7. original illustrations, 8. photo collaging, 9. sticker embellishing , 10. rustic paper criss cross, 11. hidden surprise , 12. scavenger hunt , 13. moonlit serenade, 14. message in a bottle , 15. baked good surprise, 16. unfurling scroll , 17. rose bearing butler , 365 days of love letters, the abcs of love, open when letter, diy love letter, sweet treat love letter, love letter party, easy love doodles, love letter hand lettering, final thoughts.

In an age of instant digital communication, taking the time to handwrite a heartfelt letter stands out even more.

Stepping away from your devices to craft a personal note shows someone they're worth slowing down for. 

stack of letters wrapped with twine love letter ideas

Love letters don't just preserve memories – they create them. 

Here’s why picking up a pen reaps romantic rewards:

  • Express your feelings honestly without distraction – no need to second guess tone or reply speed when pouring your heart onto paper
  • Create physical mementos that can be saved and cherished for years
  • Make your partner feel valued by giving your undivided attention while writing a thoughtful letter
  • Hone your communication style through the practice of expressing intimate emotions
  • The added effort shows your partner they are deeply loved
  • Escape screens and strengthen bond s in the nostalgic, old-fashioned way

Putting pen to paper leads to memorable correspondence.

Use these reasons to inspire your first handwritten love letter!

Get ready to dive into a comprehensive list of ideas to help you craft the perfect love letters for the one you adore.

We have you covered where it counts – from the perfect topics and occasions to love letter examples and crafty, creative decorative ideas to impress your beloved. 

Things to Write in a Love Letter: 35 Love Letter Topics

When the blank page is staring you down, coming up with heartfelt sentiments can be tough.

To get your creative juices flowing, here are 25 love letter topics ranging from romantic to fun. Use these prompts as inspiration to pour out your feelings onto paper.

List all the quirks, qualities, and habits you adore about your special someone. They'll love reading why you think they're so lovable!

Recount your favorite moments together from when you first met to where you are now. It's a sweet recap of some wonderful memories.  

Pop the question for a romantic night out with a handwritten letter. Include fun plans or options for them to choose from.

Pick a meaningful past trip, holiday, or location you've shared and describe your favorite memories there. It makes for nostalgic reading and reminds your lover of the fun you share together.  

Explain why you feel a certain song captures your relationship or reminds you of your loved one. Include the lyrics or link to listen.

Share life lessons, new skills, changes in perspective, or growth you've experienced, thanks to your partner's influence. Give them a boost by letting them know how they’ve influenced you.

Describe adventure goals and romantic dreams you hope to accomplish as a couple someday. It gives you both something to look forward to!

Detail unique aspects of how you communicate, treat each other with kindness, or prioritize quality time that keeps your bond strong. 

Write a list of “reasons I love you” based on your partner’s age. This is great for a birthday love letter you can present on their special day. 

Express heartfelt gratitude for everything from big sacrifices to small daily gestures you appreciate. Everyone loves feeling appreciated!  

Start 10+ sentences with “I love…” that shower your beloved with head-to-toe compliments. These little nuggets of love will boost their confidence when they read them!  

man writing with pen and paper love letter ideas

Find a recipe for their favorite homecooked meal, dessert, or drink and detail the ingredients/steps for them like a personal cookbook. Your culinary creativity is sure to impress!

Create cute coupons for hugs, kisses, date nights, shoulder massages, or treats. Be sure the coupons don’t expire so they can cash in when needed!

Map out your perfect day spent together, from breakfast in bed to stargazing at night. Then, see if you can craft an outing together to match your love letter ideas.

Pick random objects, places, songs, or anything you encounter in life that sparks an association with your partner. These fun and quirky connections can be romantic and hilarious.

Discuss individual goals related to career, self-growth, health, lifestyle, or encouraging their dreams. Let your partner know how much you support them in these goals.

Suggest fun activities, creative date ideas, or new things you’d love to try together as a couple. Reinforce with your lover how much fun and adventure you want to enjoy together. 

Try your hand at an original romantic rhyme, sweet stanzas, clever limerick, or even song lyrics to make them smile!  

Air some “pet peeves” or minor issues through loving and humorous language, not accusations. It can open conversations to improve your relationship .

Pose thoughtful prompts to unveil fresh insights into their views, beliefs, feelings, or past. These kinds of questions deepen intimacy and commitment.  

Write a long, romantic letter to your partner who is away from you for work or travel. Remind them how much you miss them and what awaits them when they return. 

Take accountability for any hurts you’ve caused or misunderstandings to heal wounds faster and solidify your love. This type of letter requires vulnerability, but reconciliation is worth it.  

If money were no object, what exotic destinations, adrenaline-rush adventures, or lavish experiences would you share? It’s so much fun to fantasize and share outrageous dreams! 

Use their first name to craft an acronym with words describing what you admire. For example,  Victor = Vivacious, Infectious Laughter, Charming, Talented, Optimistic, and Radiant.

Flex your creative muscles and draw a silly cartoon, portrait, nature scene, or abstract image the old-school way with colored pencils, markers, or crayons!

Map out a surprise getaway with fun details, like a romantic picnic spot, hiking trail, or a cozy cabin stay. Let the anticipation build excitement for both of you!

Tell a few silly puns or cheesy jokes that you think will make them laugh out loud when reading. Or remind your sweetie of some shared funny events or stories to bring a smile to their face.

Share wise and inspiring quotes from influential figures that motivate you. Offers loving, thoughtful encouragement with words of wisdom that address what’s going on in your partner’s life – or your lives together.

Brainstorm additional amusing or affectionate nicknames suited to your partner's quirks and personality. Write a funny and romantic reason you’ve chosen each name.

Craft clever rhyming riddles that lead them to small gifts hidden around the house or yard. The final clue can lead them to a beautiful love letter expressing all of your heart's deepest, most romantic feelings.

For truly committed couples, write down customized marriage promises you want to make at your future wedding ceremony. Give your beloved a keepsake memento of the commitments you intend to make.

Write a loving list of all the things you are grateful for related to your partner. List them with detailed descriptions and heartfelt words expressing how much they mean to you.

Create a list of your favorite couple songs with descriptions of why each song is special to you both. Link to a personalized mixtape of “our jams” with captioned song meanings for every track. 

Detail “uncanny” similarities, shared values, and complementary traits, proving you're a perfect match. These are reassuring reminders that you are meant to be.  

Describe hopes and goals in vivid sensory detail – your dream house, travels together, and dream jobs. Practice manifesting magic, or just have fun imagining how you want your future together to look. 

27 Occasions to Write a Romantic Love Letter

Want inspiration for the perfect time to let your loved one know how much you care? Look no further! From holidays and anniversaries to sentimental landmarks, here are 27 prime occasions to craft a loving note that will be cherished.

Celebrate yearly milestones by reminiscing over favorite memories and looking ahead to the future.

Make this holiday extra special by pouring your heart out instead of just a store-bought card.

Make their day unique with a homemade card full of reasons why you love them. 

Reflect on the past year together while setting intentions for growth as a couple in the next.  

Heal wounds faster by taking accountability and reaffirming your unwavering commitment.  

Own up to mistakes to clear the air, ask for forgiveness, and move forward closer than before.

Mail letters detailing how much you miss them and counting down the days until reunited.

Celebrating their wins makes your partner feel so loved and supported.  

Comfort them during grief or difficult seasons with words of sympathy and encouragement. 

Unexpected notes “just because” make any ordinary day feel extraordinary. 

Commemorate trying something daring or achieving a long-time goal together.

Set the romantic mood immediately by leaving a letter waiting in their hotel room. 

Give them sweet words to hold onto in your absence.  

Gratitude goes a long way – recognize their daily effort and sacrifices.  

We all need a motivational boost now and then to keep persevering.  

Make amends, reflect on both perspectives and remind them that the relationship comes first.

Bring back old-fashioned charm by handwriting season's greetings instead of digital ones.  

Craft letters for them to open on occasion-based prompts – when missing you, needing strength during a hard time, etc.  

Celebrate moving into your love nest with a commemorative keepsake note.  

Include a handwritten letter when you pop the question to make it even more personal.  

Tuck a love-filled letter into their suit/dress pocket to read as you recite promises at the altar.  

Welcome a new child, pet, plant, etc, to the family with a sweet letter to your partner who shares in this joyful occasion.   

See them off on new adventures like college, military service, or mining seasons.   

No special occasion is required to randomly profess your undying devotion!

They'll start the day smiling, finding your letter on their bedside table.  

Ritual letters celebrating anniversaries of special memories keep the magic alive.   

End each day by reminding your love how cherished they are.

How to Write a Love Letter

Crafting the perfect sentimental missive may seem daunting initially, but these comprehensive step-by-step guidelines break the process down to make it more manageable.

Follow this meticulous advice to create wonderfully meaningful love letters that deeply touch your recipient's heart.

To get into a creative headspace, set aside at least an hour without distractions. Play soft instrumental music and brew a warm cup of their favorite coffee or tea. 

Dim the lights, light some candles, and gather inspiring romance novels or poems for additional inspiration as needed. 

Invest in heavyweight, high-quality stationery or cardstock paper with envelopes for a luxury feel. Stock up on pens in their favorite colors like gold, rose gold, or classic black ink. 

Purchase wax seals, floral stamps, calligraphy pen sets, or other embellishments to make it extra special. 

Really reflect on your best experiences together from when you first met to recent milestones. 

Jot down very specific moments – inside jokes, adventures to favorite locations, sweet gestures during difficult times, or even minor moments that meant a lot to you. Referencing these vividly will add sentimental weight.

Dig deep within to articulate exactly what you feel for them, why you fell in love, how they make you a better person, what you dream for the future, and how treasured they make you feel. 

Don't hold back expressing your deepest longings, secret dreams, vulnerabilities, and immense gratitude for their presence in your life. Honesty and openness are vital. 

Determine whether you want an uplifting, humorous, sympathetic, lighthearted, or sincere tone, then fashion word choice and stylistic elements accordingly while retaining an underlying romanticism. 

Weave in subtle references that have intimate meaning just between the two of you. 

Consciously vary sentence structure and incorporate short, impactful statements, longer descriptive passages, and even rhyming poetry or metaphorical imagery. 

Use alliterative or repetitive phrasing, clever plays on words, incorporate song lyrics – anything to add lyrical flair.  

Consider selectively divulging lesser-known stories from your past, secret dreams you hold for “someday,” or intimate insecurities you struggle with. 

Knowing this level of vulnerability brings you closer together. Analyze whether candid revelations or admissions add beauty. 

As you draw your poetic prose to a close, unambiguously reaffirm the intensity and eternity of your love, commitment to nurturing your bond no matter what, and unwavering belief in their inner beauty. 

Assure them this relationship outpaces all others in importance.  

After pouring intense emotional energy into articulating sentiments, set aside your letter overnight. Then, reread again with a fresh perspective. 

Refine and polish words that feel clunky, awkward, or ineffective at conveying what you yearn to express. 

Once the letter meets your standards, focus on dazzling delivery by rolling it into a scroll tied with ribbon or sealing it with a wax stamp. 

Tuck in small gifts like flower petals or inside jokes. Lightly mist with their favorite perfume/aftershave, then sneak it into their bag to later delight! 

Let creativity guide you as you follow these tips for writing stylistically stunning love letters from the heart. Soon, you'll have a memorabilia box filled with handwritten notes your beloved will treasure for decades.

21 Love Letter Examples

Crafting intimate prose from scratch feels intimidating for even seasoned wordsmiths. So, for extra inspiration, here are 21 love letter excerpts exemplifying authenticity across a spectrum – from lighthearted to sensual to anniversary reflection. Let these excerpts ignite ideas!

I still get butterflies remembering our magical first date when we closed down the county fair and rode the Ferris wheel until dawn broke, munching leftover cotton candy. Each time we slow dance in the rain after impromptu picnics, my heart races like it's our first embrace under the fireworks all over again. Even after all these years of cozy late-night talks and long strolls, you still give me that sparkling rush of new love. You’re my forever adventure partner. 

I’m already counting down the days until I get to rush into your arms this weekend after our months apart! I’m picturing sunset strolls hand in hand, gazing up at the constellations like old times. Rain or shine, every meal we cook, movie we watch, and nighttime whisper under the blankets will feel extra magical. This getaway is exactly what we need to come back stronger. Distance makes the heart grow fonder, and even more so when it’s you!  

I swear you become even more devilishly handsome every single day – those bright eyes make my heart stop, and that crooked smile still gives me weak knees! I lose all sensible thought when you glide your fingertips down my arms or whisper in my ear with that sultry voice. I crave your passionate embrace constantly. How is it possible to desire someone exponentially more with each moment? You leave me absolutely spellbound in the best possible way!

I finally feel like I can breathe easy now that we found each other, after so many near misses discovering partners who didn’t quite understand me. With you, I’m positive I’ve met my soul’s mirror image. Every day, we grow together through joy and sorrow alike. I admire your strength and compassion a little more. I promise to nourish this partnership that makes me the best version of myself – kinder, wiser, braver. However many years we’re granted, I’m devoted to you.

Your loyalty astounds me; I don’t know how I would have survived losing Dad without your listening ear when memories ambushed me. You held space for my grief even during days I lashed out irrationally. But your patience reminded me that the pain would eventually ease. Now, I vow whenever adversity strikes you in the years ahead, I’ll be the rock providing a safe harbor just like you gave me. Our soulmate bond can weather any storm.  

Can you believe our half-year mark is already here? We’re basically pros already if those “awards” from our friends’ speeches at dinner last week count! Who knew we’d master compromise, cuisine, and contentment so quickly? Not to mention take home “Best Laugh” and “Most Likely to Make Out in Public!” I’m honored to keep learning how we fit together better each moment. Since time flies when you’re falling in love, here’s to celebrating 125 more six-month milestones!   

Fate clearly smiled on me the day our paths crossed! I swear time slows down whenever I stare into your magnificent green eyes – so vast I imagine sailing overseas and discovering new worlds. Your brilliant mind leaves me star-struck, hanging onto every captivating word about quantum physics theory or 16th-century art. And that alluring confidence mixed with sharp wit? Absolutely irresistible! I’m still baffled at what I did to deserve someone so perfect choosing me. Don’t wake me if I’m dreaming!

I’m in awe of your tenacity, battling inner demons day after day. Even when bipolar disorder overwhelms you with tidal waves of emotion, your resolve inspires me to develop more grit in meeting my own challenges. I promise whenever dark, drained days leave you hollow, I’ll be your ray of light until laughter returns. Together, we’ll find strategies so these storms pass more quickly. Please call any hour when clouds roll in. My loyalty is unconditional – both in the brilliant sun and raging rains.

How delightfully bizarre that you guest star nightly in my subconscious escapades recently! My slumbering creativity sure conjures elaborate plot lines – from narrowly escaping smugglers aboard a pirate ship to wedding ceremonies underneath the Northern Lights. No matter the premise, I always feel euphoric finding you by my side all night long. Clearly, my longing heart hopes our tangible adventures mirror these whimsical visions. I’ll manifest it by keeping you ever close both awake and asleep!  

That very first night cuddling together on the lumpy plaid couch in our shoebox apartment, I shed the weight of years spent wandering, finally discovering where I belong. Safe in your arms as the rain pattered the windows, I let the tension trapped in my ribs release at long last. Now, even when life’s relentless pacing strains, your steadfast embrace grounds me just the same. While places and faces shift, you remain my constant – my true North Star guiding me home. 

Jolting awake to your bellowing ballad was not how I envisioned starting my day, but your sheer enthusiasm for sweeping me off my feet inspired a grin despite the early hour. I know your musical prowess remains a work in progress, much like my dancing skills. But I’ll gladly give up sleep to humor your creative attempts at sweeping me off my feet when passion strikes! Please schedule an encore performance soon – even tone-deaf, your earnest efforts sounded sweeter than any love song.  

Who would have guessed when we nervously held hands watching fireworks after our awkward first date that we’d still be cheering each other through life’s highs and lows a decade later? We’ve conquered it all: cross-country moves, job uncertainties, and family health scares. Sure, we sometimes stumbled, but never alone. Now, whatever exhilarating adventures or obstacles this next chapter holds, I’m positive our proven partnership can weather it with laughter. I wouldn’t want to take on this rollercoaster called life with anyone but you!   

Your faith in my long-abandoned talents sparked a creative inferno I thought was extinguished forever. Late nights brainstorming tales yet untold while you gently unraveled my writer’s block and reawakened passions I buried after past rejections. But restarting this decades-delayed dream no longer feels daunting with your steady encouragement. Soon, a book brimming with the magical stories we imagined together will line shelves thanks to your inspiration. I’m endlessly grateful for the creative reignition you lit inside me. May our artistic ambitions nourish each other for years to come!

I’m still baffled by the absurd number of “coincidences” revealing that we’re destined soulmates – adventuring abroad months before meeting in our future home country of Portugal, both secretly envisioning matching owl tattoos to symbolize wisdom. And don’t even get me started on randomly referencing the same throwback films from childhood! With all these quirky commonalities plus effortless chemistry, clearly, the universe meticulously crafted us for one another. So let’s toast once more to serendipitous fate guiding us together at long last! No one fits me better.

Before you, I dreaded the chaos of spider infestations, heavy-lifting projects, and draining small talk with strangers. But your reassuring presence makes life’s frustrations melt away. Now rich desserts taste sweeter when you’re across from me. Sunrises dazzle brighter, waking up in your arms. Even mundane moments feel vividly beautiful simply because you’re in them. Although nothing erases earthly troubles permanently, this incredible, passionate love still feels miraculous.

During storms of misunderstanding, you choose to cling tighter rather than push away. When plans crumble unexpectedly, you readily revise rather than guilting me over changing priorities. Even on tiresome, lackluster days, you uplift my spirit, keeping promises to indulge my ice cream cravings. Your steadfast devotion despite life’s hiccups makes weathering adversity with you my safest harbor. I anchor myself in your dependability. You have my endless trust.

My adrenaline and crashing insecurities two years ago meeting you for pizza now seem silly, given how swiftly the conversation flowed into an epic five-hour first date. Yet that jittery excitement still resurfaces every time we slide into our usual corner booth to reminisce on when this exhilarating romance began. I vividly recall grasping your hand that night, marveling to myself I’d just met my soul’s match. And I’m still as confident as ever in that split-second assessment, even 730 days later.  

I feel so terrible, recalling the hurtful words I unleashed in irrational anger. You didn’t deserve that explosion over an innocent mistake. My temper sometimes overrides rationality, sabotaging the better angels of my nature. Please give me the grace to grow beyond my knee-jerk reactions so I don’t hurt you again. I promise to restore what my anger briefly broke with patient listening, compromising cooperation, and heaps of affection until I mend your trust in me. I’m imperfect, but I love you so much and hope you’ll forgive me, my love.

Another year older only makes you more distinguished and debonair! With every candle we blow out, wrinkle we earn, and gray hair we sport together, my admiration and appetite for you intensify, not wane. I promise a lifetime of birthday pancake breakfasts in bed, surprise parties with our inner circle, off-key serenades, and adoring embrace on every future trip around the sun with me. Growing old feels magical because I get to do it wrapped in your arms.

Red roses can’t possibly convey a fraction of the burning passion and love I have for you, but I hope they summon even an ounce of the butterflies you give me every single day! I’ll take any excuse this day offers for devouring chocolate strawberries, strolling in the moonlight admiring your stunning beauty, and slow dancing cheek to cheek – reliving our wedding day dance. You always have been my special Valentine, and you always will be.

We’re still savoring the anniversary dinner, reenacting our first moonlit stroll, and reminiscing about monumental moments from when our lives together began fifty wonderful years ago on this very day! And after 168,000 hours of raising children, navigating career twists, fulfilling bucket list dreams hand in hand, I’m even more enamored. As decades pass, I know we’ll cling just as tightly to traditions we cultivated early on – snuggling by the fire pit, watching stars blanket the sky every summer night, and having our morning coffee together. Here’s to keeping the sparks alive through a century together, my love!

17 Creative and Clever Ways to Decorate and Deliver Your Love Letter

A beautifully decorated letter creates lasting sentimental memories, and thoughtful delivery aims to surprise and delight. Going beyond plain stationery proves your partner's uniqueness with customized touches. From little love notes to sealed scrolls, here are 17 ways to wow them with artsy embellishments and strategic presentations.

Make letters extra special by selecting or designing stationery featuring their favorite colors, animals, hobbies, or even an intimate photo of you together. Custom details make your partner feel special .

Add artistic flair by gently diluting watercolor paints to create a light pastel background shade on quality cardstock or heavy stationery before writing your letter on top.

Use a cotton swab to lightly mist your love letter with your partner's favorite scent, such as perfume, cologne, or essential oils. This adds sensory impact when they read your thoughtful words.

