Tips on Writing Love Letters
Falling in love with another person can be a wonderful, dizzying and sometimes frightening experience. Barring a love song, a love letter stands as one of the most sought-after expressions of emotion within a relationship. People may shy away from writing a letter because of they think it will be difficult or make them self-conscious. A little confidence and preparation will make the process more enjoyable.
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Inspiration
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To effectively write a love letter, start with inspiration. Take your muse from several areas: photos of your loved one, romantic music, videos of times you've spent together or the sound of his voice on the telephone. Think of her physical features, her personality quirks, the road you've traveled down thus far, and everything else that is either attractive to you or influenced you deeply. For example, Lord Byron wrote the poem "She Walks in Beauty" about the wife of his first cousin wearing mourning dress at a party.
Overcoming Self-Consciousness
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One difficulty in writing love letters stems from self-consciousness: people are sure the intended recipient will think what they've written is stupid or lame. The lack of confidence cripples them before they really ever get started. Turn off that inside voice: It's your biggest critic. Use it to change a word or two or add a comma -- but not to keep you silent. Write from the heart, too. Honesty is the best policy. And just relax. Be comfortable wherever you choose to write, and don't try to come across as someone you're not.
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Writing Materials
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You can't write a love letter without the right materials for the job. It's probably best to use a pen for your finished product, if for nothing else than the permanence involved. Depending on your style, budget, personal tastes or presentation ideas, the paper can vary widely. For a simple note, write on a sheet of notebook paper. For a more discriminating recipient, use a fancier material like parchment paper or vellum. More creatively or artistically inclined writers can opt for cards or cardstock.
Presentation and Decoration
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Once written, decorate the love letter. Consider the reaction you want to receive. If your intention is to leave your partner with a smile first thing in the morning, even a letter written on a napkin stuck in with her toothbrush does the trick. If you want to go for broke, do so: Lavishly decorate the letter, envelope and the surroundings. Add a little perfume on the paper and leave it with a rose on his pillow.
Content
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Once you've gathered your inspiration to write, simply do so. Let your creativity loose. Think of your love's hair, eyes or smile. Think of what makes you happiest with her, and what you believe is most beautiful. It doesn't have to sound like Shakespeare. Don't go overboard and try to use words that don't sound like something you would say or that sound out of place with the rest of your letter. "The light in your smile saved me from my darkest hour" sounds less stilted on average than "The brilliance in your beaming countenance salvaged my immortal soul from its most sinister existence." Write from your heart, but use your own words. She'll appreciate it no matter what.
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References
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