Melt wax in their favorite hue, imprint with a custom stamp bearing your initials together, then gently press to the back of the folded letter before mailing for decorative impact. 

Collect meaningful blooms like roses, sunflowers, or lilacs to convey symbolism. Place petals delicately between folds or include entire flowers if sealing a scroll with ribbon.  

Handwrite letters using quirky hued or metallically flecked ink in pens to contribute stylized flair that captivates your reader as they trace every heartfelt word.

If you’re artistic, illustrate personalized sketches on the letter, such as cartoon versions of you together, inside jokes, or favorite memories. Use your time and talent to personalize your love letter.

Strategically collage sentimental images together thematically depicting your relationship timeline or favorite moments, then feature them as a background visual element tied to what you write in your letter.  

Decorate blank spaces by adorning them with thematic stickers featuring romantic symbols like hearts, roses, song lyrics, or words that summarize your affections or future dreams.

Achieve textural beauty by layering thin strips of delicate paper or burlap atop each other in an overlapping crisscross orientation – then write your letter and glue it to these tactile surfaces.

To spark joy when least expected, tuck your love note into random places your partner will discover throughout their day – mailbox, coat pocket, luggage, work bag, pillowcase. 

Up the ante by crafting a series of consecutive love notes directing your partner to memento-filled locations, culminating with a gift or date surprise! 

For dramatic delivery, stand outside their window at night strumming a guitar and singing a romantic ballad before passing your scroll up to them with a rose clamped between your teeth!  

Script your letter on parchment paper, roll it up, and place it in an ornate glass bottle. Use this symbolic vessel when proposing ideas, making wishes, or commemorating monumental moments between you.  

Roll up your handwritten note with a pretty ribbon securing it closed. Tuck this into a baked dessert like a cookie or cupcake! Present this after dinner for a sweet reveal.

Ink your words on parchment paper, band both ends with a ribbon, then dramatically unfurl to read aloud on special occasions for theatrical delivery full of old-world charm. 

Go above and beyond by dressing formally to deliver your letter on a silver platter while holding a single crimson rose clamped between your teeth. Humorous delivery creates laughs and lifelong memories!

Inspiring Love Note Ideas from Around the Web

When trying to translate personal affection into a handwritten letter, dreaming up unique creative touches can challenge even seasoned writers.

So, spark your originality and artistry by letting these love note images from artistic people around the web kindle imaginative ideas you can incorporate to customize intimate notes in your own style.

love letter creative writing

Gingi Freeman, the writer at Domestic Geek Girl, came up with an awesome idea to celebrate her love for her husband. She created 365 hand-crafted love notes and envelopes pasted to a calendar for each month of the year. Every note lists something she loves about him. 

love letter creative writing

Although this is an Etsy product you can buy as a template, you could easily make this adorable booklet listing important dates, things you love about your partner or great memories – each beginning with a letter of the alphabet. It's super clever and simple to make.

love letter creative writing

The Dating Divas give you step-by-step instructions on creating a set of “Open When” letters to surprise your sweetie on special occasions, hard days at work, or just because! You’ll have love letters for him or her ready to go whenever they need them or you see the occasion to give them. 

love letter creative writing

Here’s a wonderful video from DIY with Minnie showing you how to make a Harry Potter-inspired vintage love letter. She shows you how to burn the edges of your paper (without burning down the house!), how to make the paper look antique, and how to write in a vintage style that would thrill Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice . 

love letter creative writing

Heather from The Sewing Loft Blog shows you how to make a loving and tasty Valentine’s Day letter filled with your sweetie’s favorite treats. She details every step in a tutorial video for a fun project that is easy – but your special person will think you went to so much trouble!

love letter creative writing

Nole Garey at Oh So Beautiful Paper had a great idea for crafting love notes for your friends and putting them on their plates at a Valentine’s Day dinner party. But we think it would be fun to host your friends for a party to make Valentine’s cards for your respective spouses and partners. Then, each person could host their own private dinner party with their partners and present their love notes as part of the meal. 

love letter creative writing

This vector graphic from Alamy shows how easy it is to create cute doodles and drawings to decorate your love letters and envelopes. You can easily reproduce these simple line drawings and have some fun coloring them in if you want to make a bigger statement with your (he)art!

love letter creative writing

Learn the art of hand lettering with this guide for beginners from Jenna at Scribbling Grace. If you want your love letter to have an artistic flair while expressing your feelings for your special someone, try your hand at some of the simple designs she shares.

Whether you feel nervous or enthusiastic about writing love letters, implementing just a few of these examples, ideas, and tips will have you crafting heartfelt notes in no time that nourishes intimacy. So pick your favorite techniques, gather inspiration from cherished moments, and translate your affections into decorative prose, conveying adoration creatively. Soon, your beloved will treasure these sentimental keepsakes for decades.

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10 Creative Love Letter Ideas

love letter creative writing

10 Creative Love Letter Ideas to Blow Your Loved One Away!

love letter creative writing

So you want to write a creative love letter?

Excellent! Letters have a special way of expressing and conveying strong feelings from one to another, especially feelings of love.

Let's start with ideas...

Here's  types of creative love letters to write a well-deserving loved one.

10 Types of Creative Love Letters 

1.) Rhyming Love Letter

2.) Famous Poetry Love Letter 

3.) Inside Jokes Love Letter

4.) Anonymous Love Letter

5.)  Describing Your Loved One Love Letter

6.) Cheesy Quotes Love Letter

7.) Similes and Metaphors Love Letter  

8.) Anecdotal Love Letter

9.) Romantic Memories Love Letters

​ 10.)  Add an Inspired Drawing Love Letter

If these titles are all you needed to get the creative juices flowing then go ahead and start writing your letter!!!

love letter creative writing

Why You Should Write a Creative Love Letter ?

Love letters.

A love letter can be for anyone you care about in your life and can evoke heartfelt feelings better than any text would. Whether you are a seasoned writer of love letters or are writing one for the very first time, you may be looking for ideas to best express your love on paper.

love letter creative writing

The style letter your loved one would most enjoy definitely might range, check out this list of love letter ideas to make your love letter all the more special!

How to Send a Real Life  Letter From Your iPhone ?

Step 1.)   download  text a letter, step 2.)   choose letter format, step 3.)  add artwork to letter, step 4.)  build your letter , step 5.)  address it, if you prefer a visual, the app tutorial video below will break it down quickly.

Try These 10 Creative Love Letters

1.) rhyming letter.

A little rhythm never hurt!!!

Rhyming is a great and fun way to make an impression on paper and anyone can do it! The words can be your own, or you can reference a favorite song or poem.

For additional structure, you can follow a rhyme scheme which is a common poetry technique. For example you could use an ABAB rhyme scheme in which the ending word of every other line rhymes.

Rhyming Structure:

Roses are Red (A)

Violets are blue (B)

Chivalry’s dead (A)

But my heart’s true (B)

love letter creative writing

2. Famous Poetry

If you’re experiencing some writer’s block, as everyone does,  you can always turn to the great poets to have your back. 

From Shakespeare, to Oscar Wilde, to Rupi Kaur, there are so many great poems from amazing authors to choose from. You’ll have no problem finding one that best expresses your flavor of love.

If you’re into classical poetry, ballads by Shakespeare are a great source of love literature! But there’s nothing like a classic love song everyone can recognize and relate to.

A bunch of Shakespeare Famous Quotes:

  https://www.nosweatshakespeare.com/quotes/categories/shakespeare-love-quotes/

3. Inside Jokes

Inside Jokes are a great way to make your loved one smile. You can use an inside joke to tell a story and keep your letter lighthearted or from feeling overly romantic.

This method is also best if your loved one is the type to gag at over-the top instagram proposals or mushy anniversary posts. To each their own!

Inside jokes are also great to use if you’re writing to a family member or old friend you may not have seen in a while. There’s nothing like a funny memory to throw back to the good old times.

4. Anonymity

Writing an anonymous love letter can be mysterious and exciting if you wish to share your feelings but remain unknown to the recipient.

If you don’t know the address of the person you wish to send your letter to you can leave it in a place you know they would find it or give it to a mutual friend to pass on to them.

5. Describing Him/Her

Describing your loved one is an extra romantic way to make your love letter more intimate. Try to be descriptive as possible by using creative adjectives.

You can start by describing their physical features and go on to describe all the things you like about their personality. Make them feel loved and beautiful!

6. Cheesy Quotes

Cheesy quotes or pickup lines might not be your first thought when it comes to romance, but they do make people smile! And a smile is an expression of love

For cheesy pick up line inspiration, try watching a few episodes of any 90’s sitcom.

7. Similes and Metaphors​

Similes and metaphors are a literary device where you compare a subject to something, or in this case your loved one to a beautiful sunrise.

Using similes and metaphors really help to get the creative juices flowing when you are struggling to think of expressive words for your love letter.

8. Anecdotal Approach

Anecdote or a short personal story is a way to let your partner or significant other see the world through your eyes. What you show them is up to you! You could tell the story of the first time you noticed them or your perspective of what it was like to grow up in the same neighborhood

With anecdotes, you can make it as lighthearted or personal as you wish all based on your experience.

9. Romantic Memories

Romantic memories are somewhat similar to anecdotes, except these revolve more around romantic moments with your loved one. This is great if you’re celebrating an anniversary and wish to reflect on a favorite moment, especially if you’ve been together for a while!

10. Add an Inspired Drawing

Images can express when words fail us. Wanna give your letter some additional creative flare but you’re all out of words? Add a drawing! Everyone enjoys a bit of custom art.

It can be anything from a small doodle with a few flowers to a whole page portrait! The only limit is your own imagination. And if you wish to include a bit of artwork with your letter but aren’t the best at drawing, you can always ask for help from local artists!

love letter creative writing

That's All Of Them...

There you have it! 10 ways to help you write the awesome and creative love letters for anyone who is important in your life. These are by no means the only ways to write a love letter, but are great places to draw inspiration from if you’re just starting out.

And if you’re a more experienced procurer of love letters, try combining some of these methods! Surely any loved one would be impressed by an original poem about your honeymoon vacation in Jamaica. You get the idea, now go forth and write!

Share The Love!!! 

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How to Write a Love Letter: Expert Tips, Ideas, and Examples

Hannah Yang headshot

Hannah Yang

how to write a love letter

Love letters are a form of writing that’s as old as the written word. Even in the modern world, many couples still exchange handwritten love letters.

You can use a love letter to confess your feelings to a new crush, to court someone you recently started dating, or to add more romance to a serious relationship.

So, how do you write a love letter that can truly win someone’s heart?

Read on to learn our top tips for how to write an amazing love letter as well as some examples to inspire you.

What Should You Include in a Love Letter?

How to start a love letter, 3 tips for writing a love letter, best love letter ideas and examples, how prowritingaid can help you write a love letter, conclusion on how to write a love letter.

Many people are hesitant to write love letters because they’re not sure what to include.

Luckily, there are many topics you can choose from. Here are three tried-and-true topics you can use in your love letter.

love letter topics

Topic 1: A Shared Memory

You can consider writing about a memory you’ve shared with the person you’re writing to.

Think back to all the romantic moments you’ve experienced with this person.

When was the first time you realized you were attracted to this person? What about the first time you realized how much you were in love with them?

Do you have any funny memories together that might make them smile or laugh? Any sweet stories you think you’ll still remember fondly in 50 years?

Topic 2: Reasons Why You Love This Person

Think about all the reasons you love the person you’re writing to.

Maybe you love the way they sing off-key when they’re doing chores. Or the puns they make every time they get an opportunity. Or the dimples they get in their cheeks when they smile.

Or maybe they’ve changed your life for the better, and nothing’s the same now as it used to be.

Chances are, the person you’re writing to knows you love them, but not necessarily why you love them. Listing the reasons is a surefire way to remind them how much you care.

Topic 3: Plans for the Future

So far, the topics we’ve discussed all have something to do with the past or the present.

Another fantastic option is to look toward the future.

Write about what you hope your relationship with this person will look like in a few years or even when you grow old together.

Do you hope to live in an apartment in a big city, in a large house in the suburbs, or in a cabin in the mountains? Do you hope to achieve your career dreams together? Do you want to have kids or pets?

A shared vision for the future is a strong foundation for a healthy relationship. Tell them about your vision and what you’ll do to make that vision come true.

starting a love letter

You can begin writing your letter with a sweet greeting, such as:

  • To my soul mate
  • To my darling
  • To my best friend
  • Dear [favorite pet name]

After the greeting, you can start writing the body of the letter by stating the reason you’re writing. Is there a special occasion, or did you just want to express your feelings?

You could say something like, “I’m writing this because it’s our first anniversary, and I’m so grateful we’ve had this amazing year together.”

Or you could say, “You’ve been so supportive of me during my big promotion, and I realized that I don’t tell you often enough all the reasons I love you.”

Once you’ve explained your reason for writing the letter, you can dive right into the contents of the letter.

Now that we’ve covered what to include in a love letter, let’s talk about some tips for how to do it well.

Tip 1: Be Specific

One common pitfall when writing a love letter is to write a generic one. If you could give this love letter to any of the people you’ve ever dated and still have it work the same way, then it’s probably not the best love letter.

You don’t want your love letter to just be a longer version of “I love you, baby” or “You’re the best partner ever.”

Make your love letter one that could only work between you and the person you’re writing to.

One way to do this is by referring to special memories and personality traits that are specific to the person you’re writing about. You can also include some inside jokes only your partner would understand.

The more specific your letter is, the more likely your partner is to be touched by the gesture.

Tip 2: Be Appropriate

Make sure your love letter is appropriate for the amount of time you’ve been together and how well you know this person.

If you’ve only been dating someone for a week, for example, you probably shouldn’t write about how many kids you hope to have with them. That’s a red flag that will probably scare them away.

Similarly, if you haven’t used the word “love” with this person before, you might not want to drop it for the first time in a letter, unless there’s a reason you can’t do it in person.

Tip 3: Be Genuine

The most important thing to remember is to write your love letter from the heart.

Don’t write things you think will impress the person you’re writing to, such as flowery quotes you didn’t come up with yourself. Instead, write things in your own voice, even if they sound simpler.

Remember that it’s okay to be vulnerable and share things you’re afraid to say out loud. A love letter is the perfect time to tell the naked truth.

love letter tips

The best way to learn how to write a love letter is by looking at great examples. Here are a few examples of love letters from real people you can use for inspiration.

Example #1: A Letter from Frida Kahlo to Diego Rivera

Nothing compares to your hands, nothing like the green-gold of your eyes. My body is filled with you for days and days. You are the mirror of the night. The violent flash of lightning. The dampness of the earth. The hollow of your armpits is my shelter. My fingers touch your blood.

All my joy is to feel life spring from your flower-fountain that mine keeps to fill all the paths of my nerves which are yours.”

Example #2: A Letter from Johnny Cash to His Wife June

“Happy Birthday Princess,

We get old and get used to each other. We think alike. We read each other’s minds. We know what the other wants without asking. Sometimes we irritate each other a little bit. Maybe sometimes we take each other for granted.

But once in a while, like today, I meditate on it and realize how lucky I am to share my life with the greatest woman I ever met. You still fascinate and inspire me. You influence me for the better. You’re the object of my desire, the #1 Earthly reason for my existence. I love you very much. Happy Birthday Princess.”

Example #3: A Letter from Prince Albert to His Wife Queen Victoria

“Dearest deeply loved Victoria, I need not tell you that since we left, all my thoughts have been with you at Windsor, and that your image fills my whole soul. Even in my dreams I never imagined that I should find so much love on earth. How that moment shines for me still when I was close to you, with your hand in mine. Those days flew by so quickly, but our separation will fly equally so. Ernest [my brother] wishes me to say a thousand nice things to you. With promises of unchanging love and devotion, Your ever true Albert.”

Example #4: A Letter from Vita Sackville-West to Virginia Woolf

“I am reduced to a thing that wants Virginia. I composed a beautiful letter to you in the sleepless nightmare hours of the night, and it has all gone: I just miss you, in a quite simple desperate human way. You, with all your un-dumb letters, would never write so elementary phrase as that; perhaps you wouldn’t even feel it. And yet I believe you’ll be sensible of a little gap. But you’d clothe it in so exquisite a phrase that it would lose a little of its reality. Whereas with me it is quite stark: I miss you even more than I could have believed; and I was prepared to miss you a good deal. So this letter is just really a squeal of pain. It is incredible how essential to me you have become. I suppose you are accustomed to people saying these things. Damn you, spoilt creature; I shan’t make you love me any the more by giving myself away like this—But oh my dear, I can’t be clever and stand-offish with you: I love you too much for that. Too truly. You have no idea how stand-offish I can be with people I don’t love. I have brought it to a fine art. But you have broken down my defences. And I don’t really resent it …”

Example #5: A Letter from Orson Welles to Rita Hayworth

“Dearest Angel Girl:

...I suppose most of us are lonely in this big world, but we must fall tremendously in love to find it out. The cure is the discovery of our need for company—I mean company in the very special sense we’ve come to understand since we happened to each other—you and I. The pleasures of human experience are emptied away without that companionship—now that I’ve known it; without it joy is just as unendurable as sorrow. You are my life—my very life. Never imagine your hope approximates what you are to me. Beautiful, precious little baby—hurry up the sun!—make the days shorter till we meet. I love you, that’s all there is to it.

There’s nothing more unattractive than bad grammar.

Okay, so that’s not entirely true. There are probably some things that are less attractive, like terrible dental hygiene.

Even so, you should avoid writing love letters that are riddled with typos and grammar mistakes.

Image 4

So, before you send your letter, run it through ProWritingAid first. ProWritingAid will highlight any errors and inconsistencies so you can fix them with a single click.

There you have it—our complete guide to writing a personal love letter.

If you’re in a long-term relationship, you can write multiple love letters throughout the years—for example, one on each anniversary or one each time you go on a trip together—to create a treasured collection that can remind you of your relationship when you look back.

Good luck, and happy writing!

love letter creative writing

Be confident about grammar

Check every email, essay, or story for grammar mistakes. Fix them before you press send.

Hannah Yang is a speculative fiction writer who writes about all things strange and surreal. Her work has appeared in Analog Science Fiction, Apex Magazine, The Dark, and elsewhere, and two of her stories have been finalists for the Locus Award. Her favorite hobbies include watercolor painting, playing guitar, and rock climbing. You can follow her work on hannahyang.com, or subscribe to her newsletter for publication updates.

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How to Write the Perfect Love Letter to Your Partner or Crush

We asked romance novelists and authors for their best tips on how to start and end your letter.

how to write a love letter, according to experts

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What to include

Tips for writing a love letter, how to end your love letter.

Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? When you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, do you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible? Does your main squeeze give you the over the fence, out of the park, World Series kind of stuff? If trying to write a love letter has you feeling more lost than literary, you’re definitely not alone. We'd bet money even William Shakespeare himself suffered a little writer’s block when he went to profess his feelings to his own Juliet.

How to start your love letter

We all know how intimidating it can be staring down a blank page, so let us help you out. Start off with a sweet salutation like, "Dear darling," "To my love" or using their special nickname so they know this letter is all about them. Don't be afraid to get mushy to really set the mood. Next, tell them why you're writing a letter instead of just signing a generic card. Maybe it's because you really want to put your feelings into words, you're so full of love that you can't hold back or because you know they're so special that they deserve a personal letter instead of just a card. If you're writing the letter in honor of Valentine's Day , a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion, this intro is a great place to do that. Then in the next paragraph or two, get right to the heart of the matter. The more personal, the better.

Romantic memories

A really effective love note, like any good piece of writing, is all about authenticity and specificity, says Devon Daniels, author of Meet You in the Middle . Instead of rattling off a laundry list of traits that could come off sounding insincere, pick a couple of things you love about them as an individual and really focus on those. For example, you might say, “Your commitment to helping others inspires me to be more giving,” or “I love that you’re never too busy to stop and play with our kids.” Once you focus on one trait, you’ll be surprised at how easily the words flow, Daniels says.

For Gina Hamadey, who wrote her husband a thank-you note each day for a month before writing her new book, I Want to Thank You , getting specific became even more important. She focused on things like how much she loves her husband playing music in the house to set the mood for the day or making really good eggs and coffee. “The most effective love letter is the one that shines a light on the person and all they are doing,” she points out.

What you love about them

While reading others’ steamy missives for inspiration can get your own creative juices flowing, resist the urge to copy the greats. “Don’t try to sound like someone else. You don’t have to be poetic or flowery unless that kind of thing comes naturally,” advises Kristan Higgins, author of Pack Up the Moon . Instead, Higgins suggests thinking about the first time you knew this was your ride-or-die person or the foundational aspects of your relationship. “You might say, ‘I knew you were going to be important because you irritated me and made me laugh the very first time we met,’” she says. Or you might point out how they make you feel safe or listen when you share your struggles.

“I learned that the most romantic and giving and loving letters aren't necessarily the ones that are the most poetic,” says Hamadey. “I think everyone in a relationship wants to be fully appreciated by the other person.” The phrase she used most in her letters was “you take such good care of us.” Sometimes, it’s the simplest truths that make the biggest impact.

Be candid and specific

When writing a love letter, you can’t go wrong by getting really granular about why you’re super into the person. This is no time to hold back. “The more specific you can be, the more romantic it will feel,” says Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of The Ex Talk . Instead of telling someone how much they always make you laugh, take it one step further by calling out a specific joke or instance that still makes you snort-giggle. That way, they'll know the letter is really about you two.

When Hamadey asked her husband Jake how the letters made him feel, he said it was the opposite of the old adage of missing the forest for the trees. “You and I say, ‘I love you’ a lot, and that is the forest, the love we have for each other,’” he told her. “This month refocused us on the nice trees that make up the forest.” When you focus on your own trees, you show the other person exactly how much they mean.

close up of antique love letter on parchment

When in doubt, make a list

Both Daniels and Higgins love listing out the positive qualities that make your relationship really special. Daniels, who’s celebrating her 16th Valentine’s Day with her husband this year, says she might write down “16 things I love about you,” as a fun way to organize your thoughts.

If you haven't been together quite that long, you might list something you love for every month you've been dating, or some other number that's significant to the two of you. Making a list also gives you the opportunity to mix in some silly and serious angles, to balance out the mushy stuff.

Personalize it to your partner

If you know your loved one likes a particular style, consider getting creative with it that way. “The best love letters contain the personality and essence of the writer,” says Uzma Jalaluddin, author of Ayesha at Last , and Hana Khan Carries On . “My husband is not a writer, but he loves rhyming poems. As a result, my love notes are more love poems — of the ‘roses are red’ variety,”

Because this is love we’re talking about, a little spice never hurts. Don’t be afraid to sauce things up, Daniels advises. Even if you’ve never written a steamy scene before, the effort goes a long way. If nothing else, you can laugh about how ridiculous it came across later.

Relax and take your time

Writers know that the best way to beat the ol' creative block is taking the pressure off. Don’t beat yourself up over writing a Pulitzer-worthy masterpiece. Even if you’re the worst writer on the planet, your loved one will appreciate a letter that really comes from your soul. “No matter what, your person will love that you put in the effort,” Higgins says. “That’s what love is, after all. Showing up and giving it your best.”

Nothing will beat closing out your love letter than with the words "I love you." But if you're looking for more creative ideas, end your letter with what you want your future to look like, sum up how the past year (or 10!) has made you feel or pick a phrase you two often say when you're parting from each other in person.

There are also simple closing ideas, such as:

  • Forever and always
  • Eternally yours
  • Yours always
  • With all my love
  • Longing to see you
  • Patiently yours

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BIBLIOLIFESTYLE

Bibliolifestyle, how to write a love letter: tips, examples, and methods.

Learn how to craft the perfect love letter – get practical advice, inspiring examples, and even beautiful quotes.

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How to Write a Love Letter

Crafting a love letter is a deeply personal endeavor that allows you to convey profound emotions to someone you deeply cherish.  Whether you’re addressing a woman, a man, or a nonbinary individual, the essence of a love letter remains unchanged: it is a timeless testament of love and affection.  In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the art of writing a love letter, offering practical advice, inspiring examples, and even suggesting beautiful quotes to help enhance your message.  So whether you seek to express gratitude, proclaim your love, or simply remind them of your affection, a carefully crafted love letter has the power to profoundly touch their heart, and this guide will help you find the perfect words.

Why You Should Write a Love Letter

Before we delve into the practical aspects of writing a letter, let’s take a moment to reflect on why love letters are so important.  For starters, they provide an opportunity to express your deepest feelings for someone in written form.  Plus, a well-crafted love letter is timeless and can be kept for years — it can even become a family heirloom!

Additionally, love letters are inherently personal items.  Whether you choose to mail them or deliver them in person, they offer a tangible representation of your love. When our beloved is far away from us, a letter can be an invaluable source of comfort — it’s like having a piece of them with us at all times.

Writing a love letter also helps to strengthen your relationship.  Not only does it demonstrate that you’re capable of expressing yourself in writing, but it also shows that you’ve taken the time and energy to think about your loved one and put it into words.

Do love letters still work?

Yes, love letters certainly still work and boast a timeless charm.  In our digital age, the act of penning a handwritten letter is an intimate and personal gesture that stands out.  Love letters provide a tangible and enduring token of affection, allowing the recipient to re-read and relive the emotions anytime they wish.  They offer a unique platform to express deep feelings, share memories, and convey intimate thoughts that might be challenging to articulate in day-to-day conversations.  The authenticity, sincerity, and personal touch that a love letter carries undoubtedly, has the power to touch hearts, making it an effective way to express love and affection even today.

love letter ending

Essential Elements of a Love Letter

When composing a love letter, it is important to keep in mind that it should be unique and written from the heart.  Here are some useful tips to help ensure your letter is special and meaningful:

  • Begin with a salutation: Address your loved one in a way that’s personal and endearing.  This could be a pet name or simply their first name.
  • Express your feelings: Write from the heart.  Explain why you’re writing this letter.  Share your feelings genuinely.
  • Recall a romantic memory: Reliving a special moment through your writing can help to evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection.  It could be the moment you first met, a special date, or a simple quiet moment you shared.
  • Compliment your loved one: Compliment your partner on their qualities, appearance, character, or anything that makes them special to you.  Be specific and sincere.
  • Share your hopes for the future: Discuss your hopes and dreams for your relationship.  This could be short-term plans or long-term aspirations.
  • End with a heartfelt closing: Finish your letter with a loving closing that reiterates your feelings.  This could be as simple as “With all my love” or “Yours forever,” followed by your name.

Remember, the key to a great love letter is authenticity.  It’s not about being a fantastic writer or crafting perfect sentences.  It’s about expressing your love and putting your feelings into words.  So be patient with yourself, take your time, and let your heart guide you.

love letter example

How to Write a Love Letter to Your Partner

If you’ve been in a relationship for some time, writing a love letter to your partner can be a beautiful way to express the depth of your feelings.  It’s an opportunity for you to reflect on the experiences and moments that have brought you closer together.  Here are some tips to help you write a love letter to your special someone:

  • Reaffirm your love

Let them know how deeply you care. Remind them of the strength and beauty of the connection you share.

  • Celebrate their greatness

Acknowledge all that your partner does for you, and remind them of why they make such a special person in your life.

  • Write from experience

Use concrete moments to express your admiration and love. This could be a memory from when you first met or moments that have brought you closer together in the past.

  • Express gratitude

Noting all the little things that make them special can help to convey how much they mean to you.

  • Suggest new experiences

You could use this letter as an opportunity to suggest a romantic surprise or an activity that you would like to do together.

Example Love Letters to Your Partner

Now that we’ve gone over the essentials let’s take a look at some examples of letters you can use as inspiration:

LOVE LETTER TO YOUR PARTNER EXAMPLE ONE:

My dearest [name],

I’ve been looking for the words to express my love for you, and here they are.  You’re my everything.  I never knew it was possible to feel so much for another person until I met you.  From the first moment we shared together, I knew our connection was special.  I’m filled with admiration for your strength and courage.  Your compassion and thoughtfulness have made me love you even more deeply.

I look forward to all the memories we will make together in the future.  No journey is too long or too hard when I am with you by my side every step of the way.  Let’s always strive to make our love flourish and grow.

With all my love,

[Your name]

LOVE LETTER TO YOUR PARTNER EXAMPLE TWO:

My beloved [name],

I wanted to take the time to express my gratitude for having you in my life.  You fill me with joy, and I feel so blessed to have found someone like you.  I admire your enthusiasm for life, your passion for learning, and your ability to brighten any room you enter.  Every moment we have spent together has made me love you so much more.

No matter what life brings us, I promise to stay by your side and cheer you on through every chapter of our lives.  I will always be here to listen, laugh with you, and hold your hand.

Yours forever,

letters to lovers

How to Write a Love Letter to Your Crush

If you’re interested in someone and want to express your feelings, writing a love letter can be a great way of showing your admiration and interest.  A romantic note can help convey all the things that you sometimes fail to say.  So here are some tips for writing a love letter to your crush:

  • Tell them how you feel

It’s important to be honest and open about your feelings. Be sure to express yourself sincerely and honestly.

  • Talk about shared experiences

Reminiscing about past moments together can help show your interest in the person and make them aware of the special connection you’ve shared.

  • Compliment them

Noting their qualities, appearance, or character traits can help your crush understand why you are interested in them and how much they mean to you.

  • Make a heartfelt wish

A sweet sentiment for the future can let your crush know that you see potential in this relationship and would like to explore it further.

Example Love Letters to Your Crush

Let’s look at some examples of love letters you can use as inspiration:

LOVE LETTER TO YOUR CRUSH EXAMPLE ONE:

I’ve been wanting to tell you how I feel for a while now, and here it is.  Every time I see you, my heart skips a beat.  The way you laugh, the stories that you share, and the time we’ve spent together have made me realize how much I care for you.

I hope that one day our paths will cross again and we can explore this connection further.  Until then, I will cherish all the memories we have shared and keep my heart open to what might come next.

With love from afar,

LOVE LETTER TO YOUR CRUSH  EXAMPLE TWO:

My sweet [name],

From the first time we met, I was struck by your charm and intelligence.  Every moment we spent together only made me admire you more.  I’m so grateful to have had the chance to get to know you better these past few weeks, and I can’t wait for the next opportunity.

I hope that one day I can share my heart with you, and we can explore all the possibilities of our connection.  Until then, I will keep wishing for us and remembering every moment we spent together.

Yours always,

love letter ideas

Writing Creative Love Letters

If you’re looking for ways to make your love letter stand out, there are many creative techniques that you can use to express yourself in a unique way.  Here are some ideas:

  • Include artwork

Draw or paint a portrait of your crush, the two of you together, or any art that helps express your feelings.

  • Use a special keepsake

Include an item that has meaningful value to the two of you, like a postcard, ticket stubs from a date, or other mementos.

  • Write with colors

Try expressing yourself differently by using colored pens or markers instead of black ink.

  • Consider the use of poetry

Poems are a timeless way to express your feelings and can add an extra layer of sentimentality to your love letter.

  • Incorporate music lyrics

Pick a song that resonates with you and references its lyrics in your letter. This can be powerful and meaningful for both of you.

Examples of Creative Love Letters

Let’s take a look at some examples of creative love letters:

CREATIVE LOVE LETTER EXAMPLE ONE:

My darling [name],

I wanted to find a way to express all the feelings that I have for you, so I combined my two favorite things—music and art.  With these lyrics from one of my favorite songs and this portrait I painted, I hope you can see how much I’ve come to care for you.

Every time I hear [this song,] it reminds me of the nights we have spent together and all the laughter that fills our conversations.  It’s a reminder of all the fond memories that we have created and will continue to share.

With love & music always,

CREATIVE LOVE LETTER EXAMPLE TWO:

I wanted to take the time to express my feelings for you, so I chose this keepsake that has special meaning to both of us.  It’s a reminder of one of our first dates when we went [to a place].  We had such a wonderful time together, and I will never forget the way you looked at me with your beautiful eyes.

I hope that this keepsake helps remind you of the bond we share and how much I care for you.  I can’t wait for all the memories we will make together in the future.

Love always,

love letter to him

Best Quotes for Love Letters

Adding a few meaningful quotes to your letter can help give it an extra special touch.  Here are some of the best quotes to include in your love letters:

  • “Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” – Aristotle
  • “Life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit.” – Kahlil Gibran
  • “Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” – Robert A. Heinlein
  • “The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved—loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.” – Victor Hugo
  • “I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.” – Roy Croft
  • “If I know what love is, it is because of you.” —Herman Hesse
  • “You don’t love someone for their looks, or their clothes, or for their fancy car, but because they sing a song only you can hear.” —Oscar Wilde
  • “Love is like the wind, you can’t see it but you can feel it.” – Nicholas Sparks
  • “To love is nothing. To be loved is something. But to love and be loved, that’s everything.” – T.Tolis
  • “Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery
  • “Love is like a friendship caught on fire. In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning and unquenchable.” – Bruce Lee
  • “In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.” – Maya Angelou
  • “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” – Maya Angelou
  • “To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven.” – Karen Sunde
  • “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” — Helen Keller
  • “Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” — Aristotle

love letter to her

29 Ideas For Your Love Letter

Writing a love letter doesn’t have to be a daunting task—it’s actually the perfect opportunity to get creative with your words and express yourself in an intimate way. Here are some ideas and prompts that can help you craft your own unique masterpiece:

  • Tell your partner why you love them
  • Describe their best qualities
  • Reminisce about some of your favorite memories together
  • Share how you feel when you’re apart from each other
  • Talk about how they make you a better person
  • List the things that make them unique in your eyes
  • Describe the physical and emotional sensations you feel when you’re together
  • Talk about the specific things that make them attractive to you
  • Acknowledge how your relationship has evolved over time
  • Create a list of all the little things that they do for you
  • Talk about what it feels like to be loved by them
  • Express your desire to build a future with them
  • Name all the things that make them special in your life
  • Include poems or quotes that express how you feel
  • Mention how excited you are for all of the new adventures ahead of you two
  • Convey what it was like falling in love with them
  • Talk about all of the things that you admire about them
  • Include a drawing or painting depicting your relationship
  • List all the places and moments in time where you’ve felt the most connected
  • Talk about your hopes, dreams, and aspirations as a couple
  • Describe what it feels like to be in their presence
  • Express your love for them in different languages
  • Share the moments where you’ve felt their unconditional support
  • Talk about how they’ve changed your perspective on life
  • Include pictures of special memories that you’ve shared together
  • Write down all the things that make being in a relationship with them worthwhile
  • Share all of the reasons why you fell in love with them
  • Describe how your partner makes you feel when they kiss and hold you
  • Include a heartfelt wish for the future that you share together

Whether it’s a letter to your partner, crush, or best friend, these ideas can help you express your true feelings in a meaningful way.  Showing someone they are loved and appreciated is one of the most rewarding experiences—so start writing!

love letters

Methods of Writing Your Love Letter

Writing a love letter doesn’t have to be difficult—in fact, it can be quite simple and enjoyable.  Here are some methods for writing your love letter that you should definitely consider:

  • Handwrite it: There’s something special about handwritten letters—they’re more personal and can even become a physical keepsake.
  • Type it: If you’re more comfortable typing your love letter, that’s okay too.  This is a great way to make sure that all of your thoughts and feelings are written down perfectly.
  • Draw it: If you’re feeling creative, try drawing or illustrating your love letter instead of writing it—make sure to include some meaningful symbols or personal touches.
  • Record it: Recording your love letter is a great option for those who are more comfortable speaking than writing.  Plus, you can always listen back to it whenever you’re feeling down or need some extra comfort.
  • Send a video: Instead of just writing your love letter, why not record a video of yourself expressing your feelings?  This will be sure to make your partner feel extra special.

No matter what method you choose, just remember that your love letter should come from the heart and be reflective of your relationship. So go ahead—start writing!

Sending or Delivering Your Love Letter

Once you’ve finished writing your love letter, the next step is to decide how you want to deliver it.  Here are some ideas for sending or delivering your love letter:

  • In-person: Nothing can beat the power of delivering a love letter in person—it’s a great way to make a lasting impression and show just how much you care.
  • Through the mail: Send your letter via postal mail for a classic and romantic touch.  There’s something special about getting a handwritten love letter in the mail!
  • Email or text message: If your partner isn’t nearby, sending an email or text message is a great way to make sure they still receive your heartfelt words of love.
  • Surprise delivery: Have your letter delivered to them unexpectedly—this can make for a fun and exciting surprise that they won’t soon forget!

Be sure to include a few small details in the way you deliver your letter—it will show that you put extra effort and thought into making it special.

love letter

Tips for Writing an Intimate Love Letter

Writing a love letter is a beautiful way to express your deepest feelings and emotions.  Here are some tips that can help make your love letter even more meaningful and intimate:

  • Take your time

Love letters are meant to be cherished, so take the time to write in a way that is special and unique to your relationship.

  • Be yourself

Don’t be afraid to show off your personality—this is a great opportunity for you to express who you really are.

  • Include details

Instead of just saying how much you love your partner, focus on the specifics.  Talk about why you find them so attractive, or express all the things that make them unique in your eyes.

  • Show vulnerability

Open up and share some of your deepest thoughts and feelings—this will add an extra layer of intimacy to your letter.

You want your letter to be perfect, so make sure to proofread and double-check for any typos or grammar mistakes.

Writing a love letter can be overwhelming at first, but with these tips, you’ll be able to express yourself in a beautiful way that your partner will cherish forever.  So don’t hesitate—start writing!

love letter writing

Frequently Asked Questions about Writing Love Letters

How do you start a love letter.

Starting a love letter begins with setting the right tone.  Address the recipient with an affectionate term that resonates with your relationship, such as “Dear [Their Name]” or a pet name that is unique to your bond.  Following your greeting, it’s usually effective to start with a heartfelt sentiment that expresses your feelings toward them.  This could be as simple as “I miss you,” or more profound like “Every day I spend without you seems incomplete.”  You can also start by recalling a special memory that you both share or express your appreciation for their presence in your life.  The key is to be sincere, personal, and genuine right from the start.

How do you write a letter expressing your feelings?

Writing a letter expressing your feelings involves being honest, vulnerable, and genuine.  Begin by setting a calm and peaceful ambiance to put your thoughts in order.  Start the letter with a warm greeting and lead into your feelings by recalling a shared memory or talking about something unique to the recipient that makes you feel this way.  Be specific about what you feel and why.  For instance, instead of simply stating “I love you,” elaborate on the reasons why you love them, the qualities that draw you to them, or how they make you feel on a daily basis.  Embrace vulnerability by sharing your aspirations, fears, and hopes related to the person.  To conclude, reaffirm your feelings and express your hope for the future.  Make sure to proofread the letter for clarity and coherence.  The key is to allow your emotions to flow naturally, translating them into sincere and heartfelt words.

What to write to someone you love?

Writing to someone you love involves expressing your heartfelt emotions and affectionate feelings towards them.  Begin by telling them how much they mean to you and how their presence positively impacts your life.  Elaborate on specific instances that highlight their love, care, and support.  Tell them about the special moments that you’ve shared and how much you cherish those memories.  Mention their unique qualities and traits that you adore, demonstrating your deep understanding and appreciation of who they are.  Avoid cliches and be genuine, because nothing beats sincere expressions of love.  If you have future plans or dreams involving them, do share.  Lastly, you could include a favorite quote or lyric that encapsulates your feelings towards them.  Remember, writing to someone you love is all about expressing your feelings in a way that reflects your shared bond, your understanding of them, and your hopes for the future together.

How do I write a perfect love letter?

Writing the perfect love letter begins with understanding that the concept of “perfect” can vary based on individual relationships and feelings.  However, here are some general tips that can guide you:

  • Find the Right Mood: Set the appropriate ambiance to let your thoughts flow.  A quiet place, soothing music, or a comforting drink might help.
  • Start with a Personal Greeting: Use a term of endearment that is special to your relationship.  Make the recipient feel special right from the beginning.
  • Express Your Feelings Clearly: Be explicit about your emotions.  Use specific examples to describe why you love them and how they make you feel.
  • Share Memories: Bring up fond memories that you’ve shared.  This personal touch can evoke strong emotions and show the recipient how much they mean to you.
  • Be Vulnerable: Let your guard down and open up about your fears, aspirations, and dreams involving them.  This vulnerability can enhance the intimacy of the letter.
  • Plan the Future: Talk about your hopes and dreams for your relationship.  This can make the recipient feel secure and loved.
  • End with a Powerful Statement: Reinforce your feelings for them with a heartfelt closing statement.
  • Proofread: Review your letter for any grammatical errors or awkward phrases.

Remember, the “perfect” love letter is one that sincerely expresses your unique feelings and experiences.  It’s not about grand gestures or poetic language; it’s about being genuine, heartfelt, and thoughtful.

What not to write in a love letter?

When writing a love letter, it’s important to be mindful of what you write.  Avoid making accusations or pointing out flaws—this can come off as judgmental and hurt the receiver’s feelings.  Refrain from expressing opinions related to their physical appearance, career decisions, lifestyle choices, or other sensitive matters that could cause conflict.  Similarly, avoid making promises that are difficult to keep.  Moreover, don’t be overbearing or desperate—expressing your love should come from an authentic place and not out of neediness.  Remember, a love letter is all about making the recipient feel special and appreciated.  So, focus on writing genuine compliments that make them feel good about themselves rather than anything else.

Have you written a love letter before, or do you plan on writing one?

Do you know what you’re going to write in your love letter?  How do you write a meaningful love letter?  How do you express your love?  Let us talk about it in the comments below!

  • 39 Meaningful Ways to Say “I Appreciate You”
  • The Art of Letter Writing: How to Craft the Perfect Message

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Love Letter Ideas: Creative Ways to Woo Your Crush

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on April 18, 2023

Categories Writing , Inspiration

In today’s fast-paced world, love letters might seem like a thing of the past. However, they can still hold a unique charm and warmth that no email or text message can replicate. In this article, we’ll explore some creative ideas to help you craft the perfect love letter for that special someone in your life.

First and foremost, it’s important to remember that the best love letters come from the heart. Authenticity and vulnerability are vital to making your words resonate with your reader. While we’ll suggest some ideas to help you get started, remember that the most important thing is to let your feelings and experiences guide your writing.

A great place to start is by sharing a memorable moment or experience you’ve shared, as these can evoke emotions and make your letter more personal. Focusing on specific moments can help paint a vivid picture in the reader’s mind and show how much you value your time spent together.

33 Love Letter Ideas

  • Poetic declarations of love
  • A story of when you first met
  • Recalling your favorite shared experiences
  • Describing your partner’s physical features
  • Expressing gratitude for their support
  • Listing the quirks that you adore
  • Personalized love coupons
  • A letter full of hand-drawn illustrations
  • Comparing your love to famous couples
  • A series of love quotes and song lyrics
  • A playful scavenger hunt
  • Sharing dreams of your future
  • Handwritten words in a unique calligraphy
  • Complimenting their skills and talents
  • A mix of sweet and funny memories
  • A photo collage of special moments
  • A list of reasons why you admire them
  • Confessing your insecurities and fears
  • Expressing love through a custom crossword puzzle
  • Scripting a romantic scene with both of you as characters
  • Describing the feelings they evoke in you
  • A letter that incorporates their love language
  • A vintage-inspired love letter with a wax seal and pressed flowers
  • A timeline of your relationship
  • A letter about how they have made you a better person
  • A playful letter from your pet’s point of view
  • Comparing your partner to your favorite literary characters
  • Jotting down your favorite inside jokes
  • Writing a fictionalized romantic encounter
  • An acrostic poem using their name
  • A love letter focused on how you’ve grown together as a couple
  • Memories of magical moments, from vacations to small gestures
  • A heartfelt letter where you imagine your life without them

Why Write a Love Letter

We believe that writing a love letter is a beautiful way to express our deepest feelings for someone. In this age of digital communication, there’s something special about taking the time to put pen to paper and create a tangible expression of love.

When we write a love letter, we’re opening our hearts, sharing a piece of ourselves, and creating a keepsake for our loved ones. As you’ll discover through the ideas we share, it doesn’t have to be overly complicated or lengthy.

A well-written love letter can strengthen our connection with our significant other, letting them know how much they mean to us. It offers the chance to say things we might have difficulty expressing verbally or face to face. Plus, writing letters can be a therapeutic exercise for ourselves, aiding emotional growth and enhancing self-awareness.

Throughout history, love letters have been cherished as symbols of devotion and passion. They possess a timeless quality that can be revisited again and again. Dive into the following sections to discover a wealth of ideas on crafting your love letter masterpiece.

Love Letter Elements

Writing a love letter can be daunting, but with a few key elements in mind, we can craft the perfect message to express our feelings. In this section, we’ll go over some essential components to include in your love letters, such as opening lines, body content, and closing lines.

Opening Lines

The opening lines of our love letter should set the tone and capture the attention of our loved ones. It’s crucial to personalize the greeting and make it feel genuine. Here are a few ideas for opening lines:

  • “To my dearest [name],”
  • “My love, [name],”
  • “[Name], from the moment I met you…”
  • “To the one who holds my heart, [name],”

Opening lines should be sincere and heartfelt, setting the stage for the emotions we want to convey in the rest of the letter.

Body Content

The body of our love letter should express our feelings and emotions for our loved ones. It’s essential to be genuine and share specific memories, traits, or moments that make our loved ones special to us. Here are a few suggestions for the body content:

  • Share a memory or moment when your loved one made a difference.
  • Describe specific qualities we adore about our loved one.
  • Explain their emotional impact on us and how they’ve changed us for the better.
  • Include a poem, quote, or song lyric that reminds us of our loved one.

Remember, the goal is to communicate our genuine emotions and make our loved ones feel special and appreciated.

Closing Lines

Finally, concluding our love letter with a meaningful and heartfelt closing line is essential. This should leave a lasting impression and wrap up our emotions. Here are a few ideas for closing lines:

  • “Forever and always, [your name].”
  • “With all my love, [your name].”
  • “Yours truly, [your name].”
  • “Until we see each other again, with love, [your name].”

Ending our love letter on a strong note will leave a lasting memory for our loved ones and complete our romantic message.

Personalizing Your Love Letter

Writing a personal love letter can be heartwarming and meaningful to express our feelings to the one we love. To make it even more special, we’ve put together a couple of sub-sections to focus on when crafting your letter.

Using a Unique Writing Style

One way to personalize our love letter is to use our unique writing style. Writing in an authentic tone is essential, as it will convey our genuine emotions and make the letter more sincere. For instance, we could write a poem, pen a heartfelt story, or even create a song. Let’s not be afraid to explore different formats or styles as long as they represent who we are.

Incorporating Shared Experiences

Another approach to personalize our love letter is to reminisce about shared experiences. It’s a great way to remind our loved ones of the memories we’ve created together and the special bond we share. Here are a few prompts to consider when reflecting on these moments:

  • When and how did we first meet?
  • What was our most memorable date or trip?
  • Which little gestures or moments make our relationship unique?
  • How have we supported each other through difficult times?

Incorporating these experiences into our love letter will make it more personal and strengthen our emotional connection with our loved ones.

Creative Ideas

We have some fantastic suggestions to help make your love letter stand out. Plus, we’re giving you the inside scoop on how to deliver your heart-melting message in a clever, memorable way.

Love Letter Formats

Instead of traditional pen and paper, let’s explore some inspiring formats:

  • Write a poem or song that expresses your feelings, accompanied by a beautiful calligraphic or typographic design.
  • Use a digital approach by creating your handwritten message as an image, then share it via social media or email.
  • Make a video of yourself reciting or reading the love letter out loud to create a more personal connection.
  • Turn your love letter into a treasure hunt by leaving clues or riddles for your significant other to follow, using various small notes and leading them to the final grand love letter.

Delivering Your Love Letter

Beyond just the words, the way you deliver your love letter can add a touch of magic:

With these creative ideas, you’re ready to make an impression and show your love uniquely, heartfeltly. Good luck!

22 Keys To Writing Love Letters For Her

Are you looking for a unique way to express your love to your significant other? Writing love letters can be a creative way to let her know how you feel about her and the relationship you two share. While you can always say what you need to say in person, sometimes writing down your feelings can allow you to be more vulnerable and thoughtful. Words can be forgotten, but love letters can be held onto for a lifetime and re-read whenever she needs a reminder of your admiration. Whether you write a long, multi-page letter or just a quick note, it can be important to put some thought into what you say and how you say it. In this article, we’ll be giving you 22 tips for writing love letters to help you craft something meaningful for her.

Start With A Few Basic Decisions

If you want to create a thoughtful love letter for your significant other, it can be crucial to think through some considerations before you begin writing. Think about the following as you choose which route to take with your letter.

1. Is A Love Letter Appropriate?

If you’re writing a romantic letter to someone, it’s likely that you’re in a relationship with them. Love letters can be a touching sentiment, but it can be crucial to assess your relationship with the other person before deciding to give them a letter. For example, have you two just started dating? Have you been a couple for only a few days? While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to relationships, you still want to ensure that she is comfortable with you. If writing a love letter doesn’t seem appropriate for the stage that you’re at with her, consider saving it for a different time. 

2. What Is The Purpose Of The Letter?

Think about why you're sending the love letter to her. What do you hope to accomplish with it? Your attitude and thus your writing style can automatically adapt to your intentions when you hold them clearly in your mind. You might want to write the letter for one or more of the following reasons.

  • To express your love for her
  • To help her feel loved and special
  • To correct a false impression that you think she has about you
  • To reveal a different side of yourself to her
  • To make her smile
  • As a gift on a special occasion
  • To supplement an in-person apology after a conflict

3. What Tone Will You Take?

The tone of the love letter refers to the attitude you express through your writing. So, what attitude do you want to come across as she reads your letter? Is this going to be a romantic love letter? Or would you like to keep it lighter and more humorous? Maybe clarity is most important to you, so you take on a serious tone.

Choose your tone with the purpose of the love letter in mind. Then, settle into that attitude as you prepare to write down your thoughts. For example, if you want to be romantic in the letter, it can be important to be in a romantic headspace as you're creating it. If you try to write a humorous love letter when you're unhappy, it can come off as cynical and sarcastic. Do what you can to get yourself into the attitude you want to express. When you do, the syntax, diction, perspective, and level of formality you want may naturally arise in your writing.

4. How Long Do You Want To Make It?

Start out knowing how long you want your love letter to be. One page can be an appropriate length because it gives you enough space to say something significant without rambling. Sometimes, you might choose to write a shorter love note that's only a few sentences. The more you write love letters, the shorter they may be.

If you feel the letter is your one chance to say everything you want to say to your love, the letter could be many pages long. No matter how long you choose to make your letter, it can be essential to make sure it’s organized and structured in a way that makes sense. Otherwise, its impact could be affected.

5. Choose Your Medium

Decide what form you want the physical letter to take. Here are some options:

  • A handwritten letter on paper
  • A digital document
  • A letter typed on a typewriter
  • A video with a script written by you

6. How Will You Send It?

You can send the letter through the mail, by email, or even as an electronic message. You can also get creative and send it through other ways. For example, you could hand deliver it to her house yourself and leave it at her door or on her car’s windshield where she can’t miss it. 

Have A Brainstorming Session

Now that you have the technical decisions out of the way, it's time to get to the heart of the letter. Have a brainstorming session in which you start with a whiteboard or a large piece of paper and something to write with. As you think of your beloved, write down everything that comes to mind. Try not to judge anything; rather, write it all down, knowing you can come back to it later.

7. Recall Happy Moments With Her

When are some moments when you were happy together? Remember even the smallest details of the day, event, or situation and jot them down. Think of how she felt during that time and how you felt about being with her. 

8. Think About Her Positive Qualities

Now, focus on her and think about her characteristics. Consider what you admire about her and what you enjoy about the person she is. It can be easy to get sidetracked if phrases come to mind that are commonly said in love letters. If you notice you’re not writing down any characteristics that are unique to her alone, look at her photo or imagine what she looks like. Then, think of words that describe her and jog your memory to remember situations in which she displayed those characteristics. 

9. Consider What She Enjoys

Think of things your significant other enjoys. When you bring up activities, events, objects, and people that make her happy, you can show her that you're paying attention to what she says. You convey that you notice her happy expressions and her willingness to seek out these things and people. A love letter that highlights what she enjoys can illustrate how you "get" who she is and what excites her.

10. Find What Makes Her Unique

If you're writing someone a love letter, you probably find her different than other people you've known. These differences are likely what makes her so special to you. Think about what it is specifically that sets her apart from the crowd. Brainstorm her unique qualities, interests, words, and behaviors, and add these things to your notes.

11. Think Of Quotes You Might Use

Now, search your mind for things she's said to you. For instance, you might want to think about something she's said and let her know her words rang true for you. There may be inside jokes you want to bring up to spark a little laughter. You can also use quotes from poets, celebrities, and other sources to express something you want to say. If you know the quote but not who said it, you can research it later to mention the author. For now, take note of what you do remember.

Do Some Preliminary Writing Work

After you've finished your brainstorming session and have plenty of material to use, circle or underline the items that serve your purpose and express your love. At this point, you're ready to do your pre-writing.

12. Create An Outline

Make a brief outline of what you want to say. It doesn't have to be a formal or lengthy outline. You can simply put a word or phrase that helps you remember what you're going to include in that section of the letter. 

13. Write A Rough Draft

With your outline in front of you, write a rough draft of the love letter. In a rough draft, you don't need to worry too much about wording, spelling, or grammar. If you come up with an effective way to say what you want to say, go ahead and include that. Don't be concerned if the page isn't perfect; you're going to rewrite it anyway.

Compose The Love Letter

Writing the letter is your next task. You likely know what you want to say by now, but you might need to reword or add something to really get your message across. You also might decide to take something out if it doesn't fit with the rest of the letter. Here are some things to remember as you write.

14. Be Yourself

It can be difficult to express yourself effectively if you’re pretending to be someone other than who you are . Write as naturally as you can, in your normal conversational style. It's okay to put your best foot forward as long as it's your foot and not someone else's. You can show her a different side of yourself, a part of you that's gentler, more expressive, or direct. As long as your words come from some part of who you are, you'll likely sound authentic.

15. Remember, It's For Her, Not You

Love Letters to the Dead, a novel written by Ava Dellaira, tells the story of a girl who writes letters to Kurt Cobain after his death. Her goal is to learn to deal with her own grief. Many people who write love letters do so to satisfy their own needs. However, this letter is for her. Keep her needs in mind rather than your own. Additionally, don’t fall into the trap of trying to sell yourself. While it can be important to show her who you are, try not to lose track of your purpose in writing her a love letter. 

16. Don't Pressure Her

Unhelpful, unproductive love letters put pressure on the reader to do something they really don't want to do. They might push sex, commitment, change, or some other agenda of the writer. These are the kinds of subjects that may only push her away. Instead, give your loving words to her freely, without expecting anything in return.

17. Progress From Writing To Polishing

After you've composed the letter in its entirety, it’s time to ensure all the technical details are correct. Check spelling, grammar, and sentence structure . There are online programs that can check these things for you, or you could ask a trusted friend to read it over and provide edits. As long as they are only editing the technical aspects of the letter and not the message itself, it can be appropriate to include another person in the process. Make any corrections you need to by using the resources and tools at your disposal. 

18. Read It Aloud

Your final check is to read it aloud to yourself. Professional writers often do this to make sure their words run smoothly according to their intended purpose. As you read, you may find that you need to make corrections again.

19. Put It Into Its Final Form

The last thing to do before sending your letter on its way is to work on its physical presentation. That may mean putting it on paper, cleaning up your digital document, or whatever else it might take to get it into the form that you want her to see it in.

20. Send It With Confidence

If you've done this much work writing a letter that you feel happy to send, don't let doubts trouble you. Go ahead and send it, hoping for the best. While she could turn down your affection, she might love the letter so much that she keeps it for the rest of her life. How she responds to the letter is her choice and is something you cannot control. 

21. Wait Patiently

It can be difficult to wait for an answer when you aren't sure of what her response will be. Yet, you can have peace knowing that you've been kind, considerate, appropriate, and thoughtful. Once you've done the best you can do, rest in the assurance that no matter what her response is, you’ve created something meaningful. That remains the same no matter how she takes it.

22. Move Beyond The Love Letter

Once your love reads the letter and responds to it, you may either find yourself elated or disappointed, depending on her response. If she’s happy with the letter, you can use this momentum to develop your relationship and make it stronger. If she expresses a different response than you expected, you can use it as an opportunity to grow and learn. 

Perhaps you wrote the letter with the purpose of healing your relationship, but it didn’t have that intended effect. In this case, there's a chance that the two of you may need more help to overcome your problems. If so, you can work together with a professional to move forward.

Online Counseling With Regain

Writing love letters can be appropriate whether you’re simply expressing your love or trying to repair your relationship. If you’ve written one hoping it would mend the problems with your significant other, but the outcome wasn’t what you expected, therapy could be a more effective tool to utilize. Regain is an online platform that provides couples counseling from anywhere you have an internet connection. If you and your partner are struggling to communicate and even love letters can’t help, it’s possible that talking through these issues in counseling could be just what your relationship needs. Online counseling can remove many of the obstacles couples face when seeking care. You may not have to worry about things like lack of transportation, high costs, and time constraints when you choose an online option for support. Reach out whenever you and your partner feel ready to get started. 

The Effectiveness Of Online Counseling 

Individuals who lack the ability to communicate productively with others may face problems in their personal and professional lives. Research has shown that online counseling can help people develop effective communication skills . In one study, researchers created a virtual program for nurses that included authentic clinical scenarios and simulated patient interactions; this program was meant to help them develop strong communication skills before their clinical postings with real doctors, patients, and families. Researchers found that the program enhanced the participants’ perceived self-efficacy and confidence in developing and maintaining the communication skills needed in their careers. Naturally, these results could also carry over into their personal lives.

The Takeaway

Love letters can be a powerful way to express your feelings for your significant other. Whether you write her love letters regularly or every once in a while, it can provide a reminder of your affection and a thoughtful touch to your relationship. Crafting romantic letters doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but anyone can learn how to communicate their feelings through words. If you need help in this area or in some other aspect of your relationship, consider connecting with an online therapist. A Regain therapist can equip you with skills you can use to create a healthy and fulfilling relationship. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I write a perfect love letter?

When writing  love letters or love messages, you may start with a beginning line such as "I want to express my love for you," "To my true love," "I want to express my love today," or "To the one, I'm madly in love with, or "I am madly in love with you, and I want you to know how much you mean to me." Once you have gotten the opening out of the way, try to get more specific. Rather than using clichés or generic statements such as "you are my true love," "sending you lots of love," or "I love you a lot" alone, let the person know exactly what you love and appreciate about them. Name particular traits about them that you admire and adore to help your letter stand out.

How can I melt my girlfriend's heart with words?

Love quotes can be an effective way to melt your girlfriend's heart with words. There are lots of love quotes out there, but here are some popular ones you can choose from:

"If I know what love is, it is because of you." - Hermann Hesse

"I swear I couldn't love you more than I do right now, and yet, I know I will tomorrow." - Leo Christopher

"To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides." - David Viscott

"True love is eternal, infinite, and always like itself. It is equal and pure, without violent demonstrations: It is seen with white hairs and is always young in the heart." - Honore de Balzac

"I never want to stop making memories with you." - Pierre Jeanty

"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." - Dr. Seuss

"Two things you will never have to chase: True friends and true love." - Mandy Hale

"Life is the flower for which love is the honey." - Victor Hugo

"In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine." - Maya Angelou

"True love cannot be found where it does not exist, nor can it be denied where it does." - Torquato Tasso

If you don't use the love quotes above directly, you might use them to gain inspiration instead. You could also use love songs and poems to find inspiration for what you’d like to say. The right fit for you can depend on your relationship, your partner, how long you've been together, and other factors.

How do I write a heartfelt letter to my girlfriend?

When writing a heartfelt letter, one of the most important things you can do is to be specific about what you appreciate about your partner. Do you love their laugh? What about their positive attitude? Even more, what do you admire about them? These can all be relevant points to include. Affection can be a vital element of a healthy, happy relationship. If there's a quote, lyric, or line from a movie that makes you think of them, you might include that to emphasize the sentiment and tie it all together. Further, you may find inspiration from these things and use them to write something unique and meaningful in your letter to your girlfriend. 

How can I impress a girl with a letter?

To impress a girl with a letter, use the following tips:

  • Write it from the heart.
  • Let them know what sets them apart from the rest.
  • Consider using spell check to vet any potential spelling errors.

You may also include love poems, love quotes, a photo, a drawing, or a line from a love song to make it special. Try to cater your work to the girl as a unique individual. Avoid writing something that could apply to just anyone; let them know that you love their intellect, that the way they light up when talking about their passions makes you smile, or that you admire their character, for example. 

How can I impress her?

Here are some ways to show your significant other love and impress her in the process:

  • If she mentions that she wants something, whether that's a particular kind of candy, a game, or a piece of jewelry, remember what the exact item is and pick it up for her at the store (if it’s within your budget). This counts for more than the fact that you gave her a gift; it is the fact that you listened attentively and remembered what she said.
  • Surprise her by planning a date or a fun day or night with her in mind. For example, you might prepare a candlelit dinner and surprise her with it, or you may ask if she's free on an upcoming date and surprise her by taking her somewhere she's been wanting to go. People often love it when their partner plans a date or outing with them in mind; it can show that you love her and make her feel special.
  • Write her love messages, love cards, love poems, or a love letter that explains what you appreciate about who she is. Love cards can be fun to come home to, so don't be afraid to get her one out of the blue to say, "I love you a lot."

How do I win her heart?

If you're interested in a girl, try to strike up a conversation with her. Get to know her by asking her questions and showing that you're interested in what she has to say. Ask about her life, interests, and passions. Be mindful of the fact that you can't control whether you win someone's heart or not. Love is complicated at times, and it's rarely anything personal when feelings are unrequited. One of the most effective ways to win someone's heart is to be genuine and show that you care. So, put your best foot forward, be kind, and never try to push someone to feel something they don't. If it's meant to be, it will happen.

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Letter Wave

What to Write in Love Letters: Crafting a Heartfelt Message

Writing heartfelt love letters can be a beautiful and genuine way to express your feelings toward that special someone in your life. Not only does it showcase your emotions and vulnerability, but it also allows you to demonstrate your creativity and thoughtfulness. In this guide, we will walk you through what to write in love letters , creating a powerful and personal message that will capture your loved one’s heart.

First and foremost, it’s important to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to crafting the perfect love letter. Your unique relationship, history, and shared experiences will have a central role in shaping the content of your message. To get started, focus on the qualities you admire about your partner, memorable moments, and the deep connection you share.

As you embark on your journey to compose a heartfelt love letter, keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be a literary masterpiece. The key is to be genuine and sincere, conveying your emotions in a way that leaves a lasting impression on your loved one. Let your feelings flow, and don’t forget to be vulnerable and authentic, allowing your love letter to truly capture the essence of your relationship.

The Power of Written Love

Writing a love letter might seem like a lost art in today’s world, but it’s a powerful way to express your feelings and strengthen your bond with your partner. Here are some key points about why love letters carry such power:

Personal touch : In the era of instant communication, taking the time to sit down and write a heartfelt, handwritten love letter shows a level of commitment and dedication that’s hard to replicate. It tells your partner that they are worth the effort and sincerity, setting the stage for a deeper connection.

Permanence : Love letters can be cherished for years, even generations. Your words become a tangible reminder of your feelings, and can be revisited during times when your loved one needs reassurance or a reminder of your devotion. Digital messages are often fleeting and easily deleted, but a love letter can be a durable testament to your relationship.

Emotional depth : Many people find it easier to express their thoughts and emotions through writing. A love letter allows you to reflect on your feelings, choose the right words, and convey your emotions more deeply than you might in a casual conversation. This introspection can lead to a greater understanding of your own feelings and allow you to share them more effectively.

To create a meaningful love letter, consider these tips:

  • Be sincere: Write from the heart and don’t hold back. Let your true feelings come through in your words.
  • Use specifics: Mention memories, details, and traits that are special to your relationship. This personalization will show your partner that you pay attention and value your time together.
  • Be romantic: It’s okay to be a little cheesy or poetic. Use evocative language to paint a picture of your love and make your partner feel cherished.
  • Plan it out: Take the time to think about what you want to say before you start writing. This way, you’ll be more likely to be clear and concise, helping your message come across more effectively.
  • Simple and clear: Keep your language simple, and avoid complex sentences. This will ensure that your message is easily understood by your partner.

Incorporate these elements, and you’ll be well on your way to crafting a powerful written token of love that will be cherished for years to come. Embrace the power of written love, and let your words deepen the emotional connection between you and your partner.

Setting the Scene: Craft the Perfect Atmosphere

Creating the right atmosphere for your love letter is essential in making it memorable and heartfelt. Begin by selecting the perfect stationery . Choose a high-quality paper that reflects your feelings and adds a touch of elegance. Options include:

  • Traditional, handmade paper
  • Personalized stationery
  • Scented paper to evoke emotions and memories

Next, choose a writing instrument that’s comfortable and adds a personal touch. For an old-fashioned look, you may want to consider using:

  • Fountain pens, offering unique line variation
  • Quill pens, adding historic flair to your letter
  • Calligraphy pens, giving your letter a sophisticated appearance

Select a theme or mood for your letter. This could be based on your partner’s interests, your relationship, or a shared memory. Some common themes are:

  • Adventurous

Now, find a cozy, quiet spot to compose your letter. This environment should be inviting and free of distractions, allowing you to focus on your thoughts and emotions.

As you begin writing, take your time . Don’t rush the process, and give yourself the space to create with intention. Remember to consider:

  • Your recipient’s perspective
  • The tone you want to convey
  • The feelings you want to evoke

To set the scene in your letter effectively, be descriptive . Engage your reader’s senses – describe the sights, sounds, and smells that trigger memories or emotions. For example, you might reminisce about the scent of your partner’s perfume, the sound of their laughter, or the feeling of their hand in yours.

Incorporate personal details so that your letter feels uniquely tailored to your relationship. Share an inside joke or memory that only the two of you share. This personal touch will help make your love letter feel special and authentic.

Lastly, don’t forget to proofread your letter. Ensuring your writing is free of spelling and grammatical errors shows the effort you’ve put into crafting the perfect love letter. Take the time to read your letter out loud – this can help identify any mistakes or awkward phrasings that may require revision.

By setting the scene and crafting the perfect atmosphere, your love letter will provide an unforgettable experience for your partner, leaving a lasting impression and deepening your connection.

Memories Together: Bring Up the Past

Reflecting on your shared memories is a wonderful way to bring depth and warmth to your love letter. When you recount the special moments you’ve shared, it not only shows your appreciation for your time together but also helps deepen the emotional connection between you and your partner. It’s important to be specific and genuine when reminiscing about your past experiences. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Memorable Dates: Recall particular dates that stand out in your relationship. These could be your first date, an unforgettable vacation, or a simple yet meaningful evening spent together. Describe what made these moments special, and emphasize how they’ve brought you closer.

  • Your first date: Where did you go? What did you do? What made it memorable?
  • A romantic trip: What made that destination unique? How did it deepen your bond?
  • An ordinary evening turning extraordinary: Was there a significant conversation or a shared experience that left an impact?

Overcoming Challenges Together: Life is full of ups and downs, and facing obstacles together is a testament to the strength of your relationship. Reflect on the hard times and how you’ve grown closer as a result.

  • Working through a disagreement: How did you both find a resolution? What did you learn about each other during the process?
  • Being there for each other during difficult times: How has your partner shown support? How has your relationship become stronger in the face of adversity?

Shared Accomplishments: Look back on your collective achievements, whether big or small. Celebrate moments when you’ve reached goals or milestones together.

  • Active participation in a shared hobby or interest: Running a marathon together, collaborating on a creative project, or sampling various cuisines from around the world
  • Overcoming personal challenges with your partner’s support: Achieving a fitness goal or overcoming a fear, like public speaking or trying something new

Growth in Your Relationship: Contemplate how far you’ve come since the beginning of your relationship. Consider the qualities and virtues that have developed within you as a result of being together.

  • Emotional growth: How has your partner helped you become more compassionate, understanding, or patient?
  • Personal growth: How has your relationship encouraged you to step out of your comfort zone and try new things?

As you write your love letter, allow yourself to relive these cherished memories and express your gratitude for your partner’s role in creating them. This sentiment will resonate deeply with your loved one, making your love letter even more cherished and unforgettable.

Appreciation: Express Your Gratitude

Taking the time to express your gratitude in a love letter shows your significant other just how much they mean to you. It’s important to think about the qualities and actions of your partner that you truly admire . Consider the little things they do as well as significant moments that have brought happiness to your life. Let’s explore different ways to express your appreciation in a love letter:

  • Begin by mentioning one of their qualities that you are most grateful for. For example, you might say, “Your kindness and compassion have made such a difference in my life”.
  • Next, think about specific moments or memories where your partner demonstrated this quality. This will make your appreciation more concrete and personal. You could mention, “I was really touched when you surprised me with breakfast in bed last month” or “Your support when I was going through a difficult time at work truly meant the world to me”.
  • Acknowledge the effort they put into the relationship, whether it’s planning dates or doing everyday tasks that make your life easier. A statement like, “I appreciate the effort and thought you put into our relationship every day” shows that you recognize and value their contributions.
  • Include a few examples of how your partner has positively impacted your life. It could be something as simple as inspiring you to start a new hobby or helping you grow personally or professionally. Sharing this information not only highlights their influence on you but also strengthens your bond.

Here are some phrases and sentences you can use to convey your appreciation in your love letter:

  • “Your unwavering support has given me the confidence to face challenges head-on.”
  • “You make me a better person simply by being who you are.”
  • “*I am beyond grateful for your constant love, understanding, and patience.”
  • “Your laughter is infectious, and it always brings a smile to my face.”
  • “I treasure the memories we’ve shared and the growth we’ve experienced together.”

Remember, every love letter is unique because it reflects the dynamics and emotions of your relationship. Don’t be afraid to get creative and adapt these suggestions to fit your specific situation. The most important thing is to be heartfelt and genuine when expressing your appreciation for your partner.

Sincere Compliments: Let Your Love Shine

Nothing conveys love like genuine, heartfelt compliments in your love letters. Remember that it’s important to be sincere and avoid turning your compliments into cliches. Be specific and honest, focusing on the qualities that draw you to your loved one. Here are a few tips on giving sincere compliments in your love letter:

  • Be personal : Think about the unique qualities of your loved one, and compliment them on those specific attributes. Instead of saying “You’re beautiful,” try something like “Your eyes sparkle whenever you laugh, and I love that.”
  • Keep it genuine : When it comes to compliments, less is more. Overdoing it can make your words feel insincere. Instead, focus on a few well-chosen and heartfelt compliments that resonate with your feelings.
  • Include shared moments : When possible, tie your compliments to your shared experiences, as this will not only be more meaningful, but it also can act as a subtle reminder of the special moments you’ve shared.

Here are some examples of genuine compliments that you may consider incorporating in your love letter:

  • Your kindness is truly inspiring, especially when I think about the time you went above and beyond to support your friend through a difficult situation
  • I admire your drive and determination in pursuing your goals –

The Future: Paint Your Dreams Together

Imagine the excitement of sharing your dreams for the future with your significant other. Writing about your aspirations in love letters not only gives you both a chance to envision a life together, but also helps strengthen your bond. In this section, you’ll learn how to include your dreams, goals, and plans for your relationship in your love letters.

One approach to take when expressing your dreams is to be specific . Rather than just saying you want to grow old together, paint a picture of what that looks like. Here are some examples:

  • Describing the places you’d love to visit together.
  • Discussing hobbies and activities you’d like to try as a couple.
  • Envisioning your dream home and what it would look like.
  • Sharing your thoughts about starting a family or adding to it.

Another important aspect of writing about your joint dreams is to show positivity . Use optimistic language to express your certainty about achieving these goals together. Some examples include:

  • “I know we’ll create a beautiful home together.”
  • “Our journey will be full of laughter, joy, and love.”
  • “Together, we’ll overcome any challenges that come our way.”

When discussing the future, also remember to incorporate the other person’s dreams . Acknowledging their aspirations and hopes and expressing your support for them will show that you care about their happiness as well as your own. For example:

  • “I’ve seen the passion you have for your career, and I can’t wait to see the amazing things you’ll accomplish.”
  • “You’ve told me how much you love to travel, and I couldn’t be more excited to explore new places by your side.”

Using questions to engage your partner can also be a great way to keep the conversation going and encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings. Examples include:

  • “What are some places you’ve always dreamed of visiting?”
  • “How do you imagine our life together in 10 years?”

Lastly, don’t be afraid to be creative in expressing your dreams. This could involve writing a poem, sketching a picture, or even creating a vision board together. It’s all about finding a unique and meaningful way to share your hopes for the future.

Incorporate these tips in your love letters, and you’ll create a wonderful opportunity for you and your partner to paint your dreams together .

Honesty: Moments That Strengthen the Bond

Being honest in your love letters can greatly strengthen the bond between you and your partner. Sharing genuine feelings, admitting vulnerabilities, and opening up about moments in your relationship can create a deeper connection and foster trust. In this section, you’ll find ideas and tips to help you express your most authentic emotions and experiences in your love letters.

One way to strengthen the bond in your letters is by sharing memorable moments . Recall specific times when you’ve felt deeply connected to your partner, and describe those experiences in detail. These can be:

  • Happy moments, like when you first fell in love
  • Challenging times that made your bond stronger, such as overcoming difficulties
  • Simple, everyday occurrences that have brought you closer together

Next, consider expressing your appreciation for your partner’s qualities. Describe the characteristics you admire most and explain how they make you feel. It’s important to be genuine and specific in your praise, avoiding clichés or generic compliments. For example, instead of just saying “you’re amazing,” elaborate on exactly what makes your partner unique and beloved.

Another crucial aspect of honesty is admitting your vulnerabilities . By showing your partner that you’re willing to expose your insecurities, fears, and challenges, it demonstrates a level of trust that can only bring you closer. Keep in mind that this should feel natural and not overdone. Sharing your authentic emotions is important, but oversharing can result in making your partner uncomfortable or burdened.

Here are some ideas for acknowledging your vulnerabilities:

  • Admitting insecurities you felt earlier in the relationship
  • Discussing fears or anxieties you’ve faced together
  • Explaining how your partner has helped you become a better person

Lastly, don’t forget to express your commitment and devotion . Being honest about your intentions and feelings for the future is powerful and can reaffirm your love and support for one another. Talk openly about your dreams as a couple, and emphasize that you’ll be there for each other through thick and thin.

Incorporating honesty and authentic moments into your love letters will undoubtedly lead to a stronger bond between you and your partner. Be sure to express your true feelings and experiences, and watch as your relationship flourishes as a result.

Trust: Show You Believe in Your Love

Trust is a vital component in any relationship, especially when writing love letters. By expressing your belief in your love, you’ll strengthen the bond between you and your partner. Here are some tips on how to demonstrate trust in a love letter.

First, be vulnerable . Open up about your feelings, fears, and dreams. Sharing these personal thoughts shows that you have faith in your partner’s support and understanding. For example:

  • “I sometimes feel insecure about my job, but knowing you’re by my side makes everything easier.”
  • “I have this dream to travel the world, and I believe in our ability to make it a reality together.”

Next, show appreciation for their honesty and openness . Recognize instances where your partner has been truthful with you and express gratitude for their honesty. Some examples include:

  • “I truly appreciate your honesty when you told me about your past. It made me trust you even more.”
  • “Thank you for always being upfront with your feelings. Knowing we can communicate openly is so important.”

Acknowledge their past mistakes and demonstrate your forgiveness . Everyone makes mistakes, and it’s crucial to emphasize that you’ve moved past them and trust in your future together:

  • “We’ve both made mistakes in the past, but I know we’ve learned and grown from them. I trust that our love will continue to flourish.”
  • “I appreciate that you’ve taken responsibility for your actions and worked on improving. Your dedication to us truly means the world to me.”

Remember to share your own flaws and commit to growth . By admitting your imperfections and pledging to work on them, you reveal that you have faith in your partner’s support and commitment:

  • “I know I can be stubborn at times, but with your guidance and love, I’m striving to be a better person.”
  • “Your love has shown me the ways I need to grow, and I’m genuinely grateful for your patience and understanding.”

Lastly, comment on their reliability and dependability . Express how much you value them for being someone you can always count on:

  • “You’ve always been there for me when I needed you the most. I can’t even imagine navigating life without you by my side.”
  • “Your steadfast support and unshakable belief in us provide me the strength to face even the most challenging situations.”

By incorporating these elements into your love letter, you’ll effectively convey your trust and belief in your love, further reinforcing your connection with your partner.

Final Touches: Add Sprinkle of Romance

Adding a sprinkle of romance to your love letter can turn the ordinary into something extraordinary. It’s the extra spice that makes your words stand out, and it’s these final touches that’ll captivate their heart. Here’s how you can enhance your letter with that romantic flair:

  • Use vivid language: Instead of using generic words or phrases, try to describe your feelings and experiences in a more vivid way. This’ll make your letter feel more personal and help your partner truly understand how much they mean to you. For example:
  • Instead of writing, “I miss you,” try something like, “I ache for your embrace and the warmth of your touch.”
  • Incorporate poetry or quotes: If you’re having trouble finding the perfect words, there’s no shame in borrowing from the greats. Shakespeare, Byron, Dickinson, and countless other poets have written about love in ways that still resonate today. Including a line or two from one of their works can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your letter.
  • Add a personal touch: One way to sprinkle romance in your love letter is by including something unique to your relationship. You could mention:
  • A special memory that you both cherish.
  • A phrase or nickname that only you two understand.
  • Your hopes and dreams for the future together.
  • Be genuine in your compliments: When expressing your love for your partner, it’s important to be genuine and specific about what you admire in them. Focus on their personality, qualities, or certain moments that showcase their amazing character. Examples include:
  • “Your kindness shines through in every interaction, and it makes me proud to stand by your side.”
  • “I’ll never forget the day we were at the park and you helped that lost child find her parents. Your selflessness is truly inspiring.”

Remember, when adding these final touches, it’s important not to overdo it. Striking the right balance between being heartfelt and not too cheesy will ensure your love letter remains a beautiful representation of your feelings.

By putting effort into these final touches , you’ll be sure to create a love letter that stands out and resonates deeply with your partner. Most importantly, it’ll express the depth of your love and devotion in a truly memorable way.

First Sample (fill in the blanks):

Second Sample (full content):

Conclusion: Sealing Your Letter with Love

This final section offers some parting thoughts and advice for crafting a heartfelt love letter. Keep these key points in mind while putting pen to paper:

  • Reflect on the reasons you cherish your relationship
  • Focus on unique aspects of your partner and experiences you’ve shared
  • Be genuine and honest in expressing your emotions
  • Pay attention to the tone and language, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere in your message
  • Finally, enhance the entire experience by making the letter visually appealing and personal

Your love letter can become a cherished keepsake for your partner, capturing the essence of your feelings during a specific moment in time. So don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and open up about your love. By following these simple guidelines, you’ll create a heartwarming, lasting memento that your partner will treasure for years to come.

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How to Write a Love Letter

Last Updated: February 19, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Crista Beck . Crista Beck is a Dating and Relationship Coach and Matchmaker. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in helping people become open to love and find a partner. Crista has been featured in numerous media sources such as ABC, NBC, Fox, and TEDx. She is also the author of the book, Break The Glass Slipper: Free Yourself from Fairy Tale Fantasies and Find True Love in Real Life. Crista holds a BS in Communication Studies with a focus on Interpersonal Communication from The University of Texas at Austin. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,655,439 times.

Everyone seems to use text messages and emails to communicate to each other these days. So there’s something about a good, old-fashioned love letter—especially a handwritten one—that makes it a rare and special treat. Love letters are keepsakes that can be held, reread and cherished. They are the perfect gift for someone you love. Writing a love letter is not hard but it takes some time and contemplation to express your true feelings.

Preparing to Write Your Letter

Step 1 Set the mood.

  • Maybe there is a song that reminds you of the person you love. Find that song and play it while you think.
  • You can also bring a picture of your love with you to look at.

Step 2 Reflect on your feelings.

  • Think about what your significant other is to you? Your best friend? Your soul mate? Make a list of everything you appreciate and adore about your partner.
  • Now create sentences with your list. “I love how soft your hands feel in mine,” or “I love the way you look at me and let me know everything will be all right,” or perhaps, “Your smile and easy laughter can make my whole day.”
  • Don’t just focus on physical characteristics. This can make the letter feel shallow and incomplete. You don’t want to completely avoid physical attraction in your letter either, though, because then it can feel a little too platonic. Love letters are meant to be tastefully sensual and respectful—not necessarily erotic.

Step 4 Use memories to guide you.

  • Think about the story of when you two first met or felt sparks fly. There was a moment in time when you knew you wanted to be with that person. Write down that story and everything you remember about it—from the clothing they were wearing to the place it happened and how nervous or confident you felt about approaching them.

Step 5 Think about the future.

Drafting the Love Letter

Step 1 Write a rough draft.

  • Take your time and don’t rush. If this is the first love letter you have ever written, then keep that in mind. There is a learning curve for everything, so accept that you may have some difficulties or make mistakes.
  • Use your own voice to express how you feel. Don’t imitate the way someone else writes or speaks. You want this message to be uniquely yours and to reach your partner the way only you can. It must be sincere and reflect the real you on paper.
  • Keep your partner in mind as you write your letter as well as the level of your relationship. Declaring your love to someone for the first time will probably be a little different on paper than writing a letter to your wife of 20 years.
  • Remember to state your love somewhere in the letter. A simple "I love you" works just fine.

Step 2 Start at the beginning.

  • Don’t insult your lover or depreciate yourself or your feelings in the letter. Be confident about how you feel and what you are saying to avoid confusion. [5] X Research source

Step 3 Write the body.

  • The goal of the love letter is to express very deep feelings that you have a hard time conveying in person. Take this opportunity to say more than you usually say and to take it to a deeper level. Use the ideas you jotted down earlier to guide you.
  • If you don’t write poetry, consider including a poem from a favorite poet or a quote that expresses more of what you’re trying to say. Always give the writer credit to avoid looking like you tried to steal it and trick your partner into believing it was yours.
  • If you want to be cheesy, go ahead. Just be authentic, and if your partner loves you, he or she will love your letter too.

Step 4 Be positive.

  • A good way to keep your letter positive is to talk about how you feel right now. Yes, you want to go over those special stories about how you fell in love but you also want to be sure your partner knows that you still feel strongly for them or even more so.
  • Try something like, “Now, a decade later, I still get butterflies when you smile at me,” or "I love you more now than I ever have before."

Step 5 Reiterate your commitment.

Finishing Your Letter

Step 1 Choose nice paper or stationery.

  • If you don’t have any stationery, a piece of plain or notebook paper will do fine as well. The message is definitely more important than the type of paper you write on.
  • You can make regular paper look old or even make your own paper if you want to do something fun.
  • Use either a black or brown ink to keep the writing grounded and classy-looking. Avoid “teacher colors” like blue, green, and red that will make it look like you’re marking up a homework assignment.

Step 2 Use an intimate salutation.

  • If you want to be a bit more romantic, try a simple but passionate farewell. "With undying love" or "Forever yours" can work well.

Step 6 Add a personal touch.

  • Alternatively, roll the letter up like a scroll and tie it closed with a piece of nice ribbon or string.
  • A romantic stamp, such as the Garden Bouquet stamp, can add a lovely embellishment to your envelope. If you want to, put the stamp upside down, which customarily means, "I love you."

Step 8 Surprise your love.

  • You may want to wait a little while before you send out your letter. After you have finished, put it away and check it before it is time to send it out. Look for errors and make sure there is nothing that you will regret later in there. Then send it out, and be prepared for a passionate response to your labor of love.

Step 9 Write other love letters.

Sample Love Letters

love letter creative writing

Expert Q&A

Crista Beck

  • Mean what you say. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • The most important thing about writing a love letter is that it should come truly from your heart. Don't just copy some cheesy romantic quotes off the Internet, and don't let your friends/family write it for you. Let your heart do the talking. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • If you do spray perfume on your letter make sure you don't get the paper wet! Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

love letter creative writing

  • Remember that not everyone will find a love letter as romantic as you do. If the person who receives the letter doesn't seem appreciative, try not to take it personally . It's a token of your love, and hopefully the true joy is in the writing and the giving, not in the response you get in return. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

Write a Letter

  • ↑ Crista Beck. Dating Coach & Matchmaker. Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.
  • ↑ https://youtu.be/Aszp76Ev1MM?t=149
  • ↑ http://www.writeexpress.com/How-to-write-the-perfect-love-letter.html
  • ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aszp76Ev1MM
  • ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neWQQC6uMO4

About This Article

Crista Beck

To write a love letter, choose a nice piece of paper or stationary to show that you took your time with the letter. As you begin writing, start with an intimate opening, like “To My Dearest” or “To My Lovely.” After you address your beloved, tell them why you’re writing the letter. For example, you might write “I’ve been thinking a lot about how much I love you, and I want you to know that I cherish you.” In the body of the letter, share memories or stories that show your love and appreciation. Then, talk about your future together before ending your letter with a positive statement that describes how you feel, like “I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.” To learn how to add a personal touch to your love letter, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Write a Love Letter to Your Special Someone

How to Write a Love Letter to Your Special Someone

  • Cathryn is a commerce editor at The Knot, where she focuses on all things gifting and stationery
  • Before joining The Knot Worldwide, Cathryn spent years as a food editor
  • Cathryn holds a bachelor's degree from Trinity College and a certificate in publishing from Columbia University

Sure—you can type out a mushy text or pick up a super-sentimental greeting card to convey to your sweetheart how much you care, but nothing will give them butterflies like a full-blown love letter. And if you're wondering how to write a love letter like the pros, we're here to help (it's us, we're the pros).

Though you may have infinite shared memories, a laundry list of their adorable idiosyncrasies and boundless dreams for your future together knocking around in your head, it's not always easy to put your feelings about the object of your affections into words. That's why we've penned this guide, which not only breaks down the anatomy of a winning love letter, but also provides some love letter examples that range from notes to your crush to epistoles to your forever person. We've also included a few helpful prompts to get you into the romantic mindset, because it's much simpler to listen to what's in your own heart than to try and summon Shakespeare's ghost to help you out with the writing. (We're kind of over the whole "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" trope, anyway.) You can do better than the bard—just take note of our tips and tricks below.

In this article:

What to Say in a Love Letter

Love letter examples.

You've got the love, now it's time to let those romantic feelings flow through your pen. Here's exactly what to write in a love letter and where to place each sweet sentiment—from the beginning, to the middle, through the end of your message. Cupid should be taking notes.

How to Start a Love Letter

Starting always feels like the hardest, but when it comes to the format of a love letter, it's actually relatively easy. First things first: set your intention on why you're writing this letter to begin with. Of course, it's to express how much you care, but is it also a special time like Valentine's Day or an anniversary? Are you a long-distance couple looking for a little epistolary romance between weekends together? Are you dating casually and looking to take things to the next level? Writing to say "I love you," just because ? Or are you not a couple yet at all and you're making your first move as your crush's not-so-secret admirer?

It's important to take stock of all of these circumstances while writing a love letter because, depending on your relationship and the occasion, the tone will shift. That said, it's always a safe bet to address the recipient using their first name, preceded by either a classic "dear" or "my." If you're going for a playful tone, feel free to use a pet name that's personal to you. And if you're writing to someone who reads historical fiction and watches period dramas, then add an old-timey flourish with an opening like "My Immortal Beloved" (borrowed from Beethoven) or "My Adored [Girl/Boy/Person]"—taken from the 1845 Victorian letter-writing book, The Parlour Letter-writer, and Secretary's Assistant.

For your opening sentence, circle back to that initial intention and reference your reason for writing. Also, while you might be tempted to scrawl your most romantic thought on the page straight away, we prefer to set the mood with a meaningful sentiment that gets the letter on a slow burn track—so you can build with each paragraph and save that swoon-worthy declaration for the end. Here's what we mean:

My Timothée,

It's been three weeks since I've seen you last, but I still can't shake the butterflies I get from being wrapped in your arms.

Today, we celebrate two years together—and my love for you has grown deeper and stronger each and every day.

My Darling Pickle,

I'm just missing you a bunch today.

Love Letter Prompts

One of the most important rules of how to write a good love letter is to make it personal. Little details about the recipient's personality (how much you love their dimples, the way they get a skip in their step when they're excited) are lovely, as are silly anecdotes about the two of you (that time you won trivia as a team of two, how you dominated the dance floor at your friend's wedding). But don't forget to dig a little deeper here and include some more-serious notions along with the sweet and lighthearted ones. Remember, this is a romantic love letter for their eyes only, so tell them the things they might not hear from you as regularly as a simple "I love you."

Consider the following prompts to get some love letter ideas:

When was the first moment you felt a spark with them?

Speak about a cherished memory from an average day you spent together alongside a special occasion memory to show the range of fun times you have as a pair.

How have your feelings for them grown since you've known them?

Name a non-physical trait you think is special about your partner.

Your Dream Wedding Invitation, Inspired by Zodiac Signs

Describe how you hope they feel when they are with you (safe, supported, adored).

What's something they do every day that makes your heart flutter?

Reflect on a hardship you've supported them or they've supported you through.

Reference an inside joke the two of you share.

What makes the relationship between the two of you so special compared to others you've seen or experienced?

What experiences are you looking forward to in the future together?

How to End a Love Letter

You've spent a few paragraphs reminding your love of all of the good times you've shared together and why they're so special. Now it's time to conclude your letter with a statement and sign off that leaves them with a full heart. This is where you should go big, dig deep and make sure they know just how much they mean to you before they tuck your note away somewhere for safe keeping. If you're in a serious relationship, tell them what your hopes for your mutual future are. If you're about to walk down the aisle, reaffirm how much you're looking forward to forever with them, because they truly have your whole heart. And if you're writing to a crush, this is where you should make your big date pitch—you can even add a cheeky "check 'yes,' 'no' or 'maybe'" for a touch of 1990s romcom cuteness.

As far as how to sign a love letter goes, feel free to keep it simple with "Yours" or "All my love." We also love a flirty "XO," if your message leans more lighthearted. You can also take a page out of the pop culture book and use a romantic quote from their favorite novel, TV show or film. We're partial to the "Ever mine, ever thine, ever ours," sign off from Mr. Big on "Sex and the City" (by way of Beethoven). Here are some examples of how to end a heart-touching love letter:

You make the world around you more beautiful.

You are the love of my life—always and forever.

All my love,

My love, I will do all I can to keep you laughing, smiling and safe every day.

Eternally yours,

Two brides read love letters from one another on their wedding day.

Now that you've got some cute love letter ideas from our advice above, it's time to see our tips in action. Check out some examples of short notes using our love letter template, so you can see exactly how to write a letter to someone you love, someone you're dating or just someone you're crushing on.

To Your Crush

First off, I'm so lucky to have you in my life. I always knew we'd be good friends since the first time we met, reaching for the same muffin at the campus coffee shop, and now we have enough fun memories together to fill a book series. The way you send me good morning memes always starts my day off right and makes me think of how much I love your laugh, how it makes everyone in the room crack a smile. I admire your drive, too. You make me want to be the best person I can be.

All that said—I'm really into you, in a "more than a friend" way. I know we were planning on catching a movie this weekend, but would you be down to make it an official date? Check "yes," "no" or "maybe" below.

To Someone You're Dating

I can't believe it's been one year together already! It feels like time is moving even faster than when we were running to escape that surprise rain storm while walking the beach last summer (and we were definitely sprinting at the speed of light to get back to the house). With you, every day seems like an adventure, every laugh sounds like a symphony and every hug feels like heaven.

I've loved you more and more each day—all 365 of them—and can say with full confidence that I can see you by my side in the future, an incredibly bright future.

You have my heart,

To Your Fiancé

To My Beloved Future Husband ,

I'm just writing to say I love you. Why wait for a special occasion to say it when you make every day feel like a holiday? My heart skips a beat each time your dimples pop out when you smile and swells with love every time I hear your keys jingling outside the front door when you're home from work.

I am counting down the days until we meet at the altar, walking away hand-in-hand as husbands. You're the still point in an ever-turning world.

To Your Spouse

My One and Only,

Happy Valentine's Day! What'll this be, our 15th one together? We must've eaten over 10 tons of chocolate truffles together over all of those years. You make me feel so loved each and every day and I will do everything in my power to make you feel just as supported, reassured and unabashedly special.

You still give me butterflies. And I wouldn't want to go through life with anyone else. I am yours—now and always. I love you so much, my forever valentine.

Your adoring spouse,

Couple smiling and holding a just because gift

Love Letter Writer

Looking to express your love with words that touches the heart? Our Love Letter Writer service provides customized, passionate, and beautifully crafted romantic letters for your beloved, making them feel truly special.

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Popular Love Apps

Write a heartfelt love letter that will melt your loved one's heart, with the help of an AI love letter writer

What Is a Love Letter Writer?

Writing a love letter can be a daunting task, as it requires one to express their deepest emotions and feelings in an eloquent, heartfelt manner. The pressure to craft the perfect letter can be overwhelming, especially for those who are not well-versed in the art of writing. However, there is a ray of hope for those who struggle to convey their love through words: artificial intelligence. With the advent of AI-powered writing tools, the process of penning a love letter can be made significantly easier, allowing individuals to express their love and affection in a well-written, meaningful way. In this article, we will explore some use cases for AI tools in crafting love letters, the benefits they provide, and conclude with the potential these tools hold for the future of love letter writing.

Easy Steps for writing love notes with Love Letter Writer

  • Step 1: Tell us about your loved one Start by selecting the gender of your loved one and providing a brief description, including their favorite things and what makes them special to you. Then, tell love letter writer what you want the love letter to say.

love-letter-generator-image1

  • Preview and send your love letter Once you're happy with your love letter, preview it and send it to your loved one.

love-letter-generator-image2

Tips for writing the most heartfelt love letter:

Here are some of the benefits of using an AI trip planner:

  • Be specific: Don't just tell your loved one that you love them. Tell them why you love them. What are the specific qualities that make you adore them? What things have they done for you that have made your life better?
  • Be honest and vulnerable: Write from the heart and don't be afraid to share your deepest feelings. The more honest and vulnerable you are, the more meaningful your love letter will be.
  • Be creative: Your love letter doesn't have to be long or complicated. It can be a simple poem, a song, or even just a few heartfelt words. The most important thing is that it comes from the heart.
  • Proofread your letter: Before you send your love letter, be sure to proofread it carefully. You want to make sure that it is free of errors and that it conveys your message perfectly.
  • Start by thinking about what you want to say: What are the most important things you want to tell your loved one? Once you have a good idea of what you want to say, you can start to write.
  • Take your time: Don't feel like you have to rush to write your love letter. Take your time and let your thoughts and feelings flow.

Use Cases of Love Letter Writer

AI writing tools can be incredibly useful for various scenarios when it comes to writing love letters. Some common use cases of these tools include:

  • Inspiration and Ideas: For those who struggle with starting a love letter, AI tools can provide suggestions and prompts to help jumpstart the creative process. By generating sample sentences or phrases, these tools can offer the necessary inspiration to craft the perfect romantic message.
  • Grammar and Spell Check: A well-written love letter requires proper grammar and spelling to ensure that the message comes across clearly and effectively. AI tools can proofread and suggest corrections, making it easy to polish the letter and achieve a professional, polished finish.
  • Rephrasing and Enhancing: Often, individuals may struggle to express their feelings in the most impactful manner. With the help of AI tools, one can revisit their existing text and receive suggestions for improved sentence structure, word choice, and overall flow, ultimately enhancing the overall impact of the love letter.
  • Language Translation: In a global world with interconnected relationships, it's not uncommon for a love letter recipient to speak a different language. AI-powered language translation tools can accurately translate your romantic message, ensuring that the recipient understands the weight of your feelings regardless of the language barrier.

Here are some specific examples of people who can benefit from using an AI trip planner:

  • Families: Trip planners can help families to plan a vacation that everyone will enjoy. They can suggest kid-friendly activities and attractions, and they can also help to find family-friendly accommodations and restaurants.
  • Solo travelers: A vacation planner can help solo travelers to plan a safe and enjoyable trip. They can suggest activities that are appropriate for solo travelers, and they can also help to find affordable and safe accommodations.
  • Budget travelers: AI trip planners can help budget travelers find the best deals on flights, hotels, and activities. They can also suggest free and low-cost activities and attractions.
  • Business travelers: A travel itinerary planner can help business travelers to plan efficient and productive trips. They can help to book flights and hotels, and they can also suggest restaurants and activities that are located near the business traveler's destination.

Benefits of using Love Letter Writer

AI tools offer several advantages for those who want to create beautifully written love letters. Some of the primary benefits include:

  • Efficiency: AI writing tools save time, allowing users to quickly and easily put their thoughts and feelings onto paper. By offering suggestions and corrections, these tools streamline the writing process and enable individuals to create a heartfelt love letter in a fraction of the time it might ordinarily take.
  • Confidence: Knowing that a love letter is well-written and free of grammatical errors instills confidence in both the writer and the recipient. AI tools help to eliminate any doubt or insecurity related to the letter's quality, ensuring that the focus remains on the message itself.
  • Personal Growth: AI writing tools offer an opportunity for self-improvement by providing an avenue for users to refine their writing and communication skills. These tools can help individuals learn new approaches or styles for expressing their emotions, ultimately leading to better, more impactful communication in the future.

Is the LogicBalls Love Letter Writer free to use?

Can i use the logicballs love letter writer to write a love letter for my friend or family member, can i share the love letter that i generated with the logicballs love letter writer.

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Writing Love Letters: Romantic Gesture to Accompany Your Proposal

Sylvia Smith shares insights on love revitalization and conscious living. She believes purposeful actions can transform relationships into happier, healthier ones.

Happy woman reading letter

In This Article

Do you still remember when you put so much effort into writing love letters and making them special for the person you love?

Even in the digital age, the intimate charm of handwritten love letters remains unparalleled.

Imagine using the power of penning heartfelt words into your wedding proposal. Then, you could create the most memorable moment for you and your partner.

Why is writing a love letter special and meaningful?  

Write a love note because it is a sweet effort transcending time and technology, offering a uniquely personal and profound connection.

Writing love letters signifies deliberate thought and genuine emotion in a world dominated by instant messages. Those love letters would then become tangible keepsakes, a testament to vulnerability and the depth of one’s feelings written on paper.

Writing love letters allows introspection, fostering a deeper understanding of oneself and the relationship. Love letters serve as timeless tokens, expressing sentiments that resonate long after the ink dries. Heartfelt words create a shared history and cherished moments that sustain love and connection.

How does a love letter enhance your marriage proposal? 

Aside from writing a love letter to your husband or wife, did you know you can write love letters and incorporate them with your marriage proposal?

Adding a love letter to your marriage proposal transforms the moment into a multi-sensory experience, intertwining the power of words with the symbolism of commitment and love. 

Here are other ways where writing love letters could enhance your proposal:

1. Emotional prelude  

This personal touch sets the stage for the grand moment to come.

2. Build anticipation

 Let your partner feel the excitement, building a sense of wonder and curiosity.

3. Reflect on your journey

This highlights the growth of your relationship, acknowledging the challenges you’ve overcome and the joyous moments you’ve shared.

4. Express your vision

This sets the tone for a future filled with a shared purpose. Share your dreams, goals, and aspirations, aligning them with the commitment you’re about to make. 

5. Makes everything more romantic

This adds romance and sincerity as you show emotions . 

Whether it’s a heartfelt question at the end of the letter or an orchestrated event following its reading, the love letter becomes the bridge between your past, present, and the future you’re about to embark on together.

Love letters are sweet and can bring joy. It’s also one way to find joy in difficult circumstances. Dr. David Hawkins, a clinical psychologist, explains how to find joy in difficult circumstances:

How does a love letter enhance the experience of proposing? 

Does writing love letters work in wedding proposals? The answer is yes! A love letter can elevate the experience of proposing in several profound ways—for example,

1. Emotional connection

A love letter can deepen the emotional connection and lay the foundation for a meaningful proposal.

2. Personalization

Personalizing your love letter to reflect your unique journey as a couple proposes a celebration of your shared history.

3. Anticipation and excitement

A love letter in the proposal builds anticipation and excitement.

4. Symbol of commitment

A love letter in a proposal shows commitment to expressing love and can lay a foundation for a strong relationship.

5. Keepsake for the future

A love letter is a tangible keepsake, preserving the emotions and sentiments of a proposal, which can be revisited as a reminder of the love and commitment shared. 

6. Expression of vulnerability

A love letter requires vulnerability and authenticity. Sharing your innermost thoughts and emotions fosters a deeper connection with your partner.

A love letter enhances the proposed experience by infusing it with feelings, personalization, and a lasting symbol of commitment, creating a memorable and meaningful moment for both partners.

What are the different elements of a romantic proposal letter? 

How do you start a letter to write for your boyfriend or girlfriend?

What are the key elements to consider?

Crafting a romantic proposal letter involves weaving together a narrative that reflects your love story and culminates in a heartfelt proposal. Here are some things to write about in a love letter:

1. Heartfelt opening

Begin with a warm and affectionate greeting. Use terms of endearment to set a tender tone from the start. 

2. Personalized salutation

Address your partner by their nickname or a special name only the two of you share. 

3. Reflective introduction

Think about your journey as a couple. List significant moments, shared adventures, and your growth together. 

4. Expressing love and admiration

Express your love and admiration by highlighting your partner’s lovable qualities.

5. The proposal build-up

Build anticipation for the proposal by sharing your dreams and future plans.

6. Acknowledging challenges

Acknowledge any challenges you’ve faced together, emphasizing how overcoming obstacles has strengthened your bond. 

7. Recall Special Moments

Recount specific moments that hold sentimental value; these memories enhance the emotional resonance of your proposal.

8. Expressing commitment

Express unwavering commitment to building a life together.

9. The grand question

Make your proposal the letter’s focus, whether traditional or personalized.

10. Closing with love

Conclude the letter with a heartfelt closing. Reiterate your love and anticipation for the future, leaving a lasting impression.

Use this love letter format, and you’ll have a beautiful note. You can also find fantastic love letter templates for every occasion.

Creative ideas for delivering a love letter with your proposal

Now that you know how to write love letters, it’s time to know how to deliver it. 

Use these creative ideas to make your love letter delivery unforgettable and enchanting, making the moment special.

1. Message in a bottle

Roll up your love letter and place it in a decorative bottle. Present it to your partner, symbolizing the discovery of a precious message in the vast ocean of your love.

2. Sky lantern surprise

Attach your love letter to a sky lantern and release it together. As it soars into the night sky, your words of love will illuminate the moment.

3. Scavenger hunt adventure

Turn the proposal into a thrilling adventure by incorporating a scavenger hunt. Each clue reveals a portion of the love letter, culminating in the final heartfelt proposal.

4. Custom puzzle proposal

Transform your love letter into a custom puzzle. The message unfolds as your partner pieces it together, leading to the ultimate question.

5. Under the starry sky

Arrange a romantic stargazing session. Hand your partner a constellation map that, when unfolded, reveals your love letter. 

6. Literary love storybook

Create a small book that narrates your love story, with the final pages reserved for the proposal. Present it to your partner, inviting them to read the next chapter of your life together.

7. Hot air balloon proposal

Soar to new heights as you ride a hot air balloon ride. Hand your partner the love letter as you ascend, proposing a breathtaking experience amidst the clouds.

8. Musical serenade

Compose a love song or choose a meaningful track. Embed the lyrics within your love letter and perform a musical serenade as you present the letter and propose.

Excited to start writing love letters again? Check out our frequently asked questions to give you more ideas.

What is the difference between a love letter and a proposal letter?

A love letter expresses deep emotions, recounting feelings and memories shared in a relationship.

It is a testament to ongoing love and connection through written words. On the other hand, a proposal letter is specifically crafted to ask for a partner’s hand in marriage.

It outlines intentions for the future, often culminating in a sincere request for a lifelong commitment.

Do I have to be a good writer to write a love letter?

No, being a good writer isn’t a prerequisite for writing a heartfelt love letter.

Authenticity matters more than perfect prose. It’s your heart that is talking when you’re writing love letters.

Expressing genuine feelings, sharing personal memories, and conveying your emotions sincerely make a love letter special.

Let your heart guide the words, and your sincerity will shine through, regardless of your writing prowess.

What are some tips for writing a love letter?

Want to know some effective tips for writing love letters?

Here are some simple tips to keep in mind:

  • Be Genuine and write from the heart; sincerity resonates.
  • Personalize by mentioning shared memories and inside jokes.
  • Express your feelings openly and honestly.
  • Use descriptive language to paint a vivid picture with expressive words.
  • Please keep it simple and focus on clarity; simplicity enhances authenticity.
  • Handwritten touch hits differently. Consider a handwritten letter for a personal feel.

How long should a good love letter be?

A good love letter’s length depends on the depth of your emotions and the message you want to convey.

It’s about quality, not quantity. A concise and heartfelt letter can be as impactful as a longer one.

Aim for a length that fully expresses your feelings without becoming overly verbose, typically ranging from a few paragraphs to a page.

When should I give my partner a love letter?

Write love letters whenever you want. Surprise your partner on special occasions or even when you feel like being a little extra sweet.

Choose moments when your emotions are powerful, like after overcoming a challenge together or during a romantic getaway.

Additionally, a love letter can turn an ordinary day into something extraordinary, making any moment the perfect time to express your heartfelt sentiments.

Keeping romantic and real

Love letters are a powerful way to connect and create lasting memories. It’s also a fantastic addition to a memorable and sweet marriage proposal.

Don’t be afraid to embrace the art of expression and let them weave your love story and your promise of forever.

Share this article on

Sylvia Smith loves to share insights on how couples can revitalize their love lives in and out of the bedroom. As a writer at Marriage.com, she is a big believer in living consciously and encourages couples to adopt this principle Read more in their lives too. Sylvia believes that every couple can transform their relationship into a happier, healthier one by taking purposeful and wholehearted action. Read less

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Creative Guide to Cute Love Letters Ideas

Table of Contents

Do you find it difficult to convey your sentiments to someone you care about? Or are you looking for cute love letter ideas for your loved one? While writing a love letter, people often struggle to find the right words or the right approach to crafting it. The process of conveying your emotions on paper doesn’t have to be difficult.

In this article, you’ll learn how to effectively write a heartfelt love letter to your special persona and make them smile.

What Is the Significance of Cute Love Letter Ideas?

Some argue that writing a love letter is a dying form of communication that is no longer relevant in this age of instant gratification. But a love letter is a meaningful and romantic gesture even in this day and age because it is long, deliberate, and intensely personal.

We are all pulled apart by social distancing. We’re almost entirely dependent on more impersonal forms of contact like email, social media, and video conferencing. So, a beautifully written letter to convey your emotions amidst the visible and invisible barriers can mean a lot.

Writing a letter of love allows you to take your time and pour your heart out on paper . You can use the right words to express your admiration and appreciation for your nearest and dearest.

Sticks of purple flowers with a pen placed on paper

Steps to Write a Love Letter for Your Special Person

Do you want to write a cute and creative love letter to your special someone? Whether the letter is silly, funny, funky, or romantic, the words have to come from the heart to impact the recipient.

We can only help you ease the process of writing with a few guidelines. Here are the steps to writing a sincere love letter to your special person:

1. Be Vulnerable & Speak Your Heart Out

Writing a love letter to your spouse, girlfriend, or boyfriend can be a sweet and romantic way to revive your love for each other. Couples often fail to maintain their connection with one another amidst the hustle of daily life.

Therefore, writing a love letter can be a chance to take a step back, connect with your feelings, and express affection to your partner. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and speak your heart out.

2. Start the Letter With a Personalized Greeting

The greeting sets the tone of the letter. So make sure to start with something that will grab your partner’s attention and keep them reading. Instead of merely saying “Dear [name],” begin your message with something more romantic or special. Pet names or anything significant that brings back memories works great.

3. Mention Why You’re Writing the Letter

To give your letter some context, you can mention the special occasion or reason you’re writing the letter. It could be your anniversary, or maybe you just wanted to show your appreciation to your partner.

Any specific Occasion is not always necessary to write a love letter. You may be feeling a lot of love late and want to express your affection. Whatever the reason is, mention exactly what and how you feel.

4. Tell Your Beloved Why You Love Them

You should genuinely express yourself in the letter’s body. You want to talk about the memories if you’ve been in a relationship for a long time. Also, mention how you overcame challenges as a couple and what first sparked your romance.

Don’t hesitate to express why you still love them today and what you hope for the future. Tell your beloved what makes them stand out from everyone and why you appreciate them.

5. Recall a Happy or Significant Memory

There have undoubtedly been a lot of wonderful moments during your time together. Relive the moment in detail as you write your letter and allow your loved one in on your thoughts.

Share a romantic memory, such as your first date, your first encounter with them, your wedding day, or what made you fall in love. The goal is to make your letter meaningful for your partner.

6. End the Letter Warmly

The letter’s conclusion or wrap-up is important since it is where you summarize what you have just said. Don’t make the conclusion of your letter too long since you have already talked about your feelings in the body paragraph.

However, don’t give your letter a dry ending. Make sure you summarize the words in a single line or quote to make a lasting impression on your partner.

Wrapping Up

Love letters are the most appropriate method of expressing your love for someone. And a love letter can be a powerful way of showing your partner how you feel . When it comes to writing a charming love letter, don’t hold back on expressing yourself. Sometimes, you just need to be a little creative.

Being romantic seems like a lot of work, and you might feel it’s best to just enjoy the moment and the person. But taking the time to express yourself in a loving manner shows that you care enough about the person to make them feel special. Whether you’re looking for romantic, funny, or cute love letter ideas, this article can help you draft one perfectly.

Creative Guide to Cute Love Letters Ideas

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Love Letters

"The first time my old man went to prison I wrote him letters. I wrote Darryl long rambling letters that went on for 10 or 11 pages."

The first time my old man went to prison I wrote him letters. I wrote Darryl long rambling letters that went on for 10 or 11 pages.

I didn’t have a home and I had maybe one change of clothes. Our car got confiscated when he got popped, along with everything I owned in the world except for what I was carrying in my backpack when it happened. So I didn’t even have shoes at the beginning of that summer but I always had tablets of yellow paper and something to write with. I could fit that in my bag along with my hairbrush and bits and pieces of makeup and a prescription bottle fulla water and the leather cigarette case that held my syringes and cotton and twisted spoons.

I wrote him letters and them tablets of paper got to be as critical for survival as black tape and crazy glue and bolt-cutters. And I can’t think of anything much more suspicious in that community than a hooker who spent her spare time recording things on paper. I think I got away with it because it was the first thing I did after Darryl went away. I bought paper and wrote and folks who mighta otherwise found my behavior strange to the point of being problematic knew why I was writing. They knew I was Darryl Masters’ old lady and he’d just gotten busted and if what made me happy was to sit and scribble it didn’t disrupt anything critical in the life cycle. Sometimes people would watch me while I was writing with their eyes kinda narrowed studying me like I mighta been half-crazy and ask me why I was doing it. And I really didn’t have an answer because although I wrote Darryl all them letters, I never mailed a single one.

The tablets would fill up with details about business and weather reports and stories about who was getting busted and who was getting sick. I remember sitting on the hood of a car in the parking lot at Marg’s bar in my cutoffs with my legs crossed and dangling over the hood of the car and catching dates with that tablet on my lap. And I remember more than a couple sheriffs stopping to see what I was doing and scratching their heads and kinda chuckling at me. And even that didn’t really seem to spook anybody. I suppose it shoulda occurred to me that sitting there with that tablet on my lap and a CoCo County Sheriff chatting me up wasn’t the brightest thing I coulda done.

But I never thought about what I was putting in them tablets as information. Never thought of it as secrets. That wasn’t the purpose in writing. Darryl had been a constant presence in my life—we’d been together as close to 24/7 as two people could be. We shared the same pillow and the same air and the same food and the same dope and the same syringes. In all the months and years we were together I probably never said as many words out loud as I poured into a single one of them 10-page letters. And as long as I kept writing them I could pretend he was still there.

For a while I saved the tablets as they filled up but after I had three or four of them in my pack it started getting crowded and uncomfortable. Stuff would shift around inside and the hard cardboard corners would jab me in the back. So I started another ritual. As a new one would fill up I’d take the oldest and tear all the pages into tiny pieces and throw them away. Until I started doing that, people actually thought I was mailing the letters but Billy Jay Meckles caught me sitting in the 24-hour laundromat one night tearing up them pages and asked me what the hell I was doing. I started to shove the tablet I had half torn up back in my pack but he snatched it outa my hand. He didn’t read anything on it—just held it there between us.

“They’re just letters,” I told him. Billy Jay was huge and probably had the potential to be one mean motherfucka after four years in the joint but he was one of the best-natured junkies I ever knew. He was always finding something to laugh at and the one or two girls working the streets who had kids always left their kids with Billy Jay when they worked. He kept himself fixed that way. The kids never lasted long. Social Services always ended up taking them away but while they were there, he was kinda like the community daycare. It was partly cause he always had a place to live—his mom had left him a small house that he managed to hang onto in between visits to the pen—but it had more to do with knowing kids were safe with Billy Jay. Their mothers could go to work and not have to worry about them and when they picked them up they always dropped off a piece of dope. Billy Jay probably had the cleanest hustle on the stroll.

His eyebrows arched over his round bright blue eyes and he tossed a long blonde curl off his shoulder. “Why aren’t ya mailing them?”

“I will. That was just a kinda practice letter. Didn’t really say what I wanted to say.” The zipper was open on my pack and you couldn’t help but see the other two tablets covered with ink and pages curling up at the corners.

“How long ya been trying to find the right thing to say?” he asked and pointed at my pack.

“I don’t know. What difference does it make?” I liked Billy Jay but he was getting into shit that he couldn’t possibly understand.

“It makes a difference if Darryl ain’t gettin any of them letters.”

“He does—he will.”

“Ya mean in all this time ya ain’t mailed a single one? Shit Mickey, he’s been gone almost three months.”

I cringed when he said it. I’d let people think we were in pretty close contact.

If anybody had actually thought beyond the words I said, they woulda realized how unlikely that was. Where could he write to me at? But people with habits don’t have time to waste analyzing shit like that so when I told folks he was doing good and I couldn’t wait to see him, they just accepted it. And maybe after a while I convinced myself that somehow we were still in contact. That just writing the letters kept us together.

But Billy Jay had done time and he knew what them letters meant and he wasn’t letting it go. “Why aren’t ya mailing them? He’s probably goin outa his mind, Mickey.”

I didn’t answer. Didn’t have an answer. At least not one I wanted to share with him. He’d think I was crazy and I wasn’t entirely sure he woulda been wrong in his assessment. As long as writing had a purpose—a reason—it made sense. Writing to communicate was logical. Just wandering around scribbling thoughts and observations down for noapparent reason pointed to one of two things. A rat or a nut. I knew it wasn’t the former and that left only the craziness as an option. And if I told Billy Jay the real reason I wasn’t mailing the letters, I knew he’d confirm my diagnosis.

He sat down beside me on the wood slat bench. “What’s up with ya, girl? Why ya writing all this shit down if ya don’t plan on sending it to him?”

“I do. I am gonna send them.” I paused and then latched onto what seemed like a reasonable excuse only because of the pressure I felt to come up with one. “I don’t got any stamps or envelopes.”

“Ya make two or three-hundred bucks a night—what’s a fuckin stamp cost?” It wasn’t how much they cost. It was acquiring them that was the real problem. You could buy postage stamps in some of the grocery stores, but I hadn’t been in a regular grocery store in over a couple years. I’d got so accustomed to getting thrown outa places of business in Bella Vista that I stopped going anywhere but Dave’s liquor store—and Dave didn’t sell stamps. And in the beginning when Darryl first went away, I’d intended to mail them letters and I’d even got as far as the parking lot of the Thrifty Foods intending to go in and buy stamps and an envelope. But I’d stood outside with the sun so hot on my shoulders I could smell the heat rising off my skin and changed my mind. Even if I’d had shoes I don’t think I coulda forced myself to go in there. We owned the streets in Bella Vista but the square folks owned the grocery stores and the restaurants and gas stations. When they had to go out on the streets, they drove with their windows rolled up and the doors locked and their eyes aimed anywhere but at the working girls and I knew if I went in that store the same thing would happen. I’d walk up to the cash register with a small box of envelopes and ask for a sheet of stamps and no one would respond. Their eyes would go over my head and they’d wait on the person ahead of me and behind me but they’d refuse to see me. And if I made them see me, they’d have me thrown out.

And the post office was absolutely outa the question—all them people in uniforms. So that day in fronta the store I told myself I’d come back at night. And when I went back at night I told myself the next time I had a little extra cash I’d get a pair of shoes and then go back to get my stamps. And after a while I stopped bothering to make excuses to myself. After a while I found that I liked writing the letters better because I knew I’d never mail them. But it was a long time until I understood why and saying something like that to Billy Jay without a good why to back it up wouldn’t fly.

“Girl I’m gonna buy some fuckin stamps and envelopes and we’re gonna mail some of them letters. Homeboy’s gotta be tweakin hard about this by now.” I hated hearing him talk about Darryl being in prison. I hated hearing anybody talk specifically about it. When people asked about him they didn’t say, So how’s Darryl doing in the joint? They just asked how he was and I could say fine like he was just waiting for me out in the car.

“Ya know what, Billy? You’re gonna think I’m fuckin spun—but it’s like—as long as I don’t mail them letters I don’t gotta think about him bein gone.”

“It’s like I’m just savin stuff up to tell him when he gets back at night. And then at night I know he’s not coming back—at least not for a long time—and I can’t stand thinkin about it so I just shove it all outa my mind. I tell myself he just went off to cop or take care of some business and he’ll be here when I wake up in the mornin.”

It was only half a lie. It was my habit more than anything else that kept me from mailing the letters. I learned in those first few months when Darryl was gone and I not only had to earn the money but had to take care of business too, that even something as minimal as mailing a letter required more energy units than I had to spare if I was gonna stay fixed and on toppa my hustle. It’s hard to conceive that such a tiny task coulda been so entirely overwhelming but it was. And I knew within the first couple weeks that I’d probably never mail a single one. And on those rare occasions when I allowed myself to remember that Darryl was in prison and not waiting for me at the motel or in the car out by the river—I did know that we was suffering for my inability to get it together. I did know that he’d be sitting up in his cell late at night wondering if I’d stopped loving him. The girl before me did him like that.

He’d loved Bridget like a kid loves the first time, only he was almost 30 when he loved her. And when he went to the joint she hooked up with a heroin-dealer named Fernando and as hard as them guys in the joint are—shit like that rocks their world.

And he’d thought when he went in that I was gonna get clean and when he got out we were gonna do the square thing and have a place to live with walls and rooms instead of back seats and front seats. That had been his insurance against losing me while he was down. Clean—he thought I’d wait for him. Hooked—he thought I’d pull a Bridget on him. Not having heard a single word from me since they transferred him to Vacaville from the county lock-up in Martinez—he musta spent endless empty hours working out scenarios of betrayal in his mind. But I hadn’t done any time then so even my worst imaginings didn’t come close to understanding such an experience.

I mailed him the letters I wrote the first time I went to jail. The first time I went and stayed. I didn’t fill up tablets fulla letters but the ones I wrote did get mailed. The county gave us unlimited access to paper and pencils and envelopes. You could get five pages and an envelope mailed for a single stamp and they even gave us two free stamps a week. You didn’t wanna go over the five page limit cause that would take both your stamps.

Years later he’d claim he never got the letters but I mailed them to his sister’s house and they never got returned to me at the jail, so I know they went somewhere. They were very different letters. No long wandering descriptions of how the leaves on the tree branches hanging over the river made shadows that looked like lace in the moonlight. No convoluted explanations about what it was like to fall in love with someone else while he sat in the joint pumping iron and occasionally reading about my latest bust in the paper. No spiraling logic that attempted to claim it wasn’t really the same thing as what Bridget did because I’d fallen in love with a girl and it didn’t take anything away from him or mean that I loved him any less. There weren’t any of them things to write about in jail. And we’d been separated since he got outa the joint that last time so I couldn’t even write to him about what it was like being separated from him because it was Charley I hurt for and reached for in the night. But writing was one of the few officially sanctioned ways to pass the time and Darryl was the only person I knew who had a place he could collect mail from so I wrote letters to him.

And because paper and pencils were the only things we had access to without having money on our books—writing was the most normal thing in the world to do. Reading and writing. The library cart came around once a week. The first few weeks I kicked too hard to care about living or dying much less communicating with the free world or tuning into the completely familiar paranoia in Robert Ludlum novels. And at first when I started to feel better all I wanted to do was sit in fronta the TV. I hadn’t seen TV for months and I hadn’t seen it through clear eyes for years. I missed the Reagan years almost in their entirety and watching the news fascinated me. Movies and MTV and soap operas were fun to watch but the news was the first real look I’d had at the straight world since getting strung out.

I mean—I’d seen the news and TV from time to time. The nights we had motels we always had the TV on—but them people on the news then had been them and we’d been us and it was very different tuning in when I’d been clean for a few weeks because I was no longer sure where the boundary was.

That’s what I wrote to Darryl about while I was in jail and that’s why I mailed them letters. I wrote to him about how it would be when I was back on the streets. I wrote to him in order to establish where my future would happen. I wrote to try to document that boundary line and my position relative to it. And my world would undoubtedly be a very different place today if he’d answered my letters. If he’d confirmed my vision. But he didn’t. He never got the letters and what he might have done if he had is a question we prefer to leave unanswered between us. And after a month passed and I didn’t get a single response, I stopped writing the letters with the intention of mailing them.

I lucked out when I did my time. I don’t know how county jails in other jurisdictions work but in the winter of ‘88 the powers that be at the CoCo County jail seemed to be of the opinion that rehabilitation did serve some purpose. I had access to psychologists and spiritual advisers and books and excellent public defense and people whose whole jobs were about helping people like me make some kinda life plan against the day when the door locked behind instead of in fronta them. And I had access to an English teacher.

I had no idea how much time I was gonna do. It took almost 40 days to get all the charges straightened out. For the most part they were misdemeanors but there were a couple potential felonies that coulda pulled a couple years. One thing I did know for certain was that less was better than more and when I found out I could get time off my eventual sentence by attending classes I jumped on it.

They had art classes and English classes and I signed up for both. I had almost no interest in art but that was another one of them things you could do with the free paper and pencils so I was willing to give it a shot—along with everybody else. We had so many people doing art that they had to use the big visiting room to hold class and twice a week we earned a half-day off our sentences sitting down and listening to a short young blonde woman talk to us about art.

We had mostly men in the art class and it was kinda comical to watch the tiny and clearly uncomfortable young teacher trying to be the leader amongst that group of hard-core gangsters. She’d hold her books up and point to something and talk about DaVinci and her finger would be visibly shaking when she pointed at the text. I realize now that she was trying to teach theory but she didn’t have any kinda art theory that spoke to them guys. They kept pointing to the tattoos on their arms as art. Smoking guns and reapers and leaping panthers with huge and clearly articulated musculature and it was obvious that nothing in her education had prepared her to theorize on that particular form. She kept insisting that it wasn’t art but she couldn’t explain why. And we knew enough about theorizing to be able to poke holes in everything she said after that.

Half the guys on the unit went to art class but there were only two of us who went to the English class and we were both female. The English teacher wasn’t particularly young or even remotely nervous. She woulda been far better prepared to handle the homeboys who were always cracking on the art teacher but art wasn’t her calling. Letters were her thing.

She was tall and had long cinnamon-colored hair with random strands of silver growing everywhere and she stood at least 5’ 9” in her flats. Because there were just the three of us we didn’t need a larger room. We didn’t use a room at all. We sat at one of the tables they used at chow time to serve up and on the first day the first thing she had us do was take a spelling test. Shelley was the other girl in the class. She had the cell next to me and we kinda chuckled when the teacher told us we were having a spelling test because we spent a bunch of our spare time playing Scrabble. “Maybe this will improve my game,” Shelley said.

That made it seem a little less childish and I raised my eyebrows and said, “Ya never know.”

I don’t remember any of the words on that test except the single one I missed. Dessert. The teacher used it in a sentence so I knew she was talking about cake and pie and shit like that but I spelled it “desert.” And she gave me one of them cheesy tips for remembering how to spell words like that—words that have two different meanings depending on how you spell them.

“When you’re trying to remember whether it’s one s or two, tell yourself that you like two helpings of dessert,” she said. If I’ve spelled that word wrong since then, it was a typo.

We sat there after the test and talked about English for a while. And it’s almost impossible to imagine now—but at the time I didn’t have enough knowledge about what English was to know that it was about writing and how to use words until the teacher explained it that way. Shelley got bored shortly after the spelling test when the teacher started talking about reasons for writing but I kept listening. It was much like the conversations I’d had with myself when I was carrying around them notebooks fulla words that weren’t ever gonna get read by anybody but me. And then when the two hours were over, I had an idea.

“Could I—like do some kinda homework and get time credit for it?”

She studied me for a second. “Maybe. What do you have in mind?”

I didn’t quite know how to say I wanted to write. It felt embarrassing. When I didn’t say anything she said, “I can’t give you time-credit for just reading. Everybody in here reads. If I gave time-credit for everybody in here reading books, we could have everybody released by Easter.”

“No,” I told her. “I wasn’t thinkin about readin. I was thinkin about writin. I been doing a lot of writin.”

“What kind of writing?” She seemed honestly interested and it made me comfortable talking about it. For the most part I’d gotten used to people thinking I was strange for writing—strange for wanting to write. But this woman seemed to value the act.

“Well—they started out bein letters—” I paused and she interrupted me.

“Everybody in here writes letters too,” she said.

“Well they’re not really letters. They started out bein that way but I never mailed them and they kinda turned into—well I’m not sure what you’d call them. Stories maybe.”

“Have you been doing that ever since you got here?”

“Shit—I been doin it for a few years now.”

“Really?” She said it like she really wasn’t expecting an answer. She finished gathering up her books and materials and then stood there with it all piled up in her arms staring at me and I started being sorry I’d mentioned it. Suddenly it seemed like the quintessential arrogance to think I had anything to say that might qualify as a story. And she was looking at me like she couldn’t decide whether or not to take me seriously—whether or not I wanted to write or just wanted to get outa jail faster.

“Tell you what I’ll do. You bring something you’ve already written to the next class and I’ll read it. Then we’ll talk about time-credit. OK?”

I nodded and said, “OK,” trying to think of what I had already written up in my room that I could show her.

Later that night in my cell I looked through the stack of papers on my little wooden writing table. I didn’t know what she’d be expecting or what she’d be looking for. Mostly what I had in my cell didn’t add up to more than a diary of the time I’d been there. Anecdotes and details about the people I shared that space with but not really stories and I told her I wrote stories.

The journals probably woulda served my purpose but somewhere between thinking that I might be able to get time off my sentence in exchange for my scribbling and sitting at my desk trying to decide what to show her my purpose changed a tiny bit. I cared about what she thought for what it could gain me but I also started caring what she thought simply for the sake of the story.

I went back in my mind looking for stories and finally decided I’d write a few pages about Charley. I spent the next four days reconstructing a moment from our relationship and whatever the teacher had been looking for musta been there cause after she read it she agreed that for every two pages I wrote she’d give me credit for one class session. The first independent study project of my education.

And I spent hours sitting at that desk after that. During the day I still hung out on the unit and watched Madonna on MTV and played Scrabble with Shelley but I took to staying up half the night with pencil and paper. I wrote so much my pencils always went dull before I’d quit and go to sleep. The last thing I did before lock-down was sharpen all my pencils and by morning, the points were always all rubbed down to smooth black nubs.

Darryl never wrote but he came to see me twice. Charley ended up in the hospital with endocarditis that winter and so she couldn’t come but Darryl did manage to show up two different times.

I’d been there almost two months when he finally showed up. I don’t suppose I really had any right to expect anything more from him because we’d been separated for a while when I got popped— but I did. I’d taken care of him for years and I’d expected him—at least while I was at County—to do the same. To make sure I had money for cigarettes and candy bars from the canteen. To buy a bag of Taffy Creme cookies. Life’s little luxuries.

By the time he showed up, I’d begun to think about options other than returning to the back seats and the spoon and the grasping hands on my body. I’d begun writing a different kinda letter. With my world on the streets completely cut off I turned—for the first time in years—towards the people I’d spent the first years of my life with. My family. Initially those letters were just to make contact—to re-establish connections that had been stretched and frayed and miswired and all but irreparably severed over the years. When my sentence and my charges were being negotiated, the court sent one of them people who specialize in rehabilitation plans to see me and the first thing the man told me to do was try to make family contact. “One of the things they’re going to consider when they look at your time is what your odds are for becoming a productive member of society. You’re looking at some serious felonies but the courts have been known to reduce those to misdemeanors in those cases when the defendant has a workable plan for being mainstreamed,” he told me.

“Mainstreamed?”

“Becoming a part of mainstream society. Things like having a home and learning how to find a job and take care of yourself.”

In the back of our minds we all knew that was what kept us from getting straight. Being hooked on heroin didn’t keep us in the spoon so much as our lack of knowledge about the world outside of it. We didn’t know how to “mainstream” and in those opaque shadow moments of solitude when we allowed ourselves to think about what existed beyond our borders, we didn’t know how they did it—the people in the mainstream. When they needed a place to live we didn’t know how they found one. Did they just walk up to apartment buildings and say, I need one of these? We knew that when they needed jobs they used their experience to get them—but we didn’t have any experience. And we couldn’t even get most businesses to let us in when we had money. How could we ever have gotten them to pay us to be there? But the county had them people who specialized in teaching people like me how to do just exactly that.

And the first parta that process had to do with what the man called “creating a community.” He told me that sometimes religious organizations sponsored people like me but for the most part, our families were our last chance to avoid the pen. The words came strained and passive at first—but I wrote them letters and they were the first contact I had with the outside world in years. The doctors and the teachers and the advisors in jail all belonged to that outside world—but I was their job. We were their jobs. Those first tentative letters were an attempt to make contact with a world that had no obligation to acknowledge me. A peace treaty after living for years as one half of a them-against-us equation. And initially my plan was to make that contact and convince my parents to agree to participate in planning my rehabilitation. I didn’t plan on going through with it but at the time I needed them involved to turn those felonies into misdemeanors. Like the English classes—the letters I wrote my parents had the potential to cut my time.

If Darryl had come to see me sooner that’s probably the only purpose the letters ever woulda served. But somewhere in that second month—between the letters on the Scrabble board and the letters in the spelling tests and the letters to and from my parents—the words became the girders in the formation of a straight identity. I would write about a future absent of drugs and sleeping in cars and working in cars and living and loving on street corners in random moments stolen from the larger narrative of addiction. They were non-specific words because I didn’t know any of those specifics. I could only think of the future in terms of the past. It held no meaning beyond what it was not. But as non-specific as the words were, they were the only familiar territory that existed in that limbo. Words were the same on either side of the equation. Later I would discover how many different things a single word could mean—but then I latched onto the idea that language was the same on both sides of the bars. They might not let me go in their restaurants or pay me money to do a job—but if I used the words right there was no way to tell that I was any different from any one of them. And initially I recognized words as tools to perpetuate a scam. I could use them to con people. And if Darryl hadn’t waited so long to put in an appearance, I probably never woulda understood how much more letters and words could be than a means to an end.

But he waited and by the time he showed up the words I was writing had shifted in purpose. I was by no means sure that I wanted to change my life. To leave the only home and the only family I’d known for years—to go play at being normal. But I had stopped believing that I couldn’t. I believed that in the language I’d found a way out—I just hadn’t definitively decided to take it. And now in my letters and in my stories I was writing to discover. To come to the decision.

The second and last time Darryl came, I still hadn’t decided. I’d made all the plans. My parents had written letters agreeing to provide me with a home and supervision should the court choose to release me into their custody. I’d had lengthy discussions with counselors about rehabilitation—about AA and NA and CA and all them other alphabet groups. I’d gone to my classes and been a model prisoner and convinced my public defender that—oh yeah—I was that one in a thousand you could put your faith in. I convinced them all. Using words.

I just hadn’t convinced myself. It all sounded good in theory. But the theories had all been developed by people with big fancy degrees and I could tell by the way they talked that they didn’t have much grounding in practice. My visions of their world lacked the specifics to make it truly conceivable. And their theories had specifics but they were irrelevant enough to make the reality of my life almost inconceivable to them. Their specifics came from books and those books were written by people who got their information from books—ad infinitum. And when the man from the courthouse talked to me about things like finding jobs, I doubted if any of the words he knew coulda helped me where I needed it most. He could talk to me about appearance and the kinda questions I’d get asked on applications. He could even—with the assistance of some tests—tell me what I’d probably be best at. But he couldn’t tell me how—after my almost 15 years of prostitution and all that accompanies that—to deal with men on any other level. He couldn’t tell me how to keep myself from flinching if a man moved quickly in my presence. Couldn’t tell me how to believe that they looked at me and saw anything but sex. I had some understanding of their side of the equation because I’d lived those first years of my life there. But they didn’t know anything concrete about the place they were trying to pull me away from and so as great as their theories sounded—I kept finding holes in them. As much as I found myself drawn to the future those theories promised—it was still a blind date and I wasn’t sure I wanted to go.

Until Darryl came to see me that last time. He sat on his side of the glass and I sat on mine and there wasn’t anything specific in his words or his appearance that made me decide to go. He’d been outa the pen for almost seven months on that run and it was starting to tell. He’d gotten thin and his normally deep-set brown eyes looked sunk almost into the back of his skull with the dark purple shadows beneath them. His hair had grown down to his shoulders and was dull where the street dust stuck to the grease because he had nowhere to wash it. And while seeing that after two months being clean mighta convinced some people that they never wanted to live that way again, it just reminded me that if I left I’d be leaving half my life behind. A lifetime of living dirty on the streets—but it was my lifetime and all I had.

Nothing he said or did made up my mind. There was never any one deciding factor. But sitting there looking at him through the glass I caught myself trying to memorize the details of his appearance. The way his eyebrows grew together and the front tooth that was broken. The tiny mole beside his mouth that disappeared in a wrinkle when he smiled. The smooth satin drawl of his voice when he tipped his head and said “Aw Mickey—don’t go” like he had a hundred times before. Only when he said it at the jail that day I snatched the words and ironed them into memory. Tone by tone. And then I realized I’d never see him again. Never hear him say them words again. I was going home.

I wrote one more story. Once I decided to leave, the hardest part became shoving away the thoughts of everything and everyone that would stay behind. And there were a thousand places and things and people I’d miss but they all massed in my mind as Darryl. He’d been the single longest presence in my life. In my mind he became the embodiment of the specifics of memory. When I cried for all things lost, the picture in my mind was of Darryl sleeping in the backseat of the Oldsmobile. Or Darryl standing at the payphone calling for dope. Or Darryl reminding me to wear shoes because it was getting to be cold again. And during the day with access to the support system I had developed, it seemed entirely doable. But at night I would tell myself I’d never be able to pull it off. Never be able to leave him and go on into that alien place where my parents lived almost a thousand miles away.

So I wrote that last story and attempted to envision a future without Darryl and all that he’d represented in the past. And I didn’t start out planning to kill him off but that’s how it worked out. It took 30 handwritten pages and in the end I lived and he died and once I put the last word on the last sheet of paper—it was over. He was dead and so there was no longer anything to grieve about leaving. He was already gone.

Of course I knew it wasn’t true. But just like never mailing him the letters I wrote the first time he went away allowed me to pretend he wasn’t gone until such time as my mind could handle the reality— writing that story helped me to bury the past until it was safe to resurrect it.

I didn’t go to jail and read “Native Son” and suddenly come to some blinding insight about how my own experience hooked up with the larger narratives of society. Didn’t discover the power of voice in the words of others. Years later I read Richard Wright and found myself incredibly drawn to Bigger Thomas—to the many similarities in our experience. But in jail I wouldn’t have had the knowledge base to appreciate them similarities. I didn’t know anything about power structures or dominant classes and I wouldn’t have had the ability to appreciate Digger’s position relative to those things anymore than I could have appreciated my own.

I went to jail and I wrote because the writing had value. It was a commodity and I could trade it for freedom. It had a purpose I could identify. In the process I discovered the myriad other purposes and value inherent in the act and I ended up writing in jail for the same reasons I wrote them letters I never mailed. I wrote to discover and I wrote to heal and I wrote to decide. I wrote to make meaning in a world that held none.

And the first thing I bought with the first paycheck I earned on the outside was a typewriter. In those first few years when I understood nothing—I wrote to make sense outa the things I observed around me. Once I got to Washington and had them thousand miles to cross if I really wanted to go back, I allowed myself to remember that Darryl was alive and I started writing long rambling letters again.

I wrote long commentaries on what it felt like to come into the straight world. I wrote about how nice it was to keep my body private and untouched. What it was like to have a home of my own with a door that I could lock. I wrote about how long it took me to stop instinctively thinking I needed to run when I saw a cop and about what it felt like to go shopping—to pay for things and carry them outa stores in bags instead of my pockets. About gaining the ability to move amongst the public without being picked off—without looking like an other. I wrote about what it felt like to pass. But I still didn’t mail the letters. Not yet. I was still in a state of becoming and didn’t yet know who or what I would become.

But one thing I learned early on was that people are judged by their use of language—that how they spoke could define them as trailer-park trash or it could define them as being potentially suitable for admittance to the country club. I knew that my successful reinvention would depend on how facile I could become with words. I read constantly—trying to teach myself all the things I’d never had instruction in. I learned how to imitate the precise conventional language that marked people as educated so well that when I took entrance exams at the local community college, I placed directly into freshman English without any prep classes. And for the next two years I was trained in formal academic prose until I could spit out papers on anything from the development of the atomic bomb to Henry VIII’s obsession with having a son.

But I missed my language. The ungrammatical non-standard English that in its broken rhythms seemed to define the broken rhythms of our lives on the streets. And for a while I prided myself on speaking two languages. I told myself that I was socially bilingual— that it was a gift because I could walk in two worlds. That’s what I told myself but I couldn’t avoid knowing that the other language was useless because nobody in my here and now spoke it. So I poured it all into the letters that I kept writing to Darryl but even that was hollow because I had nowhere to mail them.

By the time I transferred to the university I was an English major thoroughly indoctrinated in how to speak and compose according to arbitrary conventions created by people who’d been dead for centuries and whose lives bore no resemblance to my own. I had masked and altered and realigned my voice until even I wasn’t sure that I’d ever spoken any other way—that there’d ever been a girl who called herself Mickey Masters who wrote down the lives she’d encountered selling her body on Willow Pass Road all those years ago.

And then I found Darryl. It amazed me—while I was on the phone with the California Department of Corrections and the Parole Board—how if I spoke with authority and big words, they’d give me the information I wanted. How language was the biggest con of all. I thought of the thousand ways I coulda exploited that knowledge if I’d only had it back then. You could tell virtually any lie and if you spoke properly, people didn’t pause to question. In the other language it didn’t matter what I said because nobody ever looked beyond what my voice said about my social circumstances to try to make out my words.

Darryl was at San Quentin doing a parole violation when I found him and finally—almost 10 years after I wrote the first one—I mailed him letters. The past had become so distant that the first one I mailed began “you might not remember me. …” But once we started writing and reliving memories, the lazy cadence and the singular vocabulary of the streets took over my writing.

And some of it spilled over into my schoolwork. It seemed to me like the creative part of creative writing would allow me to use my own voice but I got told that using words like “hermeneutics” and “gonna” in the same sentence just wouldn’t fly. That no one would buy such a voice. The gentle elderly professor of my nonfiction class told me that he’d be more comfortable if I’d present my prose as fiction. Perhaps then such a voice would be acceptable. In real life no one would ever believe that a $20 hooker with an eighth-grade education would know what hermeneutics meant. And when I tried to tell him that he was wrong—that I had known what the word meant—he told me it didn’t matter. No one would believe it. I could never tell it true because the truth was somehow too disturbing. And it wasn’t the $20 blow jobs or the self-mutilation of my veins that disturbed him as much as it was the apparent conflict between language and experience. I think I understand what’s at the core of that discomfort. I think I understand that to accept that the drug-addicted hooker that I was could have possessed intelligence and critical thinking skills somehow speaks to a societal failure as well as my own. And so rather than forcing the world to question its own assumptions— rather than challenging the status quo—I was told to present my life as a lie—as a piece of fiction.

I probably never woulda told the stories—never woulda written them down anywhere except in the letters if it hadn’t been for the intervention of another professor. I did an independent study with Suzanne and she liked the stories I wrote—was intrigued by my memories of Charley and Darryl. But the voice was still a problem. She called me “Miss Passive Voice” and told me to write it the way I spoke it. To whittle away the academese and the moderated tone. And I couldn’t do it. I’d write the word “ain’t” and it would feel like I was crossing a bigger line than it felt the first time I sold my body.

But some combination of her Bajan heritage and a childhood spent in New Jersey with a cemetery for a backyard allowed her to understand the strange nature of my experiences. We were the same age and sometimes when I looked at her I thought that I coulda been like her if I hadn’t stopped along the way to be Mickey—and I trusted her.

She kept encouraging me to talk—to say it the way it happened even if I couldn’t make myself write it that way. And I was sitting at my computer one night writing to Darryl and I realized staring at the words on the screen that I had maintained the other voice—the other language. I showed them letters to Suzanne and she said, “Yeah— that’s it. That’s a natural voice.”

I struggled with it at first. I’d use an expression like “spun” or “rig” and spend the next five sentences trying to define the word in the context of the streets. And Suzanne would tell me not to—that the meaning was embedded in the story itself. Language had been my disguise through every step of my education and it was easier to spell out the details of being raped by a trick than it was to deviate from standard English.

There was less at stake with the rape. That was in the past. That happened to Mickey—not to Megan.

But I found—as I worked through the combining of the voices— that I was healing. Losing my fear of the straight world because it wasn’t a con anymore. I wasn’t disguising my version of the truth in words and structures designed to make it palatable to the rest of the world. As long as it had been a con, I had to live with the possibility that I might get found out. That someone might discover that although I could imitate the language of the masters I didn’t understand its substructures and component parts. That the theories behind it all seemed like nothing more than job security for the academic elite and that I couldn’t make heads or tails of it. It didn’t matter anymore if the whole world found out that I was trailer park trash because I’d discovered something. I can say “gonna” and “hermeneutics” in the same sentence and if it doesn’t sound authentic, the problem is with the way the world listens and not the way I speak.

During my second year of grad school I ran across a composition theorist who claimed while working with remedial readers and writers that, “Slowly something has been shifting in my perception: the errors—the weird commas and the missing letters, the fragments and irregular punctuation—they are ceasing to be slips of the hand and brain. They are becoming part of the stories themselves. They are the only fitting way, it seems, to render dislocation—shacks and field labor and children lost to the inner city … ” ( Rose, 214 ). And I realized that it isn’t the broken language and the twisted syntax of the dispossessed that bothers the world. It is the stories they render. It is the fear that beneath the ain’ts and the sentence fragments are bright beautiful minds that would condemn the world for their alienation and exclusion if they ever got the chance to be heard.

Reclaiming my language—proving that being trailer park trash doesn’t preclude intelligence—has gone a long way towards bringing me comfort in my new world. I’ve been allowed to keep my memories whole and intact and the letters have made Mickey and Megan a single being.

And yet every quarter when I look out at the 24 new faces in the freshman composition class that I teach—I remember that I spent half my life as a heroin-addicted hooker and I wonder what their parents would say if they knew. I wonder how they’ve been educated and if they’ll notice that I talk differently than they do. That I pay no attention to speaking standard English. That my words run together and my sentences are punctuated by the kinda slang their high school English teachers woulda rapped their knuckles for using. And just for a moment I remember standing on my corner negotiating to do blowjobs for men who coulda been their fathers and I ponder on the magic that could have delivered me from the one place to the other. The wordplay and the letters that saved us both—Mickey and Megan.

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  23. Love Letters

    I The first time my old man went to prison I wrote him letters. I wrote Darryl long rambling letters that went on for 10 or 11 pages. I didn't have a home and I had maybe one change of clothes. Our car got confiscated when he got popped, along with everything I owned in the world except for what I was carrying in my backpack when it happened.

